(A) Referrals for Assessments and Evaluations. The Court, on its own motion or on the parties' stipulation, may order that legal decision-making and/or parenting time issues be referred to the Conciliation Court to screen and determine if it is appropriate for an assessment or evaluation under Rule 68(d), ARFLP. The Conciliation Court will review and determine whether the matter is appropriate for an assessment or evaluation according to the criteria adopted by the Conciliation Court. The Conciliation Court may consider the finances of the parties and the issues involved in the matter in determining whether an evaluation or assessment will occur. If appropriate, an assessment or evaluation may be conducted, in accordance with Rule 68(d), ARFLP. The parties must complete the Domestic Relations Education on Children's Issues course and mediation before an evaluation being commenced unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

(B) Report to the Court. At the completion of an assessment or evaluation, the Conciliation Court will submit a report with recommendations to the Court, with copies to the attorneys, or the parties if self-represented. The report must be filed with the Court and an order will be entered sealing the report, to be opened or viewed only by Court order. The Court will consider the report and recommendations in determining legal decision-making and/or parenting time.

Should the parties reach an agreement regarding legal decision-making and/or parenting time during the evaluation, the evaluator will submit a written report to the Court. The report must summarize the parents' participation, and must include the agreement reached by the parents, the recommendations of the evaluator, if any, and a statement of the evaluator's opinion whether the agreement is in the best interests of the minor children.