Bifurcation

The court shall not bifurcate a divorce proceeding unless there is a compelling reason to grant the divorce prior to resolving issues related to spousal support, child support, and distribution of property; no party will be prejudiced by the bifurcation; and a temporary order has been entered granting spousal support, child support, and any other necessary relief. If a case is bifurcated, the final order shall be entered within six months of the entry of the bifurcation order. [Amended by order adopted November 27, 2001, effective January 1, 2002; and by order entered and effective December 1, 2005.]