Scheduling Conference/Hearing

A scheduling conference/hearing is usually done as a way to move a family law case forward, encourage the parties to engage in ADR, give the court an update on where things are at, discuss what the main issues of the case may be, and set deadlines for things like motions, discovery, and pre-trial/trial dates.

A few tips / info:

• Scheduling conferences don’t usually happen in counties where they conduct ICMC hearings – it is generally one or the other.
• Most of the time these hearings are via zoom and the clients will attend as well.
• Sometimes the court will schedule it as just a phone call with the attorneys and Judge.
  • If this is the case, make sure the attorney follows up with the client afterwards and gives them an update
• These hearings are almost never in person.
• Attorneys should be prepared to discuss what type of ADR they have discussed with OPA, or what type of ADR they are proposing.
• Attorneys should also be prepared to schedule deadlines for discovery, temp relief motions, and dates for the pre-trial and trial.
• These hearings are generally pretty uneventful so clients don’t need to get too worked up or anxious, but it’s good to schedule a call with the client beforehand just to explain what the attorney expects and get the client’s opinion on things like mediation, temp relief, etc.
• This is also a good opportunity to get a date for a temporary relief hearing if we know we are going to need one.
• When we get an order for a scheduling conference/hearing – pay attention to whether it’s zoom or  phone call and make sure to include all that information in the calendar entry. If it is a phone call where client isn’t attending, let them know that so they don’t think they have to come.