If a parent or guardian denies the allegations at the preliminary protective hearing the court may set the date for the dependency adjudication hearing as to that parent or guardian. An initial dependency hearing shall not be held as to that parent or guardian. The court shall also schedule the settlement conference, pretrial conference or mediation that is prescribed in section 8-844. The court shall also instruct the parent or guardian that the failure to appear at the pretrial conference, settlement conference or dependency adjudication hearing may result in an adjudication of dependency and disposition as to the parent or guardian who does not appear.

Terms Used In Arizona Laws 8-826

  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Pretrial conference: A meeting of the judge and lawyers to discuss which matters should be presented to the jury, to review evidence and witnesses, to set a timetable, and to discuss the settlement of the case.
  • Settlement: Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party's claims.
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