A. Prior to temporary custody hearings, prehearing conferences with all parties and counsel may be held and may be facilitated by mediators. The facilitators are disinterested parties who will gather necessary information regarding parentage, possible Indian Child Welfare Act applicability, placement of the children, visitation, services, and evaluations or assessments offered. Any documents completed in the prehearing conference may be marked and offered into evidence. Discussions taking place at such facilitated conferences shall be confidential and privileged to the extent provided by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-247.01.

   B. Pretrial conferences may be on order of the court and shall specify the date, hour, and location requirements placed upon counsel; the manner in which the conference will be held; and any other matters the court deems appropriate. It is strongly encouraged that any and all stipulations should be entered into at the time of the pretrial conference. At the time of the pretrial conference, all counsel shall have made efforts to speak with their respective client and each other and shall be prepared to inform the court

   (1) whether the matter will be contested;

   (2) if contested, the estimate of time necessary to adjudicate;

   (3) whether in-chambers testimony will be requested and any other objections thereto;

   (4) whether any matters may be stipulated;

   (5) whether an interpreter of any nature will be required; and

   (6) whether there are any special health needs of counsel, parties, or witnesses requiring accommodation.