What happens at a first court date in my family court case?

The first court date is called an administrative appearance. Depending on where you live, it may not be in front of a judge or even in a courtroom.

The court clerk, dispute resolution officer (DRO), or judge meets with you and your partner to check that all of your documents are complete and have been properly served.

Then the court clerk, DRO, or judge may set a date for your first case conference. A case conference is usually the first time you and your partner meet with a judge to talk about your issues.

Not all family court cases have a first court date. It depends on:

• which court is hearing your case
• whether you and your partner have tried family mediation

Step 1 explains when you may be able to skip a first court date or meeting with the DRO.

Time limits

Once you start a family law court case, you or your partner must schedule a trial within 365 days. If your case isn't scheduled for trial in that time, the court clerk will send you and your partner a notice giving you 60 days to either:

• file a consent to a judgment or order, or
• schedule a case conference or settlement conference.

If either of you don't do anything after getting this notice, your case may be dismissed.