Judge Can Make An Order
We can connect you with family lawyers often get contacted by potential clients asking about what a family law case conference is. We acknowledge that family law can be very confusing. There are also several self-represented individuals who do research online to understand the steps of family law. To clarify things we put together this blog.
The purpose of a Family Law Case Conference is to:
- Agree on the key legal issues to be resolved
- Make a list of what issues are not in dispute
- Work on the plan to resolve those issues
- The disclosure needed by both parties
- Resolve the issues
- A judge can make an order
- Bring a motion
- Ask to receive a financial statement
- Set a date for a trial
- Get a consent order
The case conference is often around a one-hour meeting between your lawyer, the other parties’ lawyer, and a judge. Some people attend the case conference without lawyers. The meeting is informal as it is not the trial. You will often get a new judge if the issue goes to a hearing. The judge acts as a mediator during this stage of the family law matter.
Family law can be complicated. Therefore, it’s important to hire the right lawyer.
Sometimes the case conference is held is a private meeting and sometimes in open court. It depends on which court you attend.
It often takes 2-6 months to schedule a case conference depending on where the parents and/or children live. Individuals need to attend the case conference; they should not simply send their lawyers.
Discussions At A Case Conference
The judge won’t make a large order at this stage. A large order can include spousal support or division of assets.
If you need a family lawyer to attend a case conference, please call toll free 1-844-466-6529
The judge is also going to look at the possibility of setting the case without going to trial. Good lawyers should be working towards the goal of a settlement as well. If there is the possibility of a settlement, it is likely that a date will be set for a settlement conference. Multiple conferences can be held with the goal of movies the parties closer to an agreement.
During the case conference, a judge might make some procedural orders. This often is about forcing the parties to disclose to each other.
Settlement Conference Disclosure List:
- All your assets (property, vehicles, air miles, bank accounts, mutual funds…etc.)
- Your debts
- How much income both spouses make (income tax returns)
- How many expenses were spent on the child (to determine child support)
- Employment insurance if applicable
Often both parties are given thirty days from the case conference to provide the disclosure.
In conclusion, if you have questions about the family law case conference, contact us! We can connect you with lawyers that offer self-represented coaching if you do not want to have a lawyer represent you. You can see our family law videos on Youtube.
Family Law Case Conference FAQs:
How much is the average deposit for lawyers?
It’s often around $2000. Sometimes it’s around $5000 if you need to go to court.
Will the judge agree with everything I ask for?
Judges often push for the settlement between parties. They want all parties to be satisfied if possible.
What do I need to prove that I should be the sole guardian of my child?
You must prove that what you want to happen is in the best interests of the child. There are many factors that a judge will look at. You should speak to a top family lawyer right away. But this wouldn’t be done at the family law case conference.