Case Management Conference / Early Case Evaluation
After the Defendant files an Answer, the judge will set a hearing for the parties to appear in court. This hearing is called the "Early Case Evaluation" or the “Case Management Conference.” Read on for more information about the purpose of this hearing, when it will happen, and what to expect.
What is a Case Management 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. The judge will want to find out the following during the hearing:
- What issues do you and the other parent agree on?
- What issues do you and the other parent disagree on?
- Is there a possibility of a quick settlement of the case?
The judge will decide how to best move your case forward based on the above.
The judge may have you and the other parent go to mediation if you cannot agree on custody of the children. See Family Mediation Center for more information about this. The judge may refer you to another kind of settlement program if other issues are in dispute. The judge may also set deadlines for you and the other party to complete discovery, and may set a trial date.
When will the hearing happen?
The judge will set a court date within 90 days of when the Defendant filed his or her answer. You will receive a notice in the mail from the court with the hearing date included.
How do I prepare for the Case Management Conference?
You must file your Financial Disclosure Form before the Case Management Conference. This helps the judge figure out child support (even if only temporarily) and any other financial issues. If you have not already filed your Financial Disclosure Form, be sure to file it before the hearing. Remember to attach your three most recent paystubs to the form.
Financial Disclosure Form (pdf) Financial Disclosure Form - General (pdf fillable)
You and the other party are also expected to meet and discuss the issues within 45 days of the date the answer was filed. The goal of this meeting is to reach any agreements, exchange documents that are needed, identify witnesses you might want to use, and talk about what you will each need to do to get ready for trial. After the meeting, file a Case Conference Report. You should both sign it if possible, but if not, you can fill it out and sign it yourself.
Case Conference Report (pdf) Case Conference Report (pdf fillable)
Will the Judge make final decisions at the Case Management Conference?
Probably not. The judge can only make final orders at this hearing if you and the other parent are in full agreement on all the issues. Otherwise, you will not receive final orders at this hearing. Remember, this is only the first hearing where the judge can find out the issues involved and get your case moving forward. This is not a final hearing where everything will be decided.
