By Ullian Associates of The Law Firm of Ullian & Associates, P.C. on September 25, 2019

In practice the Pre-Trial Conference is a good opportunity to help resolve a divorce.  At the Pre-Trial Conference both parties and their attorneys are required to appear at court to review the status of their case with a judge.  The main purpose of this hearing is to narrow the scope of the divorce prior to trial by determining which facts are uncontested (e.g., the date of marriage, ages of the parties, ages of any children, and value of certain assets) and which issues are contested (e.g. child support, alimony, and the parenting plan).

Each side submits a Pre-Trial Memorandum to the judge.  The judge will give input on the contested issues to assist with a possible resolution.  Since both sides and the attorneys are at court, it is a good opportunity for the parties to meet and try to resolve remaining issues, taking into account the judge’s input. If the parties can resolve the remaining issues and execute a Divorce Agreement, it can be presented to the judge who can issue a judgment of divorce.  At the Pre-Trial hearing you should be open-minded, and carefully consider suggestions from your attorney and from the judge.