A settlement conference is a structured meeting focused on resolving contested issues before trial. In Arizona family law settlement conferences may be conducted by a judge pro tem, a private mediator, or the parties' attorneys without a neutral third party.

Settlement conferences work best when both parties are prepared with a realistic understanding of the likely range of outcomes at trial, a clear picture of what they actually need, and the flexibility to negotiate rather than simply posture.

A settlement conference is not a binding proceeding unless an agreement is reached and properly documented. The discussions at a settlement conference are protected as settlement communications and cannot be used as evidence at trial.