Chapter 6. Case Management of California Family Law Code >> Division 6. >> Part 3. >> Chapter 6.

(a) The purpose of family centered case resolution is to benefit the parties by providing judicial assistance and management to the parties in actions for dissolution of marriage for the purpose of expediting the processing of the case, reducing the expense of litigation, and focusing on early resolution by settlement. Family centered case resolution is a tool to allow the courts to better assist families. It does not increase the authority of the court to appoint any third parties to the case.
  (b) The court may order a family centered case resolution plan as provided in Section 2451. If the court orders family centered case resolution, it shall state the family centered case resolution plan in writing or on the record.

(a) A court-ordered family centered case resolution plan must be in conformance with due process requirements and may include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
  (1) Early neutral case evaluation.
  (2) Alternative dispute resolution consistent with the requirements of subdivision (a) of Section 3181.
  (3) Limitations on discovery, including temporary suspension pending exploration of settlement. There is a rebuttable presumption that an attorney who carries out discovery as provided in a family centered case resolution plan has fulfilled his or her duty of care to the client as to the existence of community property.
  (4) Use of telephone conference calls to ascertain the status of the case, encourage cooperation, and assist counsel in reaching agreement. However, if the court is required to issue an order other than by stipulation, a hearing shall be held.
  (5) If stipulated by the parties, modification or waiver of the requirements of procedural statutes.
  (6) A requirement that any expert witness be selected by the parties jointly or be appointed by the court. However, if at any time the court determines that the issues for which experts are required cannot be settled under these conditions, the court shall permit each party to employ his or her own expert.
  (7) Bifurcation of issues for trial.
  (b) This section does not provide any additional authority to the court to appoint experts beyond that permitted under other provisions of law.
  (c) The Judicial Council shall, by January 1, 2012, adopt a statewide rule of court to implement this section.
  (d) The changes made to this section by the act adding this subdivision shall become operative on January 1, 2012.

The Judicial Council may, by rule, increase the procedures set forth in this chapter.