(LPRF)Attend a trial preparation conference

The trial preparation conference (also called a pre-trial conference) is a meeting with a judge to make sure:

• both of you will be ready for trial, and
• the time you've estimated for the trial is right.

This conference is usually held about six weeks before the trial date.

What happens at a trial preparation conference?

• The procedure is like your first appearance.
• Your matter will usually be on a list with many other matters in court. You'll probably only be in front of a judge for five to 15 minutes.
• The judge might make orders about things such as:
  • exchanging witness lists
  • exchanging summaries of what each witness will say
  • exchanging other documents either of you plan to use at trial

What happens if we're not ready for trial?

The judge will adjourn the trial date.

To find out what you may ask the judge to do at a trial preparation conference, see Rule 8 of the Family Court Rules.