60-3106 - Hearings; temporary orders pending hearing, modification.

60-3106. Hearings; temporary orders pending hearing, modification. (a) Within 21 days of the filing of a petition under this act a hearing shall be held at which the plaintiff must prove the allegation of abuse by a preponderance of the evidence and the defendant shall have an opportunity to cross-examine the petitioner's witnesses and present evidence on the defendant's behalf. Upon the filing of the petition, the court shall set the case for hearing and advise the parties of the right to be represented by counsel.

(b) Prior to the hearing on the petition and upon a finding of good cause shown, the court on motion of a party may enter such temporary relief orders in accordance with subsection (a)(1), (2), (4) or (5) of K.S.A. 60-3107, and amendments thereto, or any combination thereof, as it deems necessary to protect the plaintiff or minor children from abuse. Temporary orders may be granted ex parte. Immediate and present danger of abuse to the plaintiff or minor children shall constitute good cause for purposes of this section. No temporary order shall have the effect of modifying an existing order granting legal custody, residency, visitation or parenting time unless there is sworn testimony at a hearing to support a showing of good cause.

(c) If a hearing under subsection (a) is continued, the court may make or extend such temporary orders under subsection (b) as it deems necessary.