What is a case conference in family law proceedings (Ontario, Canada)?

There are many steps in a family proceeding in Ontario, according to the Family Law Rules. One of the steps parties must go through are conferences. There are several types, such as case conference, settlement conference, trial management conference. This video is on case conferences. Stay tuned for our videos next week for settlement and trial management conferences!

Timemarks
1:07-3:04 Overview of a family law proceeding showing the various stages of conferences, motions and hearings.

3:14 Case Conference
-very important step: you can't bring a motion until you had a case conference (but see exceptions, Family Law Rule 14.4)

4:04 First conference date depends on whether your matter is at Unified Family court or Ontario Superior court.

4:50 Purpose of Case Conference

10:52 A party may be penalized with a costs order if they fail to attend a conference

11:00 Paperwork is required for a Case Conference: the "Case Conference Brief"

13:34 Case Conference briefs are privileged. (Goal of a conference is to encourage settlement).

14:11 Judges can make orders at a case conference. What happens if it is not obeyed?

Warning: The videos on Litigation Help are intended to provide general legal information only. They are not substitutes for legal advice from a legal professional. We do not warrant the accuracy of any of the information in the videos. They are entertainment, informational videos only meant to provide some context to common legal terms or doctrines. If you require legal help, please consult a professional directly.

Speakers:
Helena Birt
Heather Hui-Litwin

LINKS
Ontario's Family Law Rules
https://canlii.ca/t/37j