PRETRIAL MATTERS

(a) Motion for New Judge. If a party believes it cannot get a fair trial before a specific judge, the party may file a sworn motion stating such, supported by the sworn statements of two other credible persons. Except for good cause shown, this motion must be filed at least 3 days before trial. The judge must exchange benches with another qualified judge, or if no judge is available to exchange benches, the county judge must appoint a visiting judge to hear the case. A party may apply for relief under this rule only one time in any given lawsuit.

(b) Postponing Trial; Limits. A party may file a motion requesting that the trial be postponed. The motion must state why a postponement is necessary. The judge, for good cause, may postpone any trial for a reasonable time not to exceed 7 days unless the parties agree to the postponement in writing.

(c) Pretrial Conference; Issues. If all parties have appeared in a lawsuit, the court, at any party’s request or on its own, may set a case for a pretrial conference so long as it does not delay the trial.

(d) Alternative Dispute Resolution. The court must not order mediation or any other alternative dispute resolution process if it would delay trial.

(e) Pretrial Discovery. Pretrial discovery is limited to that which the judge considers reasonable and necessary. Any requests for pretrial discovery must be presented to the court. Failure to comply with a discovery order can result in sanctions, including dismissal of the case or an order to pay the other party’s discovery expenses.