What is a Settlement Conference?

If you filed a family law case in the circuit court, it is very likely that the parties will be ordered to attend a settlement conference. What exactly takes place at a settlement conference? A settlement conference is designed to help the parties reach a settlement agreement in their case. The parties and their attorneys (if they do not have an attorney, the party attends the conference by themselves) meet with a retired judge who hears the facts of the case and tries to help the parties reach an agreement. That retired judge will not be the same judge who will hear the case should the case proceed to trial if the parties do not settle. Often times, the settlement judge will meet with the parties separately and go back and forth until the parties reach an agreement. If an agreement is reached, the agreement is then placed on the record and it becomes official. At that time, any future trial dates may be vacated or modified to reflect that the matter is now uncontested. If the parties are not able to reach an agreement, then the matter will proceed to the scheduled trial date.

It is important to be as prepared for a settlement conference as possible. It is an effective way to reach an agreement and minimize fees without having to go to a long trial. If you have any questions, please call us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to meet with you to discuss your case.