RULE 8.2 INTERIM ORDERS IN DOMESTIC RELATIONS CASES

Obsolete Date: 3/1/1999

(a) Ex Parte Interim Order.

(1) No interim order may issue except upon notice and hearing unless the court specifically finds exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances include:

(A) Threat of imminent danger to any party or minor child of the party; or

(B) Circumstances indicating that an ex parte order is necessary to protect the parties, any minor children of the parties, or the marital estate.

(2) No ex parte interim order may be issued unless the movant executes an affidavit setting forth specific facts justifying the issuance of the order. A restraining and eviction order may not be issued ex parte unless the movant also appears personally and good cause is shown for issuance of the order.

(3) The provisions which may be included in an ex parte interim order are temporary custody, support and other appropriate expenses, use of real or personal property, restraining and eviction.

(4) If there has been an appearance in the action by the adverse party, or if the attorney for the moving party has knowledge that the adverse party is represented by an attorney, the attorney for the moving party shall notify the court. After receiving notice of the appearance or representation, the court shall attempt to hold an emergency hearing, either in person or by telephonic conference, at which both parties may be heard, before issuing any order. The issuance of an order following an emergency hearing will in no manner affect a party's right to a further hearing on the merits of the order as provided in Rule 8.2 (a)(5).

(5) An interim order issued ex parte must provide specifically:

A. That the party to whom the order is directed, upon written motion may have a hearing upon the necessity for the issuance of the order or the amounts to be paid; and

B. That unless the motion is served and filed in the office of the clerk of district court within 10 days after service of the interim order, the order becomes final and is nonappealable, pending a final determination of the issues raised by the pleadings or until further order of the court in the event of a material change of circumstances.

C. That any hearing on the order must be held within 30 days from the date the motion is filed, unless an earlier hearing is required under chapter 14-07.1, NDCC. If the ex parte order contains provisions delineated in chapter 14-07.1, NDCC, the hearing must be scheduled in a timely manner to conform with the chapter.

(6) The ex parte interim order remains in effect until it is amended following a court hearing.

(b) Interim Orders Upon Motion and Hearing.

(1) Support. An interim order may provide for payment of support and other appropriate expenses. In the event support is ordered, a current mailing address must be listed for both parties.

(2) Custody - Visitation. An interim order providing for temporary custody of minor children may be granted, in which case the order must provide for reasonable visitation rights, unless the evidence establishes that visitation should be restricted to certain times and places or prohibited.

(3) Attorney's Fees and Costs. An interim order may provide for payment of attorney's fees and costs if evidence establishes that a party has insufficient personal income or funds with which to pay attorney's fees and costs.

(4) Use of Property. An interim order may provide for the use of real or personal property, and for restraining and eviction.

(c) Payments to Clerk. The interim order must provide that all support payments be paid to and through the clerk of the district court. Payments must be in a manner acceptable to the clerk unless otherwise ordered by the court.

(d) Time for Hearing Upon Notice. If a notice of motion and motion are served to obtain an interim order, the court shall hold a hearing no later than 30 days from the date of filing the motion.

(e) Submission of Evidence.

(1) In any proceedings under this rule, each party shall file an itemized financial statement prepared as illustrated in appendix B.

(2) Unless the court otherwise orders, evidence either in support of or in opposition to the interim order must be presented by affidavit. Evidence presented by affidavit may not be considered unless, at the time of the evidentiary hearing, the party offering the affidavit makes the affiant available for cross examination. The party initially seeking interim relief shall proceed first at the hearing. The affidavits and itemized financial statement of the moving party must be served and filed no later than ten days prior to the commencement of the hearing. Respondent's affidavits and itemized financial statement must be served and filed no later than three days prior to the commencement of the hearing.