Cecil Cnty. Cir. Ct. Family DCM Plan 2.6

Prior to settlement/pre-trial conference, the parties MUST:

• Have completed all discovery

• Have identified all experts

• Have attended the required court-ordered classes and/-or completed all court-ordered

evaluations and services, if ordered to do so

• Have taken all depositions

• Have filed their pre-trial statements at least five days prior to the settlement conference

in accordance with Rule §2-504.2

• Have filed a Joint Marital and Non-Marital Property Statement pursuant to Md. Rule

§9-206, if there are any property issues

• Have completed a financial statement pursuant to Md. Rule §9-203(f) if not yet filed

• Have exchanged income information and documents verifying that income

• Have prepared a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, if child support is at issue

Any vendor providing evaluation or other forensic services must complete its report and provide copies

to the parties at least 30 days prior to the settlement/pre-trial conference. If reports are not provided 30

days prior to the settlement conference, then the service provider shall be required to attend the trial.

2.6.1 Failure of Attorney to Attend Settlement/Pre-Trial Conference

If an attorney for a party in a case does not appear at the settlement/pre-trial conference, thereby

preventing settlement discussions, an order may be passed requiring the attorney who failed to appear

to make payment of expenses to attorney(s) who appear.

2.6.2 Settlement/Pre-Trial Conference Procedure

The settlement/pre-trial conference, which shall be conducted by a magistrate or judge, will meet with

counsel and/or the parties in an attempt to facilitate a settlement in the case. All parties and their

counsel must be prepared to discuss all aspects of their case in anticipation of a possible settlement. If

settlement of all issues does not occur, the magistrate or judge will attempt to narrow the areas at issue

and will proceed to trial as scheduled.