10.5Combined Adjudicative and Dispositional Hearings

MCR 3.973(B), which governs notice of dispositional hearings, contemplates a combined adjudicative and dispositional hearing: “[u]nless the dispositional hearing is held immediately after the trial, notice of hearing may be given by scheduling it on the record in the presence of the parties or in accordance with MCR 3.920.” MCR 3.973(C) assigns to the court’s discretion the interval between the trial and the dispositional hearing (not to exceed 28 days when a child is in placement). Accordingly, the two hearings may be combined if necessary preparations are made before the hearing, including preparation of a case service plan.¹ MCR 3.973(E)(2).

Note: Combined hearings are often conducted when the allegations in the petition are uncontested.