Civil actions: exceptions to dismissal for delay in prosecution.

Existing law authorizes a court to dismiss an action for delay in prosecution if, among other conditions, an action is not brought to trial within a specified period of time. Existing law prohibits dismissal of an action for dissolution of marriage or for legal separation of parties under specified conditions, including if a valid order for child or spousal support exists or, in an action for dissolution of marriage, a separate trial on the issue of the status of marriage has been conducted as provided by law. This bill would expand the types of actions to which the exception to dismissal of an action for delay in prosecution would apply and would include an action for the dissolution of a domestic partnership, an action based on void or voidable marriage, and an action relating to a child custody or visitation order. The bill would prohibit those actions from being dismissed under the specified conditions that would also include if an order regarding child custody or visitation has been issued, as specified, or if a valid personal conduct restraining order exists and if an issue in the case has been bifurcated, as specified.