§ 61-3201 — Pretrial hearing

(a) If the defendant appears on the date specified in the summons and disputes the petition, or on or before such date files an answer, the court may set the case for a pretrial hearing. Such hearing shall be held at least 14 days after the date of the defendant's appearance. All parties shall be notified of the date, time and place for the pretrial hearing.
(b) After a case has been set for pretrial, each of the parties shall submit to the other party before the date scheduled for the pretrial hearing, copies of all documents which support the petition or answer and an identification of all witnesses who will testify at trial to support the same.
(c) If the defendant fails to appear at the pretrial hearing, the court may enter default judgment against the defendant for the relief demanded in the petition without further notice. If the plaintiff fails to appear at the pretrial hearing, the court may dismiss the lawsuit upon such terms and conditions as the court deems proper.
(d) If both parties appear at the pretrial hearing, the court shall conduct a conference with the parties to clarify the issues for trial and explore the possibilities of settlement. If the defendant does not have a legal defense to the petition, the court may enter judgment against the defendant for the relief demanded in the petition or for such other relief that the court believes is fair and just. If the plaintiff has not stated a claim upon which relief can be granted, the court may dismiss the petition.

Legislative History

L. 2000, ch. 161, § 31; L. 2010, ch. 135, § 205; July 1.