WDCR 24

1. The Second Judicial District Court has approved the automatic referral to the discovery commissioner all discovery proceedings.

(a) All domestic matters referred to masters shall comply with Rule 31 of these rules.

2. A district judge may refer any matter to a master for determination unless prohibited by law. Such referral may be by application of a party to the action or on the judge’s own initiative.

3. Except as otherwise provided herein, proceedings before the master shall be in accordance with the provisions of N.R.C.P. 53 and any applicable statutes.

4. The master may request a district judge to make an immediate determination of appropriate sanctions for contemptuous behavior, issue a bench warrant, quash a warrant, or release persons arrested thereon.

5. Within 14 days after the evidence presented in a matter is closed, the master shall file with the district judge written findings of fact and recommendations, which shall also be served upon each party.

6. A party shall have 14 days from service of written findings of fact and recommendations within which to file and serve an objection, or a motion to adopt or modify the findings of fact and recommendations. A response to an objection or motion shall be filed and served within 7 days of service of the objection or motion. When an objection or motion has been filed, the district judge shall have discretion to determine the manner in which the master’s recommendation will be reviewed.

7. Upon the request of a party or upon the district judge’s initiative, the judge may enforce the provisions of the master’s recommendation pending determination on appeal.

8. The master may direct counsel for a party to prepare the master’s report, including findings and recommendations. If counsel is so directed, the report must be delivered to the master no later than 14 judicial days after the hearing or notice of decision.

9. Any duly appointed master may perform the duties of any other duly appointed master as the administration of justice may require.

10. All proceedings before a master shall be conducted with appropriate decorum and procedure to ensure respect and obedience to the court and its rules.