4. Prepare for your case conference
Question & Answer
What is a case conference in my family case and what happens at one?Review your partner’s documents
Your partner must you with a copy of their documents at least 4 days before the date of your .
They have to give you their:
- Form 17A: Case Conference Brief
- updated financial information
You should read these documents carefully. Make sure you understand what your partner is asking for. Think about how you and your partner can resolve your issues.
At your case conference, you need to be prepared to talk about the issues and how you would like to resolve them.
Reach out to your partner
Starting February 1, 2022, you must try to reach out to your partner before your case conference, if you can, about things like:
- sharing financial information
- procedural matters, such as timelines
- resolving your issues
You can do this in person, in writing, or with the help of a lawyer.
If you don't do this, your case conference may be postponed or you may have to pay your partner's legal costs.
You might not be able to reach out to your partner if, for example, there is a no-contact order or there are concerns about family violence by one partner who doesn't have a lawyer.
Confirm your date
You and your partner must tell the court that you will be at your case conference date and that you're ready to go ahead.
You each do this by filling out a Form 17F: Confirmation of Conference. Write down the amount of time you think you'll need at the conference, the specific issues that will be discussed, and the documents the judge should read.
Give your partner a copy of the form before you give it to the court.
You must then the form with the court. Do this no later than 2:00 p.m. at least 3 days before your conference date. If you miss this deadline, the conference may be cancelled and you will have to get a new date. You can file the form in person at the courthouse or by email through the Justice Services Online website. It can no longer be filed by fax.
