What steps are involved in the court process?
The Family Law Rules set out the steps in the family court process. In most cases, the parties meet with a judge at least once at the beginning of the process to discuss the issues in dispute and how they can be resolved, and the steps that should be taken for the case to proceed (for example ensuring that financial information has been exchanged). This meeting is called a case conference. Following the case conference, either party may bring a motion for a temporary order (for example for exclusive possession of a matrimonial home, custody of children or support). At a motion, a judge reviews the affidavit evidence from both parties and decides whether to make the order that has been requested. If the case has not been settled, a case conference is usually followed by a settlement conference, which focuses on settling or narrowing the issues in dispute. The judge at a settlement conference may also be able to provide his or her view of how the case might be decided if it goes to trial
