A Judicial Case Conference (“JCC”) is usually the first step in a family law case after you have filed your claim. It is intended to create a relatively low stakes environment for the parties to feel that they can discuss the issues in a frank and open manner. Any statements made within the context of the JCC are “without prejudice” communications which means that those statements cannot be relied upon in future in Court proceedings by either party, except in very rare circumstances.
A JCC is primarily a consensus-based process, where the only orders that can be made by a judge (other than “procedural orders”) are those that are put in place by agreement between you and the other party.
For a full explanation of JCCs, including scheduling, how to prepare and FAQs, see All About Judicial Case Conferences.
