Early Resolution Conference or Resolution Management Conference

There are two different conferences that the court will schedule. The conference that the court schedules will be determined on whether you or your spouse is represented by counsel. If neither you nor your spouse is represented by counsel, the court will schedule an Early Resolution Conference. If either you or your spouse is represented by counsel, the court will schedule a Resolution Management Conference.

Early Resolution Conference

As previously mentioned, the court will set an Early Resolution Conference anywhere from one (1) to four (4) months from the time the papers were served. The court will set this conference at a time that will fit in with its dockets. You will receive notification in the mail. On that order, you will also have directions ordering you to fill out a Resolution Management Statement and Affidavit of Financial Information before you arrive. If your order prescribes it, you may need to file this with the court before your conference and give a copy to the other party. When your early resolution conference is scheduled, it is important that you arrive at the correct courthouse at the correct time. You do not need to bring anything with you to the conference, unless the court requests otherwise.

At this conference, you will first meet with a court representative and the other party, if there has been no domestic violence.  The conference will be scheduled to last 1-3 hours. At that time, the court representative will talk with you and determine whether you are able to settle any issues. If you and your spouse are able to come to any settlement terms, the court representative will memorialize your agreements in writing and file them with the court. Be advised that if you do not attend your scheduled early resolution conference, you will be fined $100.00. Please refer to the information that you receive from the court, because the processes and procedures are likely to change.

Resolution Management Conference

If either party is represented by an attorney, the court will set a Resolution Management Conference from one (1) to four (4) months from the date of service depending upon the court’s docket. Prior to the Resolution Management Conference, both parties will receive a written notification from the court that will include the date and time for the conference. That written notification will also include requirements that must be completed prior to the conference. For example, the court will require a Resolution Management Statement and Affidavit of Financial Information. This statement outlines all of the key issues in your dissolution, including child decision-making and parenting issues, along with financial matters. The court will also require you and the opposing party with counsel to meet with each other for one hour in person prior to the hearing.  The Resolution Management Conference will be scheduled to last 30 minutes. During that period of time, the parties are encouraged to see if they can settle any issues. An example of this form is displayed below.

Example of Proposed Resolution Statement