What does a settlement conference mean in court?
What does a settlement conference mean in court?
In a settlement conference, a judge or volunteer attorney assists the parties by evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the case and attempting to negotiate a settlement of the dispute, but without making any decisions or orders in the case.
What happens in a settlement conference?
A settlement conference is designed to get all parties to the lawsuit together to try and negotiate and resolve your case. If you were there in addition to the people you have sued, tempers would flare and everyone’s objections, opinions and feelings would get in the way of having true negotiation discussions.
What happens after mandatory Settlement Conference?
If a settlement is reached, the settlement documents are prepared, signed by all parties, and thereafter submitted to a judge for approval. The judge will then review the settlement to determine whether it is fair and reasonable. If so, the judge will then issue an Award and/or Order approving the settlement.
Is a Settlement Conference the same as mediation?
The primary difference between a court-sponsored settlement conference and a private mediation is the identity of the person who presides over these proceedings. A court-sponsored settlement conference is presided over by a judge pro tem. In private mediation, the advantages and disadvantages are reversed.
What to expect at a settlement conference?
What to Expect at a Settlement Conference. A settlement conference is different from a trial or a hearing in that the Judge will not be making any decisions or entering any orders regarding a case at that time unless the parties can agree. When a party wishes for the judge to make a decision on an outstanding issue,…
Who must attend a settlement conference?
All parties must be personally present at the settlement conference. Claims adjusters for insured defendants or right-of-way agents in condemnation proceedings must be present with complete authority to settle the case. Everyone attending a settlement conference is required to participate in good faith and be prepared to settle the case.
What is a court ordered settlement conference?
Settlement conference. Such a conference may be initiated through either party, usually by the conveyance of a settlement offer; or it may be ordered by the court as a precedent (preliminary step) to holding a trial. Each party, the plaintiff and the defendant, is usually represented at the settlement conference by their own counsel or attorney.
Do I have to attend a settlement conference?
You must attend the settlement conference personally unless that would cause unreasonable hardship, inconvenience or excessive cost. If you are legally represented, your counsel or solicitor will be directed to attend a settlement conference. You may request to attend a conference via telephone by writing to the courthouse.
