What is a family settlement conference?
The settlement conference gives divorcing couples a chance to review all the issues at stake and to work toward a mutually beneficial settlement, instead of letting a court decide for them. Settlement conferences typically involve more structured negotiation and dispute resolution techniques.
How does settling at a pretrial conference work?
Settling your case at a pretrial conference is similar to settling at any other time in your divorce—you can’t be coerced or pressured into settling. Your settlement will be on your terms. Your settlement discussions will likely take place in a spare room in the courthouse.
Who is the judge in a pre trial conference?
The pre-trial is conducted by a judge who will not be the judge at the trial. Where no settlement is reached, discussions between the parties are privileged, meaning that things that are said can’t be brought up at trial.
What does it mean to have a settlement conference?
A settlement conference (also called mediation or pretrial conference) is a meeting between the two parties to a civil lawsuit where they discuss their claims and attempt to resolve their dispute prior to trial.
What happens at a pretrial hearing for divorce?
What Happens at a Pretrial Hearing for Divorce? A settlement conference (also called mediation or pretrial conference) is a meeting between the two parties to a civil lawsuit where they discuss their claims and attempt to resolve their dispute prior to trial.
What should I expect at a pre-trial conference?
- Simplify some of the legal issues involved in the trial
- Eliminate any claims or defenses that would be considered frivolous
- Identify documents to be used as evidence
- Identify witnesses (such as bystanders or witnesses to an accident)
- Obtain any admissions of guilt or liability
- Create a timetable for the submission of motions and briefs
Do I have to attend a settlement conference?
As the term Mandatory Settlement Conference implies, you are required to attend. You need to be there because one of the primary reasons for the conference is to see if your case can be settled by the parties, thus avoiding a trial.
What should I expect at my divorce pre-trial conference?
At a pretrial conference you or your attorney has the chance to present the remaining issues in your case. By the time a pretrial conference rolls around, you’ve probably accomplished most of the discovery in your case and know what issues remain. You and your spouse may have even attended mediation and resolved some aspects of your divorce. However, any issues you have already agreed upon need to be resolved at trial.
What does pretrial conference stand for?
The Pre-Trial Conference (“PTC”) is a proactive case management mechanism provided for under Order 34A of the Rules of Court. At the PTC, the Court monitors the progress of the cases and gives the necessary directions in order for the just, expeditious and economical disposal of the action.