Section 28.22 Pretrial Procedure

• Library: Family Law Deskbook and 2014 Supp

A. (§28.22) Pretrial Procedure

The MoUPA (Missouri Uniform Parentage Act), §§ 210.817–210.852, RSMo 2000 and Supp. 2011, establishes an informal pretrial procedure to explore and encourage settlement. This procedure involves an informal hearing before a master, who may then make a recommendation for settlement. Sections 210.832 and 210.838, RSMo 2000. This process was created for the specific purpose of avoiding the inconvenience of trial and achieving voluntary compromise. Unif. Parentage Act (1973) § 10 cmt., 9B U.L.A. 377 (2001 and 2012 Cumulative Annual Pocket Part).

“As soon as practicable after” the commencement of an action under the MoUPA, the court may order that a master be appointed to hold an informal hearing. Section 210.832.1 2000. The public is barred from this hearing but, upon request of a party, a record must...