§ 5232. Procedures generally

(a) Any action filed under this subchapter shall be summary in nature, and a hearing shall be held as soon as practicable. The Probate Division of the Superior Court may order interim, ex parte relief based on available information. In extraordinary circumstances, the court may authorize use of discovery, subject to the inherent time constraints required because of the subject matter. The Vermont Rules of Evidence shall not apply, except for those rules respecting privilege. Affidavits of parties and witnesses shall be admissible evidence that may be rebutted by witnesses or affidavits offered by other parties. Other evidence is admissible if it is of a type commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent persons in the conduct of their daily affairs. Telephone testimony shall be authorized unless otherwise ordered for good cause shown. Any person shall be entitled, but not required, to be represented by an attorney. (Added 2007, No. 56, § 1; amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011.)