(1) BEFORE COURT. In an action affecting the family, all hearings and trials to determine whether judgment shall be granted, except hearings under s. 757.69(1) (p) 3 , shall be before the court. Testimony shall be taken by the reporter and shall be transcribed and filed with the record if so ordered by the court. Custody proceedings have priority in being set for hearing.(2) APPEARANCE OF LITIGANTS. Unless nonresidence in the state is shown by competent evidence, service is by publication, or the court for other good cause orders otherwise, both parties in actions affecting the family shall appear upon the final hearing or trial. An order of the court to that effect shall be procured by the moving party, and shall be served upon the nonmoving party before the hearing or trial. No order is required in the case of a joint petition.(3) EXCLUSION FROM COURTROOM. The court may on its own motion, or on motion of any party to an action affecting the family, exclude from the courtroom all persons other than the parties, their attorneys and any guardians ad litem.
