Rule 6.4. Juvenile Cases

   (A) Prehearing Conference: The Court will schedule a prehearing conference on all juvenile cases involving a petition filed pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-247(3)(a) prior to the first appearance when possible 

   (B) Pretermination Conference: Prior to any trial on a Motion to Terminate Parental Rights, there shall be a pretermination conference.

   (C) Appointments and Fees/Expenses:

   (1) The Court shall appoint an attorney or public defender or Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) in any juvenile matter when the parent or child is deemed indigent by testimony or affidavit, after a request has been made or is required by statute.

   (2) Each County shall maintain their own list for court-appointed counsel and GAL.  Counsel will be appointed cases on a rotating basis factoring in experience, training, complexity of the case, disposition of Defendant, language, availability, geographical location and other relevant factors.

   (3) The Court shall allow reasonable expenses, including drive time and mileage. The hourly fee and mileage reimbursement rates will be by majority vote of the Judges and shall be kept on file with the clerk.

   (4) Applications for fees and expenses, as provided in Neb. Ct. R. § 6-1407, shall be submitted within 90 days after disposition and after any review hearing.

Rule 6.4. approved May 27, 2026.