—Scheduling of Hearings; Con-

tinuances (a) A hearing shall be scheduled not less than six and not more than forty-five days after the answer date. (b) Continuances (1) In any case where the plaintiff claims preju- dice because of an unexpected defense or coun- terclaim or where either party shows good cause therefor, the judicial authority may postpone the hearing of any claim upon such terms as the judi- cial authority may order. (2) A new hearing shall be scheduled within ninety days of the date set for the hearing which was postponed. (3) Requests for continuances shall be made in writing to the clerk and shall state the reasons therefor. The party requesting the continuance shall first attempt to notify the other party of the request and shall include in the request when such notice was given and whether the other party agreed to the request. Requests for a continuance made prior to the scheduled hearing date shall be decided by the clerk. Requests for a continuance made on the scheduled date shall be decided by the judicial authority. All requests shall be acted on as soon as possible. Oral requests for continuance shall be permitted by the clerk only in extraordinary circum- stances. (4) The clerk shall notify all parties of the deci- sion on any request for continuance and of the new hearing date. (P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 565.) (Amended June 26, 2000, to take effect Jan. 1, 2001.)