Conrad v. Swan

[¶ 17] I respectfully dissent. The Court’s action today frustrates legislative policy that both parents participate in decision-making regarding their children, and gives its seal of approval to a pre-trial conference scheduling practice of Family Law Magistrates that has been criticized by this Court’s own Family Division Task Force.

[¶ 18] This case was initiated by Robert Conrad filing a complaint to define parental rights and responsibilities regarding his daughter. 19-A M.R.S. §§ 1651— 1658 (2006). A case management conference was held with the parties on June 29, 2006. Because the Family…