What is a case conference in family law?

The Case Conference is normally the first court appearance the parties will attend. It is a discussion between the parties, their lawyers (if they have one) and a judge, about the issues in a Court Application.

What happens during a case conference?

A case conference judge proposes realistic and achievable solutions that are acceptable to both parties and is able to reframe an issue so the parties see it and their role in a new light, paving the way for settlement.

How long do case conferences last?

The Case Conference will take place in a courtroom for one hour. Where in person attendance is not available, you will be provided with a link for participation by video. You must attend the Case Conference yourself. You can’t send someone else to attend on your behalf, including your lawyer.

What happens at first case conference?

At your case conference, you and your partner (and your lawyers if you have them) meet with a judge to discuss your issues. The goal is to agree on some or all of your issues without going to a motion or a trial. Every conference is a chance for you to come closer to agreeing on your issues with your partner.

What happens at a first appearance in Family court Ontario?

The court clerk at the first appearance meets with you and your ex-partner, and checks all of your documents to make sure they are complete and have been properly served. You will also have an opportunity to discuss settlement or attempt mediation with your ex-partner.

What happens at a first appearance in family court Ontario?

What is the purpose of a family case conference?

What is a case conference in my family case and what happens at one? The goal of a case conference is to get you and your partner to agree on some or all of your issues without bringing a motion or starting a trial. Every conference is a chance to get closer to agreeing on your issues with your partner.

What is an early case conference?

The Case Management Conference (also called the “Early Case Evaluation”) is an initial hearing where the judge, the attorneys, and the parties meet to discuss the issues involved in the case. The whole purpose is to get your case moving forward.

How long does family court take Ontario?

If you have already been separated for at least a year, an application for divorce that does not include other claims, such as custody or access, support or division of property, can usually be completed within four to six months.

Why is a case conference necessary?

So, why are case conferences required? The idea is that in every court case, the parties should be given the opportunity to sit down and problem solve before they case get too far along in the process. The case conference is designed to be efficient and productive. Essentially, that’s why we have case conferences.

Who can be involved in a case conference?

Case conferences usually consist of face to face discussion between the employee, their representative (should they wish to invite one), an Occupational Health professional, the line manager and an HR representative.

What is a scheduling conference in a custody case?

The Scheduling Conference is the Court’s way to begin tracking their divorce, property, custody and/or child support case, and to schedule the steps in their case’s development. Typically, a Master will conduct the Scheduling Conference.

When did consolidated practice direction concerning family cases?

Amended July 1, 2018 (to coincide with changes to the Family Law Rules regarding the filing of materials and confirmations for conferences and motions), May 1, 2016 and December 1, 2017 This Practice Direction applies to family law proceedings in Central East Region, other than Child Protection cases under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.

What are the goals of a case conference?

The first goal is to see whether some or all of your issues can be settled, at least for the short-term, while you work towards a final settlement. The judge’s second goal is to make sure that you and your partner have given each other all of the financial or other documents that must be exchanged before the issues can be resolved on a final basis.

Can a motion be filed after a case conference?

Either party can bring a motion after a case conference to ask the court for a temporary order. At a motion, the judge who hears the motion may or may not make the same decision as the judge at your case conference. A judge’s decision is based on many things, including the evidence that each party presents to the court.

How to prepare for a case settlement conference?

You and your partner must tell the court that you will be at your case conference date and that you’re ready to go ahead. You each do this by filling out a Form 17F: Confirmation of Conference. Write down the amount of time you think you’ll need, the specific issues that will be discussed, and the documents the judge should read.