Once it is scheduled, both parties are required to appear. Right
now, due to the Pandemic, these are held remotely by video call.
Before the hearing, the parties are required to serve and file
their Settlement Conference Briefs no later than five court days
before the hearing. Typically, these conferences are informal in
nature and the Judge will read the briefs and attempt to negotiate
a settlement issue by issue.
It is similar to a mini trial except that evidence is not
submitted, there is no testimony or nor do the attorneys argue.
However, both sides are still expected to present the reasons for
their requests and both their positions and reasons for their
postitions must be based on fact and law.
For example, if both sides are contesting whether an asset is
community or separate property, it is a good idea to submit as an
attachment to the Settlement Conference Brief, a copy of any
document showing the source of funds used to purchase the item,
which can support a finding that the asset is either separate or
community property.
Sometimes, the parties can agree on some but not all the issues.
That can result in a partial stipulated agreement with the rest of
the issues to be resolved at Trial. The parties can also agree to
reserve issues for trial at an indefinite date in the future. If
that happens, the Judgment based on such an agreement will include
a request that the Court reserve jurisdiction over those
unresolved issues.
It is always a good idea to read the terms of any verbal agreement
reached into the record. This means to state the terms in Open
Court. The Court Reporter will transcribe it and you will have
verification of the agreement if there is a dispute later.
This also aids in clarification since either side can ask
questions to ensure their understanding.
Where a party or parties are represented by counsel, they may
decide to schedule a “four-way.” This is an out-of-court
conference attended by both parties and their attorneys. They all
sit down at a conference table and attempt to negotiate an
agreement on some or all the issues.
If you are unrepresented and considering scheduling a four-way,
call Attorney Binoye Jos at (714) 733-7066.
Attorney Jos is a skilled, masterful negotiator who will
seek to do what is fair for both parties.