Subdivision 1. Generally. Each party may present evidence, rebuttal testimony, and argument with respect to the issues.

Subd. 2. Testimony and Documents Permitted. Evidence may be presented through documents and testimony of the parties or other witnesses. Testimony may be given in narrative fashion by witnesses or by question and answer. Any party may be a witness and may present witnesses. All oral testimony shall be under oath or affirmation. The child support magistrate may exclude witnesses from the hearing room so that they cannot hear the testimony of other witnesses. In any proceeding, a sworn written affidavit of any party or witness may be offered in lieu of oral testimony.

Subd. 3. Necessary Preparation Required. The parties shall exchange copies of documents 7 days before the hearing. If the exchange is not completed within the required time frame, each party shall bring to the hearing all evidence, both oral and written, the party intends to present. Each party must have enough copies of each exhibit the party intends to offer so that a copy can be provided to all other parties and the child support magistrate at the time of the hearing. The child support magistrate shall have the discretion in determining whether evidence that was not timely exchanged prior to the hearing should or should not be admitted into evidence.