Go to a trial preparation conference, if required
The trial preparation conference (also sometimes called a pre-trial conference) is a meeting with a judge to make sure that both of you will be ready for the trial and to make sure the time you've estimated for the trial is enough. It's usually held about six weeks before the trial date.
What happens at a trial preparation conference
The procedure at a trial preparation conference is like your first appearance date. Your matter will usually be on a list with many other matters in court. You'll probably only be in front of the judge for 5 to 15 minutes.
The judge might make orders about things to help prepare for the trial. For example, they might order you to exchange certain information, like:
- your witness lists,
- a summary of what each witness will say, and
- any other documents either of you plans to use at the trial.
If it looks like you won't be ready for the trial, the judge will adjourn the trial date.
For a full list of what the judge might do at a trial preparation conference, see Rule 8 of the Family Court Rules.