“The interval, if any, between the trial and the dispositional hearing is within the discretion of the court. When the child is in placement, the interval may not be more than 28 days, except for good cause.” MCR 3.973(C).
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 trial, including preparation of a case service plan.1 See MCR 3.973(E)(2).
1 See Section 13.6 for a detailed discussion of case service plans.