MINNESOTA COURT RULES

JUVENILE COURT

Minnesota Rules of Adoption Procedure

Rule 8.Presence at Hearings

8.01Attendance at Hearings

Only the parties, their legal counsel, their witnesses, persons entitled to notice pursuant to Rule 31, and any other persons authorized by the court may attend hearings relating to adoption matters.

(Amended effective January 1, 2007.)

8.02Absence Does Not Bar Hearing

The absence from a hearing of any person who is entitled to notice of the hearing, except the petitioners, shall not prevent the hearing from proceeding, provided appropriate notice has been served.

8.03Exclusion of Persons Who Have Right to Attend Hearings

In any hearing the court may temporarily exclude the presence of any person other than counsel or the guardian ad litem when it is in the best interests of the child to do so. If a person other than counsel or the guardian ad litem engages in conduct that disrupts the court, the person may be excluded from the courtroom. The exclusion of the person shall not prevent the court from proceeding with the hearing.

8.04Record of Exclusion and Right to Continued Participation

Any exclusion of a person who has the right to attend a hearing shall be noted on the record and the reasons for the exclusion given. The counsel and guardian ad litem of the excluded person have the right to remain and participate in the hearing.