The Best Option for You
If You Go to Supreme Court
What is a settlement conference?
At any time during your family law proceeding, you or the Defendant may apply for - or a judge or master may order - a settlement conference. (Please talk to court staff about how to request a settlement conference.)
A settlement conference is a meeting where you and the Defendant (and/or your lawyers if you have them) meet in private with a judge or master to explore ways to settle your issues without going to trial.
Court staff will set a time for your settlement conference depending on how complicated your case is.
- If your settlement conference is scheduled for one hour or less, you and the Defendant will need to file - at least four days before the conference - short statements (called "settlement briefs") outlining the facts of your case and the issues you need to resolve, and summarizing the evidence you have to support your case.
- If your settlement conference is scheduled for more than one hour, you and the Defendant will be required to attend a pre-settlement conference (either in person or over the telephone), where the judge or master will review with you the procedure to be followed at your conference.
If you and the Defendant succeed in reaching an agreement as a result of your settlement conference, you have three choices: you can prepare and file with the court a written separation agreement (however, if you are asking for a divorce, you will still need a court order for divorce); you can apply to the court for a desk order; or you can apply to the court for a final order. (Please see What if we agree on the issues or decide to settle before our court date? for more on your options.)
If you and the Defendant do not reach an agreement, and you decide to go on to trial, a different judge will hear your case, unless you and the Defendant agree that you want the same judge.
|
|
