Article 163. Actions of the judge at preparation of the case for court proceedings

In preparing the case for trial, the judge shall take the following actions:

1) considers the issues on attraction of another respondent or third person to participation in the case;

2) notifies interested persons about the proceedings;

3) notifies the persons participating in the case of their right to participate in the court session via videoconferencing;

4) invites persons participating in the case, other organizations and their officials to take certain actions, including submitting documents and data that are important for resolving the dispute;

5) summons witnesses;

6) resolves the issue on appointing an expert examination;

7) assists the parties in obtaining the necessary evidence, requests the evidence on a petition of the parties;

8) takes measures for conciliation of the parties;

9) on a petition of the parties, resolves issues of securing claims and evidence;

10) considers issues of attraction of other persons to participation in the case, on joining the cases into one proceedings or severing stated claims into separate proceedings, on holding a visiting session.

The judge shall also carry out other actions aimed at ensuring the correct and timely resolution of the dispute.

At preparation of the case for court proceedings, the judge, on issues arising from civil-law relations, with the exception of cases considered under summary procedure, within ten days from the date of acceptance of the statement of claim for proceedings and initiation of the case, may hold a pre-trial session in accordance with the procedure established by this Code.