Venango Cnty. C.P. Local Domestic Relations Rules 3

conciliator. Judicial conciliation shall take the form of a pre-trial conference.

At that conference, the court will confer with the parties and counsel and will

attempt to settle the matter by conciliation. If the matter cannot be settled, the

judge will set a trial date and take such steps as are necessary to get the case

ready for trial. At the conference, the court will address: number of days to try

the matter; whether any witness is to appear by deposition, video conference

or telephone; witness lists; expert reports; determine whether court appointed

experts are required; custody arrangement pending final hearing; and

determine whether an attorney should be appointed for the child. The court

may talk with the child at the conciliation; however, if the court talks to the

child, counsel for the parties shall be present. If either party or the parties are

not represented at the conciliation, the court will exercise its discretion

whether to talk with the child and may do so out of the presence of both

parents but only with the consent of both parents or counsel. If an attorney for

the child is participating, the court may talk to the child over the objection of

the parents so long as the attorney for the child recommends. In such event,

the conversation with the child will be recorded and counsel for the child will

initially interrogate the child.

Rule 1915.11. Appointment of Attorney for Child.

(d) If in the conciliator’s judgment the child needs counsel in the proceedings, the

conciliator will recommend appointment of an attorney for the child. An attorney,

or a party, may move the court to appoint counsel for a child. Attorneys

representing parents in custody litigation are encouraged not to speak directly

with a child who is the subject of custody proceedings except under any of the

following conditions:

1. Both parents are present;

2. Opposing counsel is present;

3. An attorney for the child has been appointed by the court and consents to the

interview; or