What is a Status Conference in a Pennsylvania Divorce?
A status conference is a formal court meeting during which the judge or a court-appointed hearing officer reviews the progress of your divorce case. The judge wants to check in to see how you’re advancing, ensuring that the divorce proceedings are moving forward efficiently and both parties are complying with court requirements. In this article, the Philadelphia, PA, divorce lawyers at the Law Offices of Lauren H. Kane will discuss what to expect during a status conference for your PA divorce.
What is the purpose of the status conference?
There are three good reasons that a status conference has been called:
- To assess progress – The court will review how far along your case is, including document submissions, discovery, and compliance with previous court orders.
- To address obstacles – Any stumbling blocks toward the resolution of your divorce will be identified and discussed. The court can provide guidance or set deadlines to encourage a quick resolution.
- To promote resolution – Status conferences facilitate settlement discussions between parties. This potentially avoids the need for a trial.
What should I expect during a status conference?
Both spouses and their attorneys are required to attend the status conference. The court or hearing officer will then inquire about the current state of the divorce case. This includes any agreements reached or issues that remain unresolved. The court will also address updates on negotiations or mediation attempts and offer recommendations or set deadlines for future actions, such as completing discovery or attending mediation. In some cases, the court can issue temporary orders for matters such as child support or alimony.
What is the significance of a status conference?
The status conference is meant to keep the divorce on track. It ensures that both parties are making progress toward a resolution. In addition, they provide accountability and can help expedite the divorce process, potentially reducing any delays. By addressing obstacles and encouraging settlement, status conferences can minimize the need for a lengthy and costly trial.
Ultimately, status conferences act as a roadmap for the process of divorce in Pennsylvania, guiding the parties and the court toward a timely and equitable solution.
What issues are commonly addressed during a status conference?
Status conferences are meant to address:
- Case progress – The court will review the steps taken so far, including document submissions, discovery, and whether court orders have been followed.
- Unresolved matters – The court will address any matter that was not decided during mediation. These can include child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, or the division of marital property.
- Settlement and mediation – The court will determine how much progress has been made in mediation to gauge the likelihood of an out-of-court resolution.
- Discovery and deadlines – The court will address the status of discovery, setting deadlines for completing tasks, such as the appraisal of property.
- Temporary orders – The spouses may require immediate rulings on various matters, such as temporary orders for custody, alimony, or child support.
Talk to a Philadelphia, PA, Divorce Lawyer Today
The Law Offices of Lauren H. Kane represent the interests of those pursuing a divorce in Philadelphia. Call our Philadelphia family lawyers today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help.
