Family Law: What is a ‘conciliation conference’?

If you are in the Court, you may be expected to attend a conciliation conference.

A conciliation conference is Court-ordered mediation. Before the matter goes to a final hearing, the Court will usually order that the parties attend a conciliation conference. In a way, this is a last-ditch effort by the Court to prompt the parties reach an agreement rather than having the Court make orders that may or may not be beneficial to the parties’ interests.

The conference is at a time and location specified by the Court and is usually before a Registrar.

Conciliation conferences can be a great opportunity to reach a settlement in your family law matter. They will usually require the parties to prepare some documents, timelines and evidence (though not to the degree that is required for final orders to be made).  The Registrar may give the parties an indication of how realistic the orders sought are. If used and prepared for effectively, a conciliation conference can be vital in reaching a mutually agreeable resolution to your family law matter.

If you have a family law matter, concerns or questions about reaching a conclusion in your family law property settlement or dispute resolution in your family law issue and want to find out more please do not hesitate to contact us on 9688 6023 or email us at info@franklegal.com.au.

 This article is provided to the reader for general information. It is not legal advice. It was written by Andrea Spencer & Emily Graham and edited by James Frank.

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