Details of the new informal family law trial pilot project

The Iowa Supreme Court established an Informal Family Law Trial pilot project in the Seventh Judicial District, which covers the following counties:  Cedar, Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine, and Scott. The purpose is to expedite the conclusion of those cases with less complex facts and circumstances. Both parties must consent to opt in to the pilot project.

Under the pilot project, cases are still subject to the mandatory discovery disclosure requirements but no additional or formal discovery will be allowed without leave of court.

The Iowa Rules of Evidence will also not apply and testimony at trial will be limited to the parties and up to two witnesses per party.  Each party may present up to five affidavits and up to two expert witness affidavits (which will count as one of the five affidavits a party is permitted to submit).

The court has the ability to ask questions of witnesses at trial under ordinary circumstances, but under the pilot project, the court would ask all of the questions.

The full Order regarding the pilot project can be found here and – if successful in the Seventh District – could be coming to a district near you.

The material in this blog is not intended, nor should it be construed or relied upon, as legal advice. Please consult with an attorney if specific legal information is needed.