An Early Resolution Conference is a court-scheduled event in the early stages of an Arizona family law case designed to identify the real issues, see what can be resolved by agreement, and set a realistic schedule for the rest of the case. It is not a trial and it is not mediation. It is the court’s way of taking stock of where the case is and whether the parties can resolve anything before spending time and money on full litigation. This is usually conducted in a conference room in the courthouse and it is not for testimony or in front of a judge. It is conducted by a court employee.

In Maricopa County, an Early Resolution Conference is generally for self-represented parties and is handled by a Family Law Case Manager rather than the assigned judge. Both parties are required to attend. If either party is represented by an attorney, the case is generally set for a Resolution Management Conference instead, where the parties and counsel appear before the assigned judge or judicial officer. Agreements reached at an Early Resolution Conference may be put in writing and submitted to the court.

Come to an Early Resolution Conference ready to make decisions about what you can agree on. Don’t sign anything if you are unsure. You can always agree later. Your signature will not be easily changed if you sign agreements that day. If there are issues that can be resolved by agreement that day, resolve them. Every issue settled early is one the court does not have to decide later.