Source: http://supremecourt.ne.gov/print/book/export/html/4018
Timestamp: 2014-09-18 11:54:35
Document Index: 572543253

Matched Legal Cases: ['Art. 15', 'Art. 17', '§ 25', '§ 43', '§3', '§3', '§3', '§ 6', '§ 4', '§ 43', '§ 43']

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Uniform District Court Rules of Practice and Procedure (Ch. 6, Art. 15 of the Official/Codified Supreme Court Rules)Uniform Separate Juvenile Court Rule of Practice and Procedure (Ch. 6, Art. 17 of the Official/Codified Supreme Court Rules)District Court Judicial Districts and Judges District 1
Rules of the District Court of the First Judicial District(Effective September 29, 1995 (including amendments)) Rules 1-16 to 1-20 pertain to criminal cases.Exhibit ACertificate of Readiness (Judge Daniel Bryan)Certificate of Readiness (Judges Vicky Johnson and Paul Korslund)Experimental Rules on Audio Coverage in Limited Nebraska Trial CourtsExpanded Media Coverage in Nebraska Trial CourtsNotice of Request for Expanded Media Coverage Scope and Effective Date.
These rules for the district court of the First Judicial District shall become effective upon approval by the Supreme Court and publication in the Nebraska Advance Sheets and shall supplement the Uniform District Court Rules of Practice and Procedure adopted by the Supreme Court. Adopted effective September 29, 1995. Rule 1-1. Term of Court
Terms of the Court may be set by the judge in each County. Counsel should contact the Bailiff or Clerk of the District Court in each County to ascertain said terms. Adopted effective September 29, 1995; amended September 21, 2005. Rule 1-2. Continuances
In addition to the requirements set forth in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-1148 (Reissue 1995), a Motion for Continuance shall set forth whether the opposing party has an objection. If the opposing party does not object to the continuance, the party filing the motion shall be responsible for arranging, as soon as practical, a new date and time with all opposing parties and the Court. If the opposing party does object, it is the responsibility of the party filing the motion to set the motion for a continuance hearing. Except for exigent circumstances, a motion for a continuance shall be made at least three (3) working days prior to the hearing for which the continuance is requested.Adopted effective September 29, 1995; amended September 21, 2005. Rule 1-3. Journal Entries
It shall be the duty of the party directed by the Court to promptly prepare a proper journal entry, order, judgment, or decree. The proposed journal entry shall be submitted to opposing counsel for approval as to form and submitted to the Court for its signature within ten (10) days after entry of the decision or order.Adopted effective September 29, 1995; amended September 21, 2005. Rule 1-4. Dissolution Actions
A. Property Statements: Where the action involves a division of property by the Court, each party shall prepare a property statement setting forth assets, liabilities, and any other information concerning property germane to the case at bar. The party filing the action shall have sixty (60) days from the date of filing to prepare, furnishing a copy to the opposing party. The responding party shall then complete the property statement by adding to it any additional property and that party’s estimates of value of all property listed. The responding party’s additions shall be served upon the initiating party within thirty (30) days after the filing of the initial statement. The property statements shall be in the format of Exhibit A attached hereto. When property division is contested at final hearing, the parties shall prepare a joint property statement for use as an exhibit. Either party may receive an extension of time for filing or completing property statements on written motion and good cause shown. Except by agreement of the parties or order of the Court, amendments to the property statement shall not be permitted unless filed at least ten (10) days prior to trial. Property Statements shall not be filed with the Court but proof of service shall be filed. B. Temporary Hearing: Unless otherwise ordered, temporary applications shall be governed by Unif. Dist. Ct. R. of Prac. 4(B) (rev. 2000). Except where a party appears pro se and live testimony is required, or unless otherwise ordered, evidence shall be submitted by affidavits, which shall be exchanged by the parties at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the hearing. Responsive affidavits shall be exchanged at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hearing. Except for good cause shown, no more than five (5) affidavits, or alternatively, no more than fifty (50) affidavit pages (including exhibits attached thereto), will be considered by the Court at the time of the temporary hearing. C. Ex Parte Custody Orders: No ex parte order shall be entered in a domestic relations case without one (1) or more supporting affidavits from a party or his or her witnesses. Except for good cause shown, no ex parte temporary order shall be entered in a pending case if the opposing party is represented by counsel or a guardian ad litem/attorney for minor(s) has been appointed. If an ex parte order is issued, it shall be served upon the opposing party or counsel forthwith, and a temporary hearing shall be held forthwith. D. Contested Custody: If an issue concerning custody of a minor child exists, the Court may appoint a guardian ad litem/attorney for the minor(s). In such event, the Court will order an initial deposit of fees to be paid by the parties into the Court within a specified time period. If no time period is specified by the Court, it shall be 20 days. Initial fees shall be allocated between the parties in the discretion of the Court, subject to modification and the assessment of additional fees at the time of the final hearing. Those claiming indigent status may apply to the Court for a waiver of such fee assessment. Such an application must be accompanied by an affidavit establishing poverty. When a guardian ad litem/attorney for the minor child makes application for payment of fees in a case involving a claim of indigence, copies of the fee application and notice of hearing shall be served upon the County Attorney, who may appear at the hearing to object to payment of the same. E. Final Hearings/Pretrial Conferences: Final hearings in all dissolution cases shall be set for fifteen (15) minutes uncontested hearing. If the case is not settled, the parties shall notify the Bailiff or Clerk for setting of a pretrial. Pretrials may be waived by the Court. No case will be docketed for final hearing or pretrial until at least both parties have prepared a property statement or the Court waives such preparation for good cause. F. No document filed in the public record of a case shall have complete vehicle identification numbers, account numbers, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, or other personal identification information. Real estate shall be described by legal description as opposed to street address. G. Leaving the State: Every order for child custody, temporary or permanent, shall contain language substantially as follows: A party exercising custody of a minor child is ordered not to move the child outside the State of Nebraska. Anyone intending such a move must first: (1) Make written application to the Court; and (2) Give notice of the application and hearing to the other party as required by law. H. Reduction in Support for Periods of Visitation: Whenever a temporary or permanent child support order provides for a reduction in child support while a non-custodial parent has possession of the child or children, the following procedure shall be utilized: (1) The order shall clearly state the time period and percentage that the non-custodial parent’s child support obligation shall be reduced. (2) The reduction shall be automatically deducted unless the custodial parent submits an affidavit within thirty (30) days after the child or children return to him or her stating that the non-custodial parent was not in the possession of the child or children for the requisite time period. If such an affidavit is filed, a hearing shall be held to determine whether the reduction shall be allowed. (3) Failure of the custodial parent to file such an affidavit within thirty (30) days shall constitute a waiver of objection to the reduction of child support. I. Rule for Mediation in Domestic Relations Cases: 1. Parties to domestic-relations matters involving children are required to attend the District Court parent education program required by the court within sixty (60) days from receipt of service of process. This includes filing for dissolution of marriage and determination-of-paternity cases, which involve issues of custody and/or visitation. Effective on January 1, 2008, motions to compel existing orders which involve parenting issues, applications to modify decrees of dissolution which involve parenting issues, and applications to modify decrees of paternity which involve parenting issues shall be subject to the requirements of this rule, and both parents are required to attend the parent education program. If the court deems it advisable, the parties may be required to complete a second level parenting class or the children of the parties may be referred to a class. Prior to July 1, 2010, the parties shall submit a parenting plan to be approved by the court. The parenting plan shall be developed by the parties or their counsel, an approved mediation center, or a private mediator. When a parenting plan has not been developed and submitted to the court, the court shall either create the parenting plan in accordance with the Parenting Act (parenting plan samples available from the District Court Clerk) or refer the case to an approved mediator. At any time in the proceeding, the Court may refer a case to an approved mediator in order to attempt resolution of any relevant matter. Until July 1, 2010, either party may terminate mediation at any point in the process. On or after July 1, 2010, all parties who have not submitted a parenting plan to the court within the time specified by the court shall be required to meet and participate in mediation services or another assigned mediator to complete a parenting plan or visitation schedule, including child custody, visitation, grandparent visitation, and any other issues relating to the children that may be susceptible to mediation. No trial date will be scheduled until attendance at the required parent education seminar has been completed and mediation to resolve custody and/or visitation issues has been attempted, provided, however, that failure or refusal to participate by a party shall not delay entry of a final judgment by more than six (6) months. It is further provided that, notwithstanding the language in this paragraph, domestic-violence issues may, upon consideration by the trial court, disqualify the parties from mediation. On or after July 1, 2010, a party may not terminate mediation until after an individual initial screening session and one mediation or specialized alternative dispute resolution session are held. Parties or counsel are required to notify the Mediation Services Office of any request for delay in assignment of a mediator if the parties and counsel are attempting to negotiate a parenting plan agreement, which agreement shall be required to comply with the parenting plan checklist. In the event there is failure to request a delay of mediator assignment, a mediator shall be assigned pursuant to this rule. 2. The Court shall prepare an order, for distribution by the District Court Clerk, advising the filing parties and their attorneys that attendance at the parenting seminar “What About The Children” or “Communication Skills for Parents in Conflict” is mandatory and must be completed within six months (6) from the filing of the complaint. The order shall also advise the parties and counsel: (1) the parenting plans and visitation schedules may be referred for mediation; (2) that no trial date will be set until attendance at the required parent education seminar has been completed, and if required, mediation to resolve custody and/or visitation issues has been attempted; (3) that failure or refusal to participate by a party shall not delay entry of a final judgment by more than six (6) months; and (4) that domestic-violence issues may, upon consideration by the trial court, disqualify the parties from mediation. The District Court Clerk shall include this order with the filing and service packets distributed by the clerk. 3. The District Court Clerk shall maintain a list of mediators approved by the District Court judges and the Mediation Committee of the District Court. These mediators must meet State of Nebraska (or equivalent) standards for training in order to qualify. The following requirements apply to all participating mediators:Court-approved mediators will determine their own fees and will provide a copy of their fee schedule to the Court. In order to be on the list of court-approved mediators, a mediator must agree to use a sliding-scale fee of $25 to $75 per person per hour, determined on the basis of what each party is able to pay. Court-approved mediators must also agree to take pro bono cases on an “as needed” basis. The Court will determine the need for such pro bono services, so that the burden of these cases is equitably distributed among the participating mediators. 4. Prior to participation in the program, qualified mediators will be required to attend an orientation session, which will be conducted by the Court, to review the mediation procedures, as well as the parenting plan checklist. Each participating mediator must be willing to agree to the court requirements for participation, and each mediator will be asked to sign a statement indicating acknowledgment and acceptance of the requirements. 5. When a judge refers a case for mediation, the judge will indicate the issues to be mediated, as well as any choice of a mediator if the judge has a preference. The judge may also indicate whether there is a particular mediator whom the judge does not wish to use. The attorneys for the parties may also mutually agree upon the choice of a mediator and may indicate whether they wish the parties to mediate any issues other than custody and parenting or visitation plans. If financial issues are to be mediated, the case may be assigned to an attorney mediator. 6. The attorneys will be requested to bring the parties to a Mediation Service Office forthwith or to immediately provide the Mediation Service Office with all necessary client information, so the staff can confer with the parties and their attorneys, and can discuss selection of a mediator. Unless a specific mediator has been requested, the next mediator appropriate to the parties and their needs will be assigned from the rotating list, and the Mediation Services Director will contact the mediator to confirm the mediator, who must advise the Mediation Services Director within ten (10) days of receipt of the paperwork of the date for the parties first appointment. The Mediation Services Office will attempt to screen each case for domestic violence, which would disqualify the parties from mediation, but the individual mediator may also refuse to mediate a case if the mediator determines that it would be inappropriate. 7.a. If the parties reach an agreement through mediation, the agreement shall be reduced to writing. Copies shall be provided by the mediator or Mediation Service Office to the parties and their attorneys, together with a notice informing the parties and their attorneys of their right to express their objections to the written agreement. The notice shall inform the parties and their attorneys that they have twenty-one (21) days from the date of the notice to notify the mediator or the Mediation Services Office of any written objections to the terms of the agreement. Such objections shall be specific. All matters not specifically objected to shall be deemed final. If no objections are received within twenty-one (21) days, then the agreement shall automatically be forwarded to the Mediation Services Office for final processing, pursuant to subsection (c) below. If the parties and counsel negotiate a Parenting Plan agreement, which agreements shall comply with the Parenting Plan Checklist, the agreement shall be forwarded to the Mediation Services Office immediately after signing pursuant to subsection (c) below. b. Upon the filing by either party or attorney of objections to the agreement, the mediator shall forthwith schedule a re-mediation session on the disputed issues identified in the objection. The mediator may charge additional fees for the re-mediation session and related expenses. Following re-mediation efforts, the mediator shall forward to the Mediation Services Office the “re-mediated agreement” which shall recite those issues which remain contested, if any. c. Agreements or amended mediation agreements shall be forwarded to the Mediation Services Office, where said agreements shall be reviewed. A copy of the agreement or amended mediation agreement shall be forwarded, along with the appropriate certificate of readiness form, to the judge to whom the case is assigned and to the court file. For cases involving parties with no counsel, the Mediation Services Office will require the parties to complete and file with the District Court Clerk a “Certificate of Readiness” indicating that the case is ready to be set for an uncontested final hearing. Such certificates will be in a form acceptable to the Court. d. Prior to setting a case for an uncontested final hearing, the parties shall file a “Certificate of Readiness” with a copy of the parenting plan with the Court. For cases involving parties with no counsel, the Mediation Services Office will require the parties to complete and file the certificate with the District Court Clerk. Such certificate will be in a form acceptable to the Court. e. The “Certificate of Readiness” for final hearing shall contain the following information: i. The full names of the parties; ii. The case number of the case; iii. The names, addresses, and bar number of counsel; iv. The date on which the complaint was filed and the date of service on defendant or the date of filing of the voluntary appearance by the defendant; v. That the parties have agreed to a parenting plan; vi. That the parties have attended the parent education seminar required by the court; vii. That the parties have completed child support calculations pursuant to the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines and have agreed to all financial matters contemplated by the guidelines; viii. That the parties have entered into a written and signed property settlement agreement; and ix. That the parties have or have not attended mediation. f. If the parties have not agreed to any of the following: parenting plan, child support calculations, or a property settlement agreement, they should not file a “Certificate of Readiness.” They should contact the bailiff to schedule further hearings. 8. The Mediation Services Office will follow up on the deadlines set by the Court and whether any extensions of time have been granted. 9. Remediation Clause cases. When the parties are mediating amendments to existing decrees or modification proceedings, they may directly request mediation through their previous mediator or may request re-assignment to a different mediator through the Mediation Services Office. 10. The Mediation Committee will be a standing committee of the District Court and will be composed of three (3) district judges, the Mediation Services Director, at least one outside mediator/advisor, and such other persons as the Committee deems necessary. The Chair Judge of Mediation Services will chair this Committee and may be consulted individually, as may be needed by the conciliation and Mediation Services Director, for answers on day-to-day operations of the mediation program. 11. The Mediation Committee of the District Court may make such other operating rules as may be needed to facilitate the beginning and continuation of this mediation program. 12. The Mediation Services Office will be designated by the Mediation Committee of the District Court. A Mediation Services Director will be appointed by the Mediation Committee of the District Court. 13. Parties that have either terminated mediation unsuccessfully or have been determined to not qualify for mediation services shall have their case set for final trial before the court as soon as possible.Approved September 21, 2005; amended May 7, 2008; amended April 13, 2011. Rule 1-5. Telephonic Conference Hearings
A. Request for Telephonic Conference Hearing: (1) A matter may be heard by telephonic conference call by permission of the court. (2) Telephonic conferences requested by the moving party shall be arranged prior to the filing of the motion, and the notice of hearing shall clearly state that the hearing will be held by telephonic conference call. Telephonic conferences requested by a party other than the moving party shall be arranged three (3) days prior to the hearing, and notice shall be filed by the party requesting the hearing, together with proof of service thereof on all opposing parties. B. Any party desiring to present evidence at a hearing must be present in person, unless leave of the Court is granted. C. Initiation of Telephonic Conference Call: (1) The party requesting the telephonic conference call shall be responsible for initiating the call and shall provide for all expenses of the call. (2) The party initiating the call shall utilize appropriate equipment and systems to ensure that all persons participating have adequate quality and volume. If the Court determines that the sound quality or volume is insufficient, the Court may require the party initiating the call to utilize other means to complete the hearing by telephone.Adopted effective September 29, 1995; amended September 21, 2005. Rule 1-6. Jury Trials
A. Availability of Counsel During Jury Deliberations: Counsel will be available on short notice personally or by telephone, as ordered by the Court, during jury deliberations in the event of a verdict or a question by the jury. The Bailiff or Clerk should be kept informed of where counsel will be at all times when the jury is deliberating, unless excused by the Court. B. Absence of Counsel on Receipt of Verdict: In civil cases, the Court will not deem it necessary that any party or any counsel be present or represented when the jury returns to the courtroom with its verdict.Adopted effective September 29, 1995; amended September 21, 2005. Rule 1-7. Correspondence with Court, Stamped Envelope, Signed Copies
All correspondence with the Court regarding pending litigation shall refer to the subject case by case title, number, and county, and a copy of such correspondence shall be mailed to opposing counsel.Approved September 21, 2005. Rule 1-8. Court Files
Unless otherwise directed by the Court, court files may not be checked out.Approved September 21, 2005. Rule 1-9. Motions and Other Filings
As used in these rules, the word “motion” includes applications, special appearances, and all requests for an order from the Court. Unless otherwise authorized by the Court, all motions, except requests for continuances, shall be filed with the Clerk not less than ten (10) working days prior to the hearing. At the time of filing, the moving party shall obtain a date for hearing from the Bailiff or Clerk, depending on local practice, and provide notice to the opposing party.Approved September 21, 2005. Rule 1-10. Exhibits
Affidavits, depositions, and other proposed exhibits in support of motions shall not be filed with the Clerk unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Nothing in this rule shall prohibit any properly filed pleading from being offered and received into evidence.Approved September 21, 2005. Rule 1-11. Withdrawal of Counsel
In addition to the requirements of the Uniform District Court Rules, counsel may be permitted to withdraw from a matter upon filing an affidavit which: A. recites that the motion to withdraw and notice of hearing has been served upon the client and all parties of record and B. provides the client’s last known mailing address.Approved September 21, 2005. Rule 1-12. Stipulations
All stipulations shall be made in open court and recorded by the reporter or reduced to writing and signed by the parties or counsel and filed with the Court.Approved September 21, 2005. Rule 1-13. Courtroom Decorum
All attorneys and parties shall comply with the Uniform District Court Rules regarding courtroom decorum, conduct, and ordinary business attire.Approved September 21, 2005. Rule 1-14. Summary Judgments
Both the moving party and opposing party shall submit a brief in support of or opposition to a motion for summary judgment. The brief of the moving party shall contain a separate statement of each material fact supporting the contention that there is no genuine issue to be tried and as to each shall identify the specific document, discovery response, or deposition testimony (by page and line) which is claimed to establish the same. Briefs shall be filed at the time of hearing unless leave is granted to file thereafter.Approved September 21, 2005. Rule 1-15. Case Progression
In the months of February and August of each year, or when otherwise directed by the Court, the Clerk shall prepare a list of pending civil cases in which no action has been taken for six (6) months prior thereto. An order shall then be entered requiring that cause be shown, within thirty (30) days from entry of order, as to why said case should not be dismissed for lack of prosecution. Notice of said order shall be sent to all attorneys of record and pro se parties. If good cause is not shown, such cases shall be dismissed.Approved September 21, 2005. Rule 1-16. Criminal Complaints
An Information in a criminal case shall have noted thereon the statute under which each count of the complaint is brought, the class of offense, and the penalty for the same.Approved September 21, 2005. Rule 1-17. Trials and Continuances
A. The Court should be advised of jury cases which are ready for trial at the opening of the term. B. No criminal case set for trial will be continued or taken out of order unless a written motion for a continuance, supported by sufficient affidavits, is granted by the Court. If the motion is based upon the want of testimony by an absent witness, the affidavit shall state the substance of the witness’ testimony and relate efforts which have been made to secure such testimony.Approved September 21, 2005. Rule 1-18. Dismissal of Criminal Appeals
A. In cases where a penalty of confinement has been ordered by the County Court, no appeal shall be dismissed upon the motion of the defendant unless he or she appears personally before the District Court to request such dismissal. B. In cases where a fine has been imposed by the County Court, no appeal shall be dismissed upon the motion of the defendant unless the defendant appears personally before the District Court to request such dismissal and a showing is made that all fines and costs have been paid.Approved September 21, 2005. Rule 1-19. Payment of Court-Appointed Counsel
Court-appointed counsel shall be paid an hourly fee established by the Court and kept on file with the Clerk. Before court-appointed counsel’s claim for payment is allowed, such attorney shall file a written motion for fees, positively verified, itemizing the time and expenses spent on the case. All motions for fees shall be served on the County Attorney.Approved September 21, 2005. Rule 1-20. Interpreters
Court-appointed counsel shall be paid an hourly fee established by the Court and kept on file with the Clerk. Before court-appointed counsel’s claim for payment is allowed, such attorney shall file a written motion for fees, positively verified, itemizing the time and expenses spent on the case. All motions for fees shall be served on the County Attorney.Approved September 21, 2005. District 2
Rules of the District Court of the Second Judicial District(Effective September 22, 1995; amendments approved effective June 8, 2005)Certificate of ReadinessExpanded Media Coverage in Nebraska Trial Courts Scope and effective date.
These rules for the district courts of the Second Judicial District shall become effective upon approval by the Supreme Court and publication in the Nebraska Advance Sheets and shall supplement the Uniform District Court Rules of Practice and Procedure adopted by the Supreme Court.Adopted effective September 22, 1995. Rule 2-1. Annual Term of Court
The regular term of the court in each county shall be deemed to commence on January 1 of each calendar year, and shall be deemed to conclude on December 31 of the same calendar year. No order opening or closing such term shall be required.Adopted effective September 22, 1995. Rule 2-2. Preliminary Matters
A. Motion Days-Motion days in Sarpy and Cass counties shall be on Mondays at the times listed below and the motion days in Otoe County shall be on Tuesdays at the times listed below. In the event a motion day is a recognized holiday, each judge, at his or her option, may designate the next recognized working day as a motion day. Unless otherwise prescribed by the assigned judge, preliminary matters are called as shown below:Sarpy CountyCourtroom No. 1Courtroom No. 2 Courtroom No. 4(ZASTERA)(ARTERBURN)(KELCH)8:30 Drug Court8:15 Arraignments8:15 Arraignments10:45 Arraignments/Criminal10:30 Criminal9:00 Criminal1:30 Law/Equity1:30 Domestic1:00 Domestic2:00 Domestic3:30 Law/Equity3:00 Law/Equity Cass County (Funke)MondayTime: 8:30 a.m.Domestic9:30 a.m.Law/Equity10:30 a.m.Criminal/Contempt Otoe County (Funke)TuesdayTime: 8:30 a.m.Domestic9:30 a.m.Law/Equity10:30 a.m.Criminal/ContemptAmended effective June 8, 2005; amended effective April 19, 2006; amended effective April 11, 2007 amended effective October 16, 2007; amended effective December 10, 2008; amended effective January 6, 2014. B. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, all motions (except for temporary allowances), written objections, and other filings of a similar nature, shall cite the legal authorities relied upon, and shall contain a notice of hearing with a date and time selected as set forth above not less than five (5) nor more than thirty (30) days from filing. Absent a notice of hearing or specific directions by the court, the matter will be automatically calendared on the first motion day after five (5) days have passed following filing. C. Motions (except for contempt or to vacate a judgment) shall be submitted on affidavits and arguments of counsel, unless otherwise ordered. If a moving party fails to appear in support of a pleading at the prescribed time, the same shall be deemed submitted without argument. D. Hearing on motions for summary judgment, motions to suppress evidence, temporary replevin orders, temporary injunctions, motions for new trial and matters requiring more than five (5) days notice shall be set only after conferring with the assigned trial judge. E. When a motion is ruled upon, the party required to plead further shall be allowed ten (10) days to further plead, except as is otherwise ordered by the court. F. Child Support Enforcement-In Sarpy County, child support enforcement cases shall be heard by the Statewide-Referee. G. Alternative Services-Motions for service by publication are submitted ex parte to the assigned trial judge when filed. The motion shall be accompanied by an affidavit of factual matters establishing the defendant(s) cannot, with reasonable diligence, be served by personal service, residence service, certified mail, or any other matter that would provide the party with actual notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard.Adopted effective September 22, 1995; amended effective March 5, 1999; Rule 2-2(C) and (F) amended January 3, 2003; Rule 2-2(A) deleted and (B)–(H) renumbered to (A)-(H) and Rule F amended effective October 16, 2007; Rule 2-2(A) amended effective December 10, 2008. Rule 2-3. Stipulations and Agreements
All stipulations not made in open court or in chambers and recorded by the reporter and all agreements of counsel or parties to a suit, must be reduced to writing and signed by the parties making the same and filed with the clerk, or they will not be recognized or considered by the court.Adopted effective September 22, 1995. Rule 2-4. Correspondence with the Court
All correspondence to the court regarding pending litigation shall refer to the subject case by case title, number and county, and a copy of such correspondence shall be mailed to opposing counsel. If the correspondence entails the transmittal of pleadings or journal entries, orders, or decrees, pre-addressed stamp envelopes required for those purposes shall be enclosed therewith.Adopted effective September 22, 1995. Rule 2-5. Proof of Service
Except as otherwise provided by statute, or by order of the court, proof of service of any pleading, motion, or other paper required to be served shall be made by: (1) a certificate by or on behalf of counsel showing the name and address on whom service was had; (2) written receipt of the opposing party or his or her attorney; (3) affidavit of the person making service; (4) return of the county sheriff; or (5) other proof satisfactory to the court. Failure to make proof of service will not affect the validity of the service, and the court may at any time allow the proof of service to be amended or supplied unless it clearly appears that to do so would result in material prejudice to substantial rights of any party affected thereby.Adopted effective September 22, 1995. Rule 2-6. Reduction in Support for Periods of Visitation
The following provision shall apply to any decree providing for a reduction in child support payments while the non-custodial parent has possession of said child or children: (1) The non-custodial parent shall prepare and sign an affidavit stating the inclusive dates that the non-custodial parent had possession of the minor child or children with the name of said child or children showing the amount of support to be reduced. (2) This affidavit shall be filed with the clerk of the district court within thirty (30) days after said possession and a copy mailed to the custodial parent or it shall be presumed that the non-custodial parent did not have possession of the child or children for the affected time period. (3) Within thirty (30) days after receipt of the copy of said affidavit, the custodial parent may file an objection or counter-affidavit, and if this is done, a hearing date will be set to determine the matter. (4) Failure of the custodial parent to file an objection or counter-affidavit within thirty (30) days shall constitute a waiver to contest the reduction of child support issue. (5) Counsel for the parties shall advise the parents of this provision.Adopted effective September 22, 1995. Rule 2-7. Consents to Adoption
(1) Applications for an order consenting to adoption of children subject to jurisdiction of the court must be accompanied by a photocopy or duplicate original of all relinquishments and consents to adoption as required by law. Attorneys should note that in case of abandonment or other situations where one or both of the natural parents are unable to consent, substitute consents are required. (2) Any delinquent support payments remain a judgment against the party ordered to pay such support, unless a receipt or satisfaction is filed by the party to whom the support is due. (3) Upon completion of the adoption proceedings, an appropriate motion shall be filed together with a proposed order terminating all future support as of the date of the adoption decree. The motion and proposed order shall be accompanied by a copy of the adoptive decree.Adopted effective January 29, 2000. Rule 2-8. Summary Judgment Procedure
A. The moving party shall set forth in the brief in support of the motion for summary judgment the basis for the motion, including the Rule of Procedure or statute under which the motion is filed, and a separate statement of each material fact as to which the moving party contends there is no genuine issue to be tried and as to each shall identify the specific document or portion thereof or discovery response or deposition testimony (by page and line) which it is claimed established the fact. B. The party opposing a motion for summary judgment shall set forth in its opposing brief a separate statement of each material fact as to which it is contended there exists a genuine issue to be tried and as to each shall identify the specific documents or discovery response or deposition testimony (by page and line) which it is claimed establishes the issue.Adopted effective June 8, 2005. Rule 2-9. Trial Assignments
A. Criminal Cases: Criminal cases shall be set for trial at the discretion of the judge presiding over the case, at the time of or following the arraignment of the defendant. B. Civil Cases and Domestic Cases: All civil (law or equity) and domestic cases shall be set for trial by the assigned trial judge in accordance with the following procedures: (1) In all civil and domestic cases, a Certificate of Readiness for Trial shall be filed (on a form provided by the Clerk of the District Court, a copy of which is attached to these Rules) with the Clerk of the District Court upon the completion of all discovery proceedings, and a copy delivered to the judge assigned to said case; (2) Failure to object to the Certificate of Readiness within (ten) 10 days from the date of filing shall constitute an acceptance by all parties that the matter is ready for trial and can be tried in the amount of time as designated by the party filing the Certificate of Readiness; (3) If an Objection is filed to the Certificate of Readiness filed by an opposing party, the party filing the Objection to said Certificate of Readiness shall set the matter for hearing on a regularly scheduled motion day (pursuant to Rule 2-2 of these Rules) and give notice of said hearing to all parties; (4) Trial assignment priority shall be within the discretion of the judge assigned to the case, but said judge shall prioritize as much as possible trial assignments by the dates of the filing of Certificates of Readiness. C. Other Settings: Notwithstanding subsection B of this rule, the judge assigned to such case may on his or her own motion assign a trial date to said case or, in the alternative, hold periodic docket calls for the purpose of assigning trial dates to pending cases. In the event that a case is set for docket call for the purpose of setting a trial date, counsel or unrepresented parties shall be required to personally appear for such docket call.Rule 2-9(A) amended effective October 16, 2007. Rule 2-10. Domestic Relations - Mediation
A. All parties who have not submitted a parenting plan to the court within 90 days of filing an action involving child custody shall be required to meet and participate in mediation services or the specialized alternative dispute resolution process to complete a parenting plan or visitation schedule, including child custody, visitation, grandparent visitation, and any other issues relating to the children that may be susceptible to mediation or the specialized alternative dispute resolution process. No trial date will be scheduled until attendance at the required mediation to resolve custody and/or visitation issues has been attempted or the specialized alternative dispute resolution process has been attempted, provided, however, that failure or refusal to participate by a party shall not delay entry of a final judgment by more than 6 months. It is further provided that, notwithstanding the language in this paragraph, domestic-violence issues may, upon consideration by the trial court, disqualify the parties from mediation. For good cause shown and (1) when both parents agree and such parental agreement is bona fide and not asserted to avoid the purposes of the Parenting Act, or (2) when mediation or specialized alternative dispute resolution is not possible without undue delay or hardship to either parent, the mediation or specialized alternative dispute resolution requirement may be waived by the court. In such a case where waiver of the mediation or specialized alternative dispute resolution is sought, the court shall hold an evidentiary hearing and the burden of proof for the party or parties seeking waiver is by clear and convincing evidence. B. A party may not terminate mediation until after an individual initial screening session and one mediation or specialized alternative dispute resolution session are held unless said mediation is waived as provided herein. C. All parties not having agreed to a parenting plan within 90 days of filing an action involving child custody, and not having agreed to a specific mediator, shall contact the bailiff of the assigned Judge, and shall be assigned the next mediator from a rotating list of approved mediators. However, parties or counsel are required to notify the Judge assigned to the case, by notifying his or her bailiff, of any request for delay in assignment of a mediator if the parties or counsel are attempting to negotiate a Parenting Plan agreement. D. At any time in the proceedings, the court may refer a case to mediation or the specialized alternative dispute resolution process in order to attempt resolution of any relevant matter. The court may state a date for the case to return to court, and the court shall not grant an extension of such date except for good cause shown unless said mediation is waived as provided herein. E. The District Court Clerk of each county shall maintain a list of mediators approved by the Mediation Committee of the District Court. These mediators must meet State of Nebraska (or equivalent) standards for training in order to qualify. The following requirements apply to all participating mediators: (1) Each participating mediator shall comply with Nebraska Law on mediation, including the Nebraska Parenting Act. Additionally, any mediator qualifying as a specialized mediator, who conducts specialized alternative dispute resolution, shall meet all requirements set forth by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2938(3), or any amendment thereto. All mediators and/or specialized mediator must be willing to agree to the court requirements for participation, and each mediator will be asked to sign a statement indicating acknowledgment and acceptance of the requirements. (2) Court-approved mediators will determine their own fees and will provide a copy of their fee schedule to the Mediation Committee of the District Court. In order to be on the list of court-approved mediators, a mediator must agree to use a sliding-scale fee of $25 to $75 per person per hour, determined on the basis of what each party is able to pay. Court-approved mediators must also agree to take pro bono cases on an "as needed" basis. The Court will determine the need for such pro bono services, so that the burden of these cases is equitably distributed among the participating mediators. F. Prior to commencing an initial mediation session, the mediator shall provide an initial individual screening session with each party to assess the presence of child abuse or neglect, unresolved parental conflict, domestic intimate-partner abuse, other forms of intimidation or coercion, or a party's inability to negotiate freely and make informed decisions. If any of these conditions exists, the mediator shall proceed with the specialized alternative dispute resolution process that addresses safety measures for the parties, if the mediator is on the approved specialized list of an approved mediation center or approved list of the State of Nebraska, or shall refer the parties to a mediator who is so qualified. G. In conjunction with setting a case for an uncontested final hearing, the parties shall file a pleading, and provide a copy to the assigned Judge, indicating all issues have been resolved and a parenting plan, which has been reduced to writing, has been agreed to by the parties. If the parties have not agreed to any of the following: parenting plan, child support calculations, or a property settlement agreement, they should file a certificate of readiness with the Court and indicate within the certificate of readiness whether the parties have complied with the mediation requirements of this rule. H. The Mediation Committee of the District Court may make such other operating rules as may be needed to facilitate the beginning and continuation of this mediation program. I. The Mediation Committee of the District Court will be a standing committee of the district court and will be composed of the four district court judges and such other persons as the committee deems necessary.Rule 2-10 approved June 3, 2010. District 3
Rules of the District Court for the Third Judicial District(Effective September 29, 1995; last amended June 2013)Appendix Form 1 - Exhibit AAppendix Form 2 - Joint Property StatementAppendix Form 3 - Parenting Time ScheduleAppendix Form 4 - Parenting Responsibilities and CooperationAppendix Form 5 - Trial NoticeAppendix Form 6 - Comments on Rule 3-13Appendix Form 7 - Exhibit 1Attachment A - Request for Court Appointed Lawyer, Statement of Financial Status and Authorization for Release of Information Index of Amendments
(Since November 1999) November 29, 2000, Amendments§3-7 Amended§3-9 Amended§3-15 AddedAppendix p.1 Amended with renumbering on p.2Appendix p. 4 AmendedAppendix p. 10 AmendedAppendix pp. 14 - 23 Added September 5, 2001, AmendmentAdd Rule 3-2.F January 9, 2003, AmendmentRule 3-2 AmendedRule 3-6 AmendedRule 3-7 AmendedRule 3-11 AmendedAppendix p. 13 Trial Notice Amended June 2, 2004, AmendmentAdd Rule 3-2.HRule 3-8 Typographical error correctedRule 3-9.B Extraneous language deletedRule 3-9.C Policy requiring parenting classes in certain situations made permanentRule 3-9.E Permitting exceptions to Property Statement requirementRule 3-9.G Added new section and the original 3-9.G is moved to 3-9.HRule 3-12 Moved to Rule 3-14 and Procedures for fee applications by Guardians ad litem are addedRule 3-13 DeletedRule 3-15 Moved to Rule 3-13 and temporary rules previously contained in the Appendix are made a part of the Rules. Language in this Rule has been amended to reflect that the temporary policy is now permanently adopted. November 2006 AmendmentRule 3-2.E DeleteRule 3-2.F through Rule 3-2.H are renumbered to 3-2.E through 3-2.GRule 3-2.H AddRule 3-9.E(2)(b) Delete reference to Wilson v. WilsonRule 3-9 final paragraph Insert limitation on adding to witness listAppendix Exhibit A Insert Warning not to use account numbers Joint Property Statement Insert Warning not to use account numbers and change references to Plaintiff and Defendant Social Security/Gender filing Add January 2008 AmendmentRule 3-15 AddedAttachment D Add birthdates for children June 2010 AmendmentRule 3-9 AmendedRule 3-13 AmendedRule 3-15 AmendedRule 3-16 New rule re file retentionRule 3-17 New rule re detainer casesAppendix-Table of Forms AmendedAppendix Forms Form 1 Form number added Form 2 Form number added Form 3-Parenting Time Amended Form 4 Form number added Form 5 Form number added Form 6 Form number added Form 7 New form re Parenting Act compliance September 2010 AmendmentsRule 3-2 AmendedRule 3-15 AmendedAttachment D Removed March 2011 AmendmentsTable of Contents Added (not included in online version)Rule 3-9 AmendedAppendix Form 7 Amended Form 8 Added June 2013 AmendmentsRule 3-9 AmendedRule 3-13 AmendedAppendix Form 7 Deleted Form 8 Renumbered as Form 7Attachment A DeletedAttachment B DeletedAttachment C Re-lettered as Attachment A Scope and Effective Date
These rules for the District Court of the Third Judicial District (the court) shall become effective upon approval by the Supreme Court and publication in the Nebraska Advance Sheets and shall supplement the Uniform District Court Rules of Practice and Procedure adopted by the Supreme Court.Approved effective September 29, 1995. Rule 3-1. Term of Court
There shall be one term of court, commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31 of each calendar year. No order shall be required to either open or close any term of court.Approved effective September 29, 1995; amended December 23, 1999. Rule 3-2. Motions and Other Filings
A. Except as otherwise provided by law, pretrial and posttrial motions or similar filings in which a hearing is requested shall be in writing and filed with the Clerk of the District Court (the Clerk) not less than 5 days prior to hearing, except by permission of the court. B. Counsel at the time of making said filing shall obtain a date for hearing thereon from the judge to whom the case is assigned or the judge's bailiff and file a notice of hearing with the filing. Unless approved by the judge, a hearing date must be obtained for each motion, even if motions in the same case are already scheduled. C. Notice of said hearing shall be mailed or personally delivered to opposing counsel or party, if not represented by counsel, three full days prior to said hearing. The use of ordinary mail shall constitute sufficient compliance with this Rule, except as may be otherwise specifically required by statute or rule of the Supreme Court. D. When the court is acting as an appellate court, a motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction may be filed at any time after an appeal has been docketed. E. The inclusion of abusive or profane language in any petition or other pleading shall be considered by the court as "malicious" and result in the striking of such pleading, together with other sanctions which may include the denial or revocation of in forma pauperis status in the case and dismissal of the case. F. If a party files a motion under Rule 12 of the Nebraska Rules of Pleading in Civil Actions intended to secure final disposition of the case without a trial, and the motion will require the admission of evidence beyond the pleadings, the moving party shall notify the opposing party of this intention and the parties shall follow the procedures applicable to motions for summary judgment set for in statute and these Rules. G. The margin at the bottom of the first page of any pleading or other document filed with the Clerk of the District Court shall be at least 2 ¼ inches. This area is reserved for court use to permit affixing a filing stamp, bar code, exhibit identification markings and other official uses. No image, printing or marking of any nature may appear within the bottom margin except as made or authorized by the court or the court clerk. H. Accompanying and separate and distinct from each decree of dissolution of marriage, order of paternity, or other child support order or order of modification of the same shall be an accompanying document in the format provided in Neb. Ct. R. § 6-1521(B) at Appendix 3, which shall contain necessary social security numbers, gender, and birthdates of each party and any minor child affected by the order. The separate filing of social security numbers shall be distributed to the Child Support division of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, but shall not otherwise be made available without further court order. An image of the filing shall not be reproduced into Justice. Social security numbers should not be contained in any other pleading filed with the court. No pleading or other document filed with the court and no exhibit used at trial shall contain a complete account number for any financial accounts or debts of any party. The same shall be redacted to the extent necessary to protect the information from misuse. By agreement of the parties, or as directed by the court, such information shall be identified in such a manner as the parties, counsel, the court, and the jury may be able to distinguish information between similar accounts or debts, or as may be necessary to establish relevance to the matter being litigated.Approved effective September 29, 1995; amended effective December 23, 1999; Rule 3-2(F) amended September 19, 2001; Rule 3-2(G) amended January 3, 2003; Rule 3-2(H) amended July 14, 2004; Rule 3-2(E) through (H) amended November 2006; Rule 3-2(H) amended September 9, 2010. Rule 3-3. Continuances
No continuances shall be allowed, except for good cause shown, upon motion or stipulation and affidavit, pursuant to Nebraska statutes, and any motion for a continuance shall request continuance to a date and time certain to be set by the court.Approved effective September 29, 1995; amended December 23, 1999. Rule 3-4. Default Judgments - Notice
Notice of a hearing for judgment or decree on default shall be given as provided for in Rule 3-2.Approved effective September 29, 1995. Rule 3-5. Discovery
To curtail undue delay in the administration of justice, the court shall refuse to consider any and all motions relating to discovery, unless moving counsel, as part of the motion, makes a written showing that after personal consultation with counsel for opposing party(ies) and reasonable efforts to resolve differences, counsel are unable to reach an accord. This showing shall recite, additionally, the date, time and place of such conference and the name of all participants. As used herein, "counsel" includes parties who are acting pro se.Approved effective September 29, 1995. Rule 3-6. Summary Judgment Procedure
A. The moving party shall set forth in the brief in support of the motion for summary judgment, the basis for the motion, including the Rule of Procedure or statute under which the motion is filed, and a separate statement of each material fact as to which the moving party contends there is no genuine issue to be tried and as to each shall identify the specific document or portion thereof or discovery response or deposition testimony (by page and line) which it is claimed establishes the fact. B. The party opposing a motion for summary judgment shall set forth in its opposing brief a separate statement of each material fact as to which it is contended there exists a genuine issue to be tried and as to each shall identify the specific documents or discovery response or deposition testimony (by page and line) which it is claimed established the fact.Approved effective September 29, 1995; Rule 3-6(A) amended January 3, 2003. Rule 3-7. Court Files
A. No person, except the judges or the clerk, shall take from the courthouse or out of the office or possession of the clerk, any records, papers or files of the court pertaining to the causes therein, except by permission of the clerk, upon such conditions as the judges may impose. Any file so removed shall be returned to the clerk within 24 hours, unless otherwise ordered by a judge of the court. B. Any request for court records made to the clerk by an incarcerated person shall be made through the records manager of the institution at which the inmate is housed. If the request is granted by the court, the incarcerated person shall be provided with copies made at the direction of the court. Original court records, including bills of exceptions shall not be provided to an incarcerated person. C. Any damage, destruction, or alteration of an original court record, or any part thereof, by any pro se litigant requesting such record, whether he or she be incarcerated, may result in suspension of the privilege to check out original court records from the clerk. D. No one, other than an official court reporter, may take the bill of exceptions apart for any purpose, without written authorization from the court.Approved effective September 29, 1995; Rule 3-7(B) and (C) amended December 20, 2000; Rule 3-7(B) amended January 3, 2003; Rule 3-7(D) amended January 3, 2003. Rule 3-8. Case Progression
A. As soon after filing of a case as is practicable, the court may enter an order of progression for the case. These orders may include: (1) A date when all depositions and discovery allowed by law shall be completed and foreclosing reopening, except upon order for good cause shown; (2) a date, time and place for pretrial conference; and (3) a date and time for trial. B. In the months of May and November of each year, or when otherwise directed by the court or any one of the judges, the clerk shall prepare a list of all pending civil cases and a list of all equity cases in which no action has been taken for six months prior thereto. An order shall then be entered requiring that cause be shown, within 30 days from the entry of said show cause order, as to why said cases shall not be dismissed for want of prosecution. Notice of said order shall be sent by mail to the attorney of record, or parties, if no attorney of record. If good cause is not shown, such cases shall be dismissed.Approved effective September 29, 1995; amended December 23, 1999. Rule 3-9. Domestic Case Progression
A. Application. This Rule 3-9 shall apply to all cases classified by the State Court Administrator as a domestic case, including, without limitation, divorce; paternity; grandparent visitation; any matter within the court's jurisdiction which involves child custody, parenting time, or support; or any matter governed by the Parenting Act. B. Motion to Set for Trial. Except as set forth below, after the case is at issue or answer day has passed without response and an Exhibit A has been filed by the moving party, counsel or a party proceeding pro se may file a motion to set the case for trial. The motion shall be set for hearing upon at least 7 days’ notice. In cases involving children, a hearing on a motion to set the case for trial may not be set by the court until the moving party has filed a certificate showing completion of the parenting classes required by statute and has completed mediation, unless mediation is waived. C. Hearing on "Motion to Set for Trial." Each counsel or party proceeding pro se is to bring a completed Exhibit A (See Appendix Form 1) to the hearing. The matters to be covered at the hearing will include: (1) Objections, if any, to the motion; (2) Designation of the issues; (3) Filing and exchange of an Exhibit A by the nonmoving party; (4) Length of time for trial; (5) Selecting a day and time for trial; and (6) Additional mediation. D. Document exchange prior to trial: Fourteen days prior to trial (1) If there is no parenting plan to which the parties have agreed, counsel and parties proceeding pro se are to exchange with each other the parenting plan each intends to propose to the court. (2) If there is no agreement on child support, counsel and parties proceeding pro se are to exchange with each other the child support calculation each intends to propose to the court together with the financial documents which support the proposed calculation. (3) If there is no agreement on the division of assets and debts, counsel and parties proceeding pro se are to confer and jointly prepare a balance sheet or a joint property statement (Appendix Form 2) which shows the assets and debts of the marriage and how each party proposes to divide those assets and debts. If the issues include the division of household goods and furniture, a separate balance sheet or joint property statement (using Appendix Form 2) shall also be submitted showing how each party proposes the household goods and furniture be divided. The parties are under a continuing duty to update all information that is required to appear on the Exhibit A; however, no amendment may be made to a party’s Exhibit A 5 or less days prior to trial without consent of the other party or leave of the court. E. Child Support Guideline Calculations. (1) In all matters in which a final order includes the setting of child support, a child support guideline calculation shall be completed in full (e.g., showing each party’s gross income) by the parties and submitted to the court. A copy of said child support guideline calculation shall be attached to every proposed order submitted to the court. (2) If a deviation is proposed to be granted, the proposed order shall contain specific findings of fact which support the conclusion that a deviation is warranted, a completed worksheet 5 as specified in Neb. Ct. R. § 4-203, or both. F. Parenting Plan. Each parenting plan submitted to the court shall contain a Parenting Time Schedule and shall set out, with specificity, the Parenting Responsibilities and Cooperation terms agreed to by the parties. (a) Parenting Time Schedule. Appendix Form 3 is a standard parenting time schedule which, in the absence of unusual circumstances, the court finds provides reasonable parenting time for the noncustodial parent in cases in which the parties are unable to agree otherwise. (b) Parenting Responsibilities and Cooperation. Appendix Form 4 contains the minimum parenting responsibilities and cooperation language that must be incorporated into each parenting plan. Additional responsibilities may be added as agreed to by the parties. G. In the interests of preserving court time at final hearing or trial, the parties shall offer evidence in the format of Exhibit 1 (see Appendix Form 8). Nothing in this rule shall be construed to waive the requirement of live testimony, unless otherwise ordered by the court. H. Decrees and Final Orders. All decrees or orders on domestic relations matters that are submitted to the court for signature must contain AS THE LAST PARAGRAPH OF THE DECREE OR ORDER the following paragraph: To the extent there is any conflict between this Decree (Order) and any attachment or other document incorporated herein by reference, the language of this Decree (Order) shall supersede and control. I. Modification Cases. Progression of modification cases shall proceed as set forth in this Rule 3‑9. Trials, hearings and pretrial matters on contested child support issues in which a child support order already exists shall be conducted by the district court referee. This does not apply to motions, applications or petitions in which non-child support issues are also raised. All scheduling matters of cases referred to the referee shall be presented to the referee. Matters assigned to the referee upon which the parties have reached written agreement may be submitted directly to the district court judge to whom the case is assigned, accompanied by an appropriate order. J. Mediation. The court deems mediation to be a useful method to resolve disputes and begin to establish the new relationship the parties will need for the future of their children. Therefore, unless waived by the court, on and after July 1, 2010, in all cases governed by the Parenting Act, except those in which there are allegations of intimate domestic partner abuse or unresolved parental conflict as defined in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2922, parties who have not executed an agreed upon Parenting Plan within 4 months after service of process or the filing of a voluntary appearance shall participate in mediation as set forth in the Parenting Act. For cases in which there are allegations of intimate domestic partner abuse or unresolved parental conflict as defined in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2922, parties who have not executed an agreed-upon Parenting Plan within 4 months after service of process or the filing of a voluntary appearance shall participate in the specialized alternative dispute resolution process as set forth in the Parenting Act unless waived by the court. The parties shall also participate in the specialized alternative dispute resolution process when referred there by a mediator. Mediation or the alternative dispute resolution process shall be conducted by a person who qualifies as a Parenting Act mediator or approved specialized mediator as set forth in the Parenting Act and proceed under the standards of practice set forth in the Parenting Act and/or adopted by the State Court Administrator. If a party fails to appear for mediation or the specialized dispute resolution process or fails to meaningfully participate in mediation or the specialized dispute resolution process, the court may impose sanctions including without limitation, dismissing the case for want of prosecution, assessing attorney fees and expenses incurred for trial and trial preparation, limiting the presentation of evidence, and such other sanction as may appear fair and just under the circumstances. K. Specialized Alternative Dispute Resolution Process. The specialized alternative dispute resolution process shall begin with each parent meeting individually with a qualified mediator who shall educate each party about the process. The parties shall be allowed to have support persons attend sessions with them. The approved specialized mediator may establish such protocols for the process as he or she deems reasonable to protect the safety of any party, including a requirement that there be separate individual sessions for each party. Specialized alternative dispute resolution shall not proceed unless the parties are informed of the process, including any safety protocols that will be in effect and informed consent to proceed is obtained from both parties in writing. L. Waiver and Opt-Out. The court may waive the requirement for mediation or permit the parties to opt-out of the specialized alternative dispute resolution process when (1) there is good cause shown and the parents agree and such parental agreement is bona fide and not an attempt to avoid the purposes of the Parenting Act; or (2) for good cause shown and when mediation or the specialized alternative dispute resolution process is not possible without undue delay or hardship to either parent.Upon the filing of a motion for waiver or opt-out, the court shall hold an evidentiary hearing. The burden of proof shall be by clear and convincing evidence and rests with the party seeking the waiver or opt-out. M. Disqualification. If a party believes there is good cause to disqualify or preclude another party from participating in the alternative dispute resolution process, that party may file a motion for disqualification or preclusion. After notice and a hearing on affidavits, the court, for good cause shown, may disqualify or preclude a party from participating. N. Upon the completion or termination of mediation or specialized alternative dispute resolution, the parties shall file a notice of completion or termination with court (See Appendix Form 7).Approved effective September 29, 1995; amended December 23, 1999; Rule 3-9(F) amended December 20, 2000; Rule 3-9(G) amended July 14, 2004; Rule 3-9(H) amended July 14, 2004; Rule 3-9(E) amended November 2006; Rule 3-9 amended June 23, 2010; Rule 3-9 amended March 23, 2011; Rule 3-9 amended June 12, 2013. Rule 3-10. Civil Case Progression
A. Application. This Rule 3-10 shall apply to all civil cases except those referred to in Rule 3-9. B. Progression Order. After either (1) the case is at issue or (2) "answer day" has passed without response, the court may enter a case progression order on its own motion or at the request of a party. The progression order may include the mandatory exchange of information, discovery deadlines, provision for disclosure of expert witnesses, the date of the pretrial conference, the trial term at which the case will be tried or the trial date, together with such other provisions as the court may deem appropriate. C. Filing of Trial Notice. When a case is at issue and there is no progression order entered, counsel may file with the clerk of the court a Trial Notice on the form contained in the Appendix to these rules. A copy of the Trial Notice shall be submitted to the judge to whom the case is assigned. The notice shall be simultaneously served on all opposing counsel of record.D. Objection to Trial Notice. An objection to a Trial Notice shall be filed within 10 days of the date of service of the Trial Notice. The objection shall set forth with specificity the reasons for the objection and a statement of the objector's opinion of when the case will be ready for trial.Approved effective December 23, 1999. Rule 3-11. Child Support Referee
A. Intent. The court finds that matters relating to the establishment, modification, enforcement and collection of child/spousal support and to paternity matters should be handled by the court in an expeditious manner, so that parties may obtain needed orders and other action as quickly as possible. It is determined that the appointment of a child support referee is necessary to aid the court in meeting the case progression standards established by Nebraska Supreme Court rule and federal law. B. Appointment. Each referee shall be appointed by order of the judges of the court and shall be an attorney in good standing admitted to the practice of law in the State of Nebraska. The referee shall be sworn or affirmed, and the oath for judicial officers shall be administered by the presiding judge of the court. The referee may be removed at any time by the court. C. Duties. The referee shall hear matters pertaining to (1) the establishment, modification, enforcement and collection of child/spousal support; (2) paternity; and (3) all other matters permitted by law and assigned by the court. The referee shall have the power to summon and enforce the attendance of parties and witnesses, administer all necessary oaths, supervise pretrial preparation pursuant to the rules of discovery, grant continuances and adjournments, recommend the appointment of counsel for indigent parties and carry out any other duties permitted by law and assigned by the district court. The functions performed by the referee under expedited processes shall, at a minimum, include: (1) taking testimony and establishing a record; (2) evaluating evidence and making recommendations to establish and enforce orders; (3) accepting voluntary acknowledgment of support liability and stipulated agreements setting the amount of support and accepting voluntary acknowledgments of paternity; and (4) recommending default orders, if absent parents fail to respond with in the time specified by law. D. Safeguards. Under the expedited processes established by this court rule: (1) The due process rights of the parties shall be protected. (2) The parties must be provided a copy of the recommendation of the referee and the ratified order. (3) To be enforceable, the referee's recommendations must be entered as an order by a judge. (4) If a case involves complex issues requiring judicial resolution, a temporary support obligation shall be recommended under these expedited processes and the unresolved issues shall be referred to the court. E. Hearings. A hearing before a referee shall be conducted in the same manner as a hearing before the court. Testimony in such matters shall be preserved by tape recording or other prescribed measures and in accordance with prescribed standards. Transcripts of all hearings shall be available upon request and all costs of preparing the transcript shall be paid by the party for whom it is prepared, unless he or she has been determined to be indigent. F. Findings and Recommendations. Upon the hearing of a matter, the referee shall prepare, in writing, his or her findings and recommendations to the parties or their attorneys and submit a report to the court containing findings of fact and recommendations and any and all exceptions. G. Judicial Review. In all cases referred to a referee, the parties shall have the right to file an exception within 10 days of the date of the referee's Findings and Recommendations. The exception shall be accompanied by a praecipe requesting the preparation of the bill of exceptions of the proceedings before the referee. The hearing before the court on the exception shall be de novo on the record before the referee. The court may ratify or modify the recommendations of the referee and enter judgment based thereon. If no exception is filed, the court shall proceed to consider the referee's Findings and Recommendations and render a final order without further notice or hearing. H. Case Progression. Actions to establish or enforce support obligations and/or paternity shall be completed in accordance with state and federal law.Approved effective September 29, 1995; amended December 23, 1999; Rules 3-11(C) and (G) amended January 3, 2003. Rule 3-12. Trial Terms
Any civil or criminal case in which a jury is waived or which is to be tried to the court and which is expected to take 1 day or less to try may be assigned by the court to a Trial Term. A Trial Term is a period of time determined by each judge during which more than one case will be scheduled for trial. By order of the judge to whom the case is assigned, other requirements governing the progression of the case may be imposed. Cases assigned to a Trial Term for trial shall proceed to trial as follows: (1) All counsel and persons having cases set for trial during a Trial Term shall be ready for trial whenever called during the next and all subsequent trial terms. (2) The judge's bailiff will maintain a current list of cases set for trial during that judge's Trial Terms. Cases set for trial during a Trial Term will be called up for trial in the order in which they are listed thereon.Approved effective December 23, 1999; renumbered from 3-14 to 3-12 and amended July 14, 2004 (original Rules 3-12 and 3-13 deleted July 14, 2004). Rule 3-13. Appointment of Counsel; Indigent Parties; Standards and Procedures
A. Applicability. These rules shall apply in every criminal proceeding in which the laws of the United States or the laws of the State of Nebraska establish a right to be represented by counsel. All parties who have a right to be represented by an attorney, including juveniles, shall have their eligibility for appointment of an attorney at public expense determined in conformance with these rules. B. Definition of Terms. The following definitions shall be applied in connection with these rules: (1) “Anticipated Cost of Counsel” shall mean the cost of retaining private counsel for representation on the matter before the court, as estimated by the court with reference, when applicable, to actual fees and retainers quoted for representation in the case by attorneys who practice in the area. (2) “Available Funds” shall mean a party’s “liquid assets” and “disposable net monthly income” calculated after provision is made for the party’s bail obligations. For the purpose of determining “available funds,” the following definitions shall apply: (3) “Basic Living Costs” shall mean the average amount of money spent each month for reasonable payments, including loan payments, toward living costs such as shelter, food, utilities, health care, transportation, clothing, education and child support, alimony, or other support payments. (4) “Disposable Net Monthly Income” shall mean the income remaining each month after deducting amounts paid for income taxes, Social Security taxes, contributory retirement, union dues, and basic living costs. (5) “Income” shall mean salary, wages, interest, dividends, rental income, and other earnings and cash payments such as amounts received from pensions, annuities, Social Security, and public assistance programs, and child support, alimony, and other support payments. (6) “Liquid Assets” shall mean all real and personal property that is cash or that can be reasonably converted into cash, including pensions, deferred compensation plans, and individual retirement plans, cash on hand, funds provided by friends and relation for the purpose of providing legal services, savings accounts, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, and equity in any real or personal property. Any motor vehicle necessary to maintain employment shall not be considered a liquid asset. (7) “Indigent,” for purposes of this rule, shall mean: (a) A party who is: (i) Receiving one of the following types of public assistance: Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC), poverty related veteran’s benefits, food stamps, refugee resettlement benefits, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or County General Assistance Funds; or (ii) Receiving an annual gross income of 125% or less of the current federally established poverty level; or (iii) Residing in a public mental health facility or is the subject of a proceeding in which admission or commitment to such a facility is sought, provided that where the County Board of Mental Health or the Judge has reason to believe the party is not indigent, a determination of indigency shall be made in accordance with these Rules; or (iv) Serving a sentence in a correctional institution and has no available funds; or (v) Held in custody in jail and has no available funds; or, (b) A party who the court determines is unable to retain legal counsel without prejudicing the party’s ability to provide economic necessities for the party or the party’s family based on a comparison of the party’s available funds and anticipated cost of counsel. (8) “Party” shall mean a defendant, including a juvenile, in a criminal proceeding, in which a person has a right to counsel. C. Judicial Advisement of the Right to Counsel. Whenever a party initially appears before the court without an attorney in any criminal proceeding where the right to counsel attaches, the judge shall advise the party, or if the party is a juvenile or is under guardianship, the party and a parent or legal guardian, where appropriate, that (1) the party has a right to be represented by an attorney in the proceeding and (2) if the court determines that the party, or the party’s parent or guardian where appropriate, wants, but cannot afford, the services of an attorney, that an attorney will be provided at public expense. D. Affidavit of Indigency. A party who desires to proceed as an indigent with an attorney appointed by the court may be required to complete an affidavit under oath concerning his or her financial resources on a form consistent with Attachment A to the Comments associated with this Rule appearing in the Appendix Form 6 to these Rules. The affidavit shall require the party to list all financial resources relevant to a determination of indigence. The party shall be advised of the penalties for perjury. E. Determination of Indigency. If the court finds that the party has not effectively waived his or her right to counsel, and the party has not arranged to obtain counsel, the court may receive the affidavit of indigency and may question the party under oath. After reviewing the information contained in the affidavit and, if applicable, the party’s testimony, the court may determine whether the party is indigent based on § B(7)(a), indigent based on § B(7)(b), or not indigent. The court first shall determine whether a party is indigent based on § B(7)(a). If the court finds that a party is not indigent under § B(7)(a), the court shall next determine whether the party is indigent under § B(7)(b). If the court finds the party indigent, it shall make its findings part of the court record. F. Assignment of Counsel/Notice of Assignment. If the court finds that a party is indigent, the court shall appoint an attorney to provide representation for the party and enter an Order for Appointment of Counsel. The order shall include the name of the attorney assigned to represent the party or shall note the office of the public defender was appointed. G. Review of Indigency Determination. A party’s indigency status may be reviewed in a formal hearing at any stage of a court proceeding if additional information regarding financial circumstances becomes available to the court. A party has a right to reconsideration in a formal hearing of the findings and conclusions regarding the party’s indigency. H. Solicitation for Payment of Cost of Counsel. While determined to be indigent, a party may not be ordered, required, or solicited to make any payment toward the cost of counsel. I. Inadmissibility of Information Obtained From Party. No information provided by a party pursuant to this rule may be used in any criminal or civil proceeding against the party except, in a prosecution for perjury or contempt committed in providing such information or in an attempt to enforce an obligation to reimburse the state for the cost of counsel.Approved July 14, 2004; amended June 23, 2010; amended June 12, 2013. Rule 3-14. Payment of Court-Appointed Counsel and Guardians Ad Litem
Before the claim of any attorney appointed by the court is allowed, such attorney shall make a written motion for fees, positively verified, stating time and expenses in the case as allowed for in court appointed attorney fee guidelines published by the court. Counsel shall also state in the motion that counsel has not received and has no contract for the payment of any compensation by such defendant or anyone on the defendant’s behalf or, if counsel has received any fee or has a contract for the payment of same, counsel shall disclose the same fully so that the proper credit may be taken on counsel’s motion. Before the claim of any court-appointed guardian ad litem is allowed, such guardian ad litem shall make a written motion for fees, positively verified, stating time and expenses in the case as allowed for in court appointed attorney fee guidelines published by the court. Counsel shall also state in the motion that counsel has not received and has no contract for the payment of any compensation by any party or anyone on a party’s behalf or, if the guardian ad litem has received any fee or has a contract for the payment of same, the guardian ad litem shall disclose the same fully so that the proper credit may be taken on the motion. If a purpose of the motion is to secure an order requiring Lancaster County to compensate the guardian ad litem, notice of the hearing on the motion shall be given to the Lancaster County Attorney as it is given to any other party.Approved July 14, 2004; amended June 12, 2013. Rule 3-15. Courtroom Media Coverage
The following rule covers broadcast of courtroom proceedings in courtrooms presided over solely by the Honorable Karen Flowers, the Honorable Steven Burns, the Honorable Stephanie Stacy, and the Honorable Paul D. Merritt, Jr. In the discretion of the judge presiding, courtroom proceedings in these four courtrooms may be broadcast, both audio and video, and may be televised, recorded, or photographed (hereafter collectively referred to as "broadcast") under the following conditions: 1. Cameras and sound equipment of quality and type approved by the Judge presiding in the case, will be fixed in place in the courtroom with field of view of the camera and field of range of microphones being approved by the Judge presiding over the proceedings. Other than the cameras identified herein, no other camera will be permitted in the courtroom, including a still camera without authorization of the presiding judge. The images produced by the camera in the courtroom should be of such a nature that still images may be retrieved. 2. The audio broadcast shall include only the statements made in open court and shall not include communications between counsel, between counsel and their clients, or bench conferences between counsel and the court. 3. Images of, or statements from, jurors will not be broadcast. 4. Jury selection will not be broadcast. 5. Unless approved by the judge presiding over the proceedings, the following cases will not be broadcast: matters involving grand juries, juveniles (persons under 19 years old), domestic matters, child custody, parenting time, sexual abuse, sexual assault, and protection orders. 6. The testimony of certain witnesses may not be broadcast. Those witnesses are: persons under age 19, a person who claims to be a victim of sexual abuse or sexual assault who will be called upon to testify about the abuse or assault, or a confidential informant's testimony about the matter upon which the person informed. Any witness may make a request to prevent that person's testimony from being b