A. In all cases when custody or parenting time is a contested issue, the court shall first hear and decide all other issues including maintenance and child support if requested to do so by the petitioner, the respondent or the child’s attorney. The request shall be in the form of a written demand filed with a motion to set or a controverting certificate.

B. On stipulation of the parties, the court shall first hear and decide custody or parenting time issues.

C. In the absence of a request or stipulation made pursuant to this section, the court may try any issue separately and in any sequence.