Cecil Cnty. Cir. Ct. Family DCM Plan 2.3

Domestic scheduling conferences are generally held before a magistrate. At the scheduling conference,

the magistrate will attempt to assist the parties in reaching an agreement on all contested matters. If

an agreement can be reached, the magistrate may place the agreement on the record, and recommend

a final order be issued in the case. If it is a divorce matter, brief testimony may be taken on the grounds

for divorce. The magistrate may also direct one of the attorneys to prepare and submit a judgment of

divorce including any applicable consent agreement. The magistrate shall direct an attorney to submit

the proposed Judgment within a set number of days.

If it is clear that there remain contested issues, the magistrate will identify those issues and complete a

scheduling order setting in discovery and filing deadlines and schedule a settlement conference. The

magistrate may also schedule a pre-trial conference, and a trial. This order is presented to a judge for

review and signature and sent to all parties and attorneys by the Clerk of Court.

The magistrate will also identify and recommend any preliminary orders required in the matter.

Preliminary orders may include the following:

• order to attend “Children’s First Group”

• order to attend parenting seminar

• order for custody/visitation alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

• order for property ADR, if agreed

• other alternative dispute resolution orders

• orders appointing counsel for a minor child or party

• order for home study/custody investigation

• order for mental health evaluation(s)

• order for pendente lite hearing

• order for substance abuse assessment

• any other investigations or orders the magistrate feels may be necessary to expedite the

case.

At the time of the scheduling conference, the magistrate will use her/his discretion to determine the

appropriate scheduling order to be recommended for the case.