(a)Contempt/show cause and modification petitions and hearings. – A party may file a petition for contempt/order to show cause or modification of any order of the court. If grounds pled warrant a contempt/show cause and modification hearing, the hearing shall take place within 45 days of the filing of a petition for contempt/order to show cause or modification. If grounds pled not warrant a hearing then the court shall enter a dismissal order within 20 days. (b)Conversion of hearing to final hearing. – By agreement of all parties placed on the record, any hearing may be converted to a final hearing if sufficient evidence is presented to sustain the cause of action and resolve all issues. (c)Time for final hearing. – Except for good cause shown and placed on the record, a final hearing shall not be conducted prior to expiration of the time in which the respondent is required to serve an answer. A final hearing must take place within 220 days from the date of the filing of the initial pleading. The Court has the discretion to limit the duration of final hearings.
W. Va. R. Prac. & P. Fam. Ct. 21
Amended by order adopted May 22, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
