Rule 13 - Pretrial Conference and Meeting of Parties(a)Pretrial Conference and Meeting of Parties. The court shall conduct a pretrial conference to discuss the topics specified in paragraph (b). Before the pretrial conference, the parties shall meet, either telephonically or in person, to ensure that an appropriate case plan is in place for the child and the family and to address the topics that will be discussed at the conference. The meeting will be held at the time specified by the court or, if no time is specified, at least 30 days before the pretrial conference. The attorneys of record and all unrepresented parties who have appeared in the case are jointly responsible for arranging and being present at the meeting and for submitting to the court within 10 days after the meeting a written summary of the meeting. (b)Purpose of Pretrial Conference. At the pretrial conference, the court and parties may: (1) consider efforts to locate and serve all parties; (3) consider amendments to the pleadings; (4) conclude any unresolved discovery matters; (5) resolve pending motions; (6) discuss settlement and the use of special procedures to assist in resolving the case; (7) consider the possibility of obtaining admissions and stipulations of fact and documents which will avoid the introduction of unnecessary evidence; (8) identify unnecessary proof and cumulative evidence, and limitations or restrictions on the use of expert testimony; (9) determine whether the child will be present and testify at adjudication and, if so, under what conditions; (10) establish a reasonable limit on the time allowed for presenting evidence; and (11) consider such other matters as may aid in the resolution of the proceeding. (c)Duty to Update. Parties have a continuing obligation to update information provided during the pretrial conference. SCO 845 effective 8/15/1987; amended by SCO 1355 effective 7/15/1999