What is a judicial case conference in BC? It is required in all litigation when it comes to family law. It is normally about 60 minutes long, and it takes place with a family law judge.

The goal of the judicial case conference is to resolve all the issues before going to a family law court. Going to court is very expensive, both for the parties and for the taxpayers. Therefore, the courts want to see if there is a chance of the parties settling their disputes outside of the courtroom.

A living will is a legal document that details an individual’s medical treatment preferences if they become unable to make decisions for themselves. While the primary purpose of a living will is to ensure that an individual’s end-of-life care wishes are respected, there are many additional advantages to having a living will.

A person is incapacitated

One of the key benefits of a living will is that it can prevent family disagreements and lessen the burden on loved ones during difficult times. When a person is incapacitated, family members may have differing opinions about the best course of action. This can result in disputes and emotional strain when family members are already grappling with stress and uncertainty.

A living will enable an individual to provide specific instructions about the kind of care they desire, including whether they would prefer life-sustaining treatment or not. This helps decrease the chances of family conflict and makes it simpler for loved ones to make difficult decisions.

Another benefit of a living will is that it offers peace of mind and control over one’s medical care. The thought of being unable to make medical decisions for oneself can be stressful, but having a living will in place provides reassurance that one’s preferences will be followed.

Additionally, a living will help to ensure that an individual’s medical treatment wishes are respected by healthcare providers. In the absence of a living will, family members or medical professionals who are unaware of an individual’s wishes or values may make medical decisions.

Judicial Case Conference

A living will that clearly outlines a person’s medical treatment preferences can prevent unnecessary medical interventions and ensure that treatment decisions are made in line with the individual’s values and beliefs.

Apart from these benefits, a living will also help reduce healthcare costs and promote more efficient use of healthcare resources. When a person is unable to make medical decisions for themselves, healthcare providers may continue to offer life-sustaining treatment even if it is not in the person’s best interests or in accordance with their wishes.

A living will that specifies the kind of care an individual wants or does not want can avoid unwanted medical interventions, reduce healthcare costs, and promote more efficient use of healthcare resources.

Decisions about medical treatment

Finally, a living will can be an essential tool for family members and caregivers in providing guidance and support during the end-of-life process. When a person is incapacitated, family members may find it challenging to make decisions about medical treatment or end-of-life care. Having a living will that clearly expresses the individual’s preferences can provide direction and support to loved ones during a challenging period.

A living will provide many advantages beyond ensuring that an individual’s end-of-life care preferences are respected. It can help reduce family conflict and lessen the burden on loved ones, provide peace of mind and control over one’s medical care, ensure that medical treatment preferences are respected, reduce healthcare costs, promote more efficient use of healthcare resources, and provide guidance and support to family members and caregivers.

If you are considering a living will, it is vital to consult with a lawyer or healthcare provider to ensure that your wishes are accurately documented and that it complies with the laws in your jurisdiction.

Do I Have To Do The JCC?

It is almost always required unless there is a unique situation. If you don’t want to do the JCC for whatever reason, you will have to file forms with the court. Normally the only reason why the JCC doesn’t happen is if one party doesn’t feel safe. But keep in mind, the courts have Sheriffs who provide security for all the court staff, judges, and lawyers. and parties.

If you cannot accord a full-time lawyer, you should consider self-represented coaching. You can hire a lawyer to help you prepare for the JCC, but not attend the actual meeting.

That will save you many thousands of dollars. Self-represented coaching is becoming very popular in family law. You pay only for the lawyer’s time that you use.

If you need a lawyer to represent you or provide legal coaching, contact us.

How To Get Ready To Present At The Judicial Case Conference?

The most important part of family law is financial disclosure. This is used for dividing up assets and property, calculating child support, and calculating spousal support (alimony.) All this information needs to be exchanged at least a week before the JCC takes place. You must be honest with the financial disclosure.

Further, you need to be organized. Bring all the documents that support or go against your position. If the judge asks you a question, it’s helpful to be able to show something to confirm what you have said.

The Positions of Both Parties

You will also want to prepare a binder that explains how the spouses met, when they moved in when they had children, and when they separated. Have as much detail as possible. You will also want to include the positions of both parties. The goal is to help the judge understand the issues so that they can help move things forward.

Keep in mind the judge wasn’t there for any of your relationships, so they know nothing. Don’t leave out important details. Tell a story to the judge. But make sure to focus on the most important parts. Keep in mind the judge will often be most concerned about the children instead of the parents.

What Happens If The Judicial Case Conference Fails?

The judge will often recommend mediation, arbitration, or start planning the trial. Keep in mind that less than 3% of legal disputes make it to trial. Family law trials often cost more than $30,000. If you are self-represented, you are going to have a very hard time during a trial. Do you know how to cross-examine someone?

Do you know how to do closing arguments? It’s unlikely you know the rules around evidence and objections. Get help from a family lawyer if your matter makes it to trial. If you lose your case, you will likely have to pay the other parties’ legal costs anyway.

Author: Alistair Vigier is the CEO of ClearWay Law

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Understanding Judicial Case Conferences: Navigating Your Case