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Ministry of Justice

How do I prepare for my judicial case conference?

Whether you have a lawyer or not, you should do some work in advance of your conference. To prepare for your judicial case conference:

  • Re-read all the documents you or your spouse filed at the court registry as part of your family law proceeding.
  • Read through the litigants' guide and case management worksheet. Completing this worksheet will help you prepare to answer the judge's or master's questions (your spouse should also complete a worksheet, but you do not need to show yours to your spouse or to anyone else; it is for your use only). The worksheet asks you, among other things:
    • which issues you and your spouse disagree about, such as child support or access
    • what option or options you think would be the most appropriate for settling your disagreements - for example, mediation or a settlement meeting (this is a meeting between you and the defendant and your lawyers, if you have them, to try to negotiate a solution you can both agree to)
    • if and when a trial and pre-trial conference (a meeting before the judge or master that will focus on making sure you and the defendant are ready to present your case at a trial) should be held, and
    • whether you and your spouse should attend a Parenting After Separation session.
  • Make child-care arrangements for your children for the time of the conference.