(FSJC)Introduction

Introduction

This step-by-step guide is for you if:

  • you're required to have a Judicial Case Conference (JCC) as part of your application for a contested divorce, or
  • you want to have a JCC to try to settle your issues before you go to court.

You're the filing party so you'll be filling out the Notice of Judicial Case Conference, filing it at the registry, and serving it on the other person.

If you've received a Notice of Judicial Case Conference because your ex-spouse is trying to arrange a JCC, go to our step-by-step guide Respond to a Notice of Judicial Case Conference.

What's a JCC?

A JCC is a confidential meeting between you, the other person involved in your case (for example, your ex-spouse), your lawyers if you have them, and a judge or master. It gives you and the other person a chance to work things out without having to go to court.

Having a JCC can save time, money, and stress, especially if it helps you settle your case.

A JCC isn't required if having it could be dangerous or unfair, or if it's too soon or too late to resolve your issues. You can apply to be excused from having a JCC in the next step.

How long does the process take?

The JCC process will take at least one to two months, but could take several more if your Supreme Court registry is busy.

When you don’t have to attend: Apply to be excused from a JCC, if you want. Do this as early as possible,
Schedule the JCC More than 30 days in advance. Allow enough time to prepare, file, and serve your documents
Fill out the forms (Notice of Judicial Case Conference, and Financial Statement, if required). If you need to complete a Financial Statement, gathering your supporting documents could take some time.
File and serve (Notice of Judicial Case Conference, and Financial Statement, if required). File and serve your: Notice of JCC at least 30 days before your JCC, and your Financial Statement at least seven days before your JCC
Go to the JCC. The meeting usually goes for about 90 minutes.
At the end of the JCC: If you can agree, write up orders about what you decided. If you can't agree, move toward more mediation and possibly a trial
Updated on 21 October 2020
Wellness

A JCC can help to avoid or reduce the hard feelings that can arise when you have to go to court.