Family law

What Is a Case Management Conference in Family Court?

Quick answer

A case management conference is a scheduling and planning meeting with the judge, not a trial. It is one of the first times the court looks at your case to decide what needs to happen next and when.

Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal · Last updated June 2026

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What a case management conference is in family court

What a case management conference is

In many family courts, once a divorce, custody, or support case has been filed and the other side has had a chance to respond, the court sets a case management conference. The purpose is practical: the judge or a court officer reviews where the case stands, what issues are still in dispute, and what steps are needed to resolve them. Think of it as the court setting the roadmap.

The name and format vary by state and even by county. Some courts call it a status conference, a scheduling conference, or a readiness hearing. Some courts hold it automatically, while others only set one when a party asks or when a case has been pending for a while. Your state's guide and your local court's rules will tell you which applies to you.

What typically happens at the conference

These conferences are usually brief. The judge may ask whether both sides have exchanged required financial disclosures, whether any temporary orders are needed, whether mediation or a custody evaluation would help, and whether the parties are close to settling any issues. Based on those answers, the court may set deadlines for exchanging information, order the parties to attend mediation, or schedule future hearings or a trial date.

A case management conference is generally not where the judge decides custody, support, or property. Testimony and evidence are usually saved for later hearings. That said, if both parties agree on some issues, the court can often record that agreement at the conference, which narrows what still has to be fought over.

How to prepare if you represent yourself

Before the conference, review everything that has been filed in your case and know what is still unresolved. Many courts require each side to file a short form or statement ahead of time describing the status of the case, the issues in dispute, and how long a trial might take. Whether this is required, what it is called, and when it is due all vary by state, so check your state's guide and your court's local rules.

Bring copies of your filed documents, a calendar so you can respond to proposed dates, and a short list of what you want the court to schedule or order. If you and the other parent have agreed on anything, bring that in writing. Being organized and realistic about timing tends to make a good impression and keeps your case moving.

What happens after

The court usually issues a scheduling order or minute order after the conference listing the deadlines and dates it set. Read it carefully and put every date on your calendar. Missing a deadline set at a case management conference can delay your case or limit what you are allowed to present later.

If circumstances change, most courts allow a party to ask for a further conference or a modified schedule, but the process for doing so varies by state. This page is general information only. Onbello is not a law firm and does not give legal advice; for questions about your specific case, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

Specifics by state

Family law is state-specific. The general idea is similar everywhere, but the forms, rules, and deadlines vary by state. Here is this topic in the states we cover in detail.

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Where to check this

Forms, deadlines, and local rules change. Verify anything on this page against the official self-help resources for your state before you rely on it.

This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and local rules vary and change. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed family-law attorney in your state.