A. Pursuant to the mandate of Rule 43-04 of the Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure, in all trials concerning maintenance or divorce, the testimony shall be taken by deposition, unless the parties opt for the alternate method of trial of said actions as provided herein.

B. In all contested domestic relations actions, the parties may choose to have the case heard by the Family Court Judge rather than have the testimony taken by deposition. To exercise the option to have the case heard. Petitioner shall make the request on the Pre-hearing Memorandum filed prior to the Case Management Conference. Unless the Respondent promptly objects prior to the date of the Case Management Conference, it will be considered that both parties have opted to proceed by oral testimony. All hearings shall be conducted on the video record.

C. In its discretion, the Court may order that testimony of witnesses other than the parties be taken only by deposition.