Case management under this act is the process by which a neutral case manager appointed by the court, or by a hearing officer in a proceeding pursuant to K.S.A. 2020 Supp. 23-3401, and amendments thereto, or through agreement by the parties, assists the parties by providing a procedure, other than mediation, which facilitates negotiation of a plan for child custody, residency or visitation or parenting time. In the event that the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the case manager shall make recommendations to the court.