What Is an Initial Status Conference?
What Is an Initial Status Conference?
You’ve filed your divorce paperwork and served the other party. In response, you received a Notice of Initial Status Conference from the Court. You probably have lots of questions, and I’m here to help answer them.
Do I need an attorney?
Ideally, you will hire an attorney before you file your divorce. However, I understand that’s not always an option. When potential clients call me, I tell them that the Initial Status Conference is the one hearing that they can absolutely handle on their own. So if you don’t have an attorney yet, don’t panic. You can do this!
Will I be in front of a judge?
In most counties, the Initial Status Conference happens with a Family Court Facilitator. If this is the case, you’ll meet with the Facilitator in his/her office or a conference room, rather than the courtroom. In some cases, you may be in front of a judge. Your Notice of Initial Status Conference will tell you whether you will be in front of a judge or a Family Court Facilitator. Due to COVID-19, all Initial Status Conferences are happening via telephone and/or video.
2024 UPDATE: Post-COVID, almost all counties are holding the Initial Status Conference via WebEx. You can join via video or call in to the conference. I recommend that you attend via video if you are able, though it’s not required.
What will happen at the Initial Status Conference?
This conference is a chance for the judge to check on the progress of the case. You will be asked the following:
Have you completed your financial disclosures? If you have not, the Family Court Facilitator or judge will set a deadline for completing them.
Have you completed your parenting class? If not, you’ll get a deadline for completing this.
The Family Court Facilitator will also check to see if there are any issues that need to be resolved quickly, such as payment of bills, use of the marital home, or interim parenting time. Generally, you will be given a deadline to file a Motion requesting temporary orders.
You will also be given a deadline for requesting the appointment of any experts, such as a Child and Family Investigator, Parental Responsibilities Evaluator, business valuator, or real estate expert to value any real estate.
Finally, you’ll be given a deadline to schedule and complete mediation. If you can’t reach an agreement on your own, you will be required to go to mediation before you can schedule a final hearing.
The Initial Status Conference may be the first time you’ve ever had to appear forcourt, so it’s natural that you may be nervous. However, this conference is informal, and nothing to lose sleep over! If you have more questions, I’m here to help.