The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to the appointment of professional personnel in family court proceedings following a decree of dissolution of marriage. Under the new provisions, the court may appoint such personnel only if both parties agree in writing or if the court conducts an evidentiary hearing and issues an order for the appointment. The bill also mandates that the court must inform both parties about the proposed personnel, allow them to suggest alternatives, and provide a written explanation for the appointment, including details about fees and the expected duration of the appointment.

Additionally, the bill introduces requirements for conducting discovery prior to the evidentiary hearing and stipulates that the appointment of professional personnel is unnecessary if no supporting evidence is found after discovery. It outlines specific types of evidence that may justify the appointment, such as criminal records or documented acts of violence. The court is also required to provide a detailed written order following the hearing, which includes the reasons for the appointment, the costs involved, and the parties' ability to pay. If the court fails to comply with these requirements, any appointment or report from the professional personnel may be disregarded in future proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 25-1502