What is the procedure following the filing of the defense to the claim and any counterclaims?
A. The court will schedule a settlement of issues hearing, at which the court will settle the issues in dispute and schedule further hearings for mediation and/or hearings for each party to present its evidence and witnesses. The court encourages parties to mediate where possible, but such mediation is not compulsory. Court-supervised mediation sessions occur before the commencement of the trial hearings. If the parties are able to reach a compromise, the court will issue a Consent Judgment giving effect to the terms of the compromise reached by the parties. This Consent Judgment can be directly enforced in the event of default.
