Settlement Conference

Definition: Many states now require parties in a family law case like divorce or child custody and their counsel to meet with a judge before a formal trial to see if the matters in dispute can be settled without taking time before the court. At these settlement conferences, each side makes its case and then may offer compromise positions, and the judge comments on whether the offers are reasonable and fair. The judge in a settlement conference has no legal authority to require that the parties settle at this stage, but, by giving feedback to both parties' counsel often helps reach settlement by pointing out flaws and fallacies in their cases.