Subcommittee proposes standardized pretrial orders, higher mediator training and pilots for family court reforms

A House Committee on Children and Family Law subcommittee reviewed proposals to standardize pretrial procedures, increase mediator training and oversight, and pilot reforms in selected counties during a work session. Members did not take a formal vote; the group plans to circulate reports and accept preliminary unofficial responses by email.

The proposals grew from testimony that current practice gives judges broad discretion to waive procedures, producing inconsistent discovery, variable mediator training and oversight, and confusion for parties who are self-represented. Presenters said families report delays, unclear instructions about mediation rights and limited screening for domestic violence before mediation begins.

Representatives Grama and Raymond presented the subcommittee’s findings and recommendations. Among the key recommendations were: require a pretrial case-management order for family cases…