Polk County Circuit Court, Wisconsin Chambers Communication Rules

CRITICAL

Unless good cause has been shown to the judge, a party seeking to close a proceeding to the media must notify the court and media coordinator in writing at least 72 hours before the motion hearing.

Unless good cause has been shown to the judge, a party moving that any judicial proceeding required by law to be open to the public should be closed to the news media, the individual must notify the court and the media coordinator in writing at least 72 hours prior to the time set to hear the motion.

CRITICAL

Contact

Phone to chambers

If the court cannot take the call while in session, the plaintiff's attorney must notify the judge's assistant and remain available for the judge's return call at recess.

If court is in session and cannot take the call, plaintiff’s attorney must advise the judge’s assistant to advise the judge of the call. The judge will return the call as soon as recess can be taken, and plaintiff’s attorney must be standing by to receive the court’s call.

CRITICAL

If the G.A.L. cannot secure appointment of adversary counsel, the G.A.L. must notify the juvenile court clerk, who will ensure timely appointment if directed by the court.

If the G.A.L. is unable to accomplish this duty, they shall notify the juvenile court clerk, who shall insure appointment of counsel in a timely manner, if directed by the court.

CRITICAL

A party who changes address during the case must immediately notify the clerk and the other party or parties.

If either party has a change of address during the pendency of their case, they must notify the clerk of court and the other party of parties immediately.

CRITICAL

Contact

Phone to chambers

If other appearing attorneys intend to participate in the hearing by phone, the plaintiff's attorney must initiate the conference call.

If other attorneys have answered or formally appeared and plaintiff’s attorney determines they intend to participate in the hearing via phone, it is the plaintiff’s attorney’s obligation to initiate that conference call.

CRITICAL

Contact

Phone to clerk

The initial request to dismiss or adjourn may be made by phone, but the parties must follow up with written notice.

The initial request to dismiss or adjourn may be made by phone; however, the parties must follow up with a written notice.

WARNING

Contact

Phone to chambers

If it is reasonably believed that no one will appear to contest, the plaintiff's attorney may attend the confirmation hearing by telephone with prior approval.

Plaintiff’s attorney can submit proof via affidavit and attend the confirmation hearing via telephone (with prior approval) if it is reasonably believed that no one will appear to contest.

WARNING

A party may appear by telephone only if the clerk receives a request letter before mediation and the letter encloses the $25 fee payable to the mediator.

Telephone appearance is permissible only if a letter requesting such is received by the clerk of court prior to the scheduled mediation date. The $25 mediation fee made payable to “Mediator” must be enclosed or your request will be denied.

WARNING

Contact

Phone to chambers

With prior approval, the plaintiff's attorney may call the court at the scheduled default-hearing time and attend by telephone.

However, plaintiff’s attorney may (with prior approval) initiate a call to the court at the time set for the default hearing and attend the default hearing via telephone.

INFO

The attorneys involved are advised to contact the assigned judge for further direction about a request to change the mediator.

The attorneys involved are advised to contact the judge for further direction.