What is a settlement conference?

A settlement conference is a meeting that is held in court when two parties come together to try and settle their case without the need for a trial. This typically happens when both parties agree that there is a dispute but want to avoid the time, cost, and stress of a court trial. The settlement conference is held in front of a judge or magistrate who will hear both sides of the case and then ask questions of the parties to further understand the situation. During this process, the judge will give their advice and try to reach a suitable agreement between the two parties. The parties are invited to negotiate and make proposals to try to agree to a mutually satisfactory settlement. If a settlement is not reached, the settlement conference will then end and the case will proceed to a court trial. During the settlement conference, both parties are expected to be honest and open, and it is important that all documentation and evidence is provided to the court to ensure a fair outcome. Settlement conferences can also be used to reach agreements in mediation when parties receive expert advice without the need for a court trial. Settlement conferences are a key part of the justice system and can be an opportunity to reach a solution without the need for a lengthy and expensive trial.

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