What is a settlement conference?

A settlement conference is a meeting in which the parties involved in a lawsuit attempt to reach an agreement and resolve their dispute without going to trial. This occurs before a case is set for trial and is usually used as an alternative to litigation. In West Virginia, the settlement conference is a mandatory part of the court process and must take place before a case can be heard in court. During the settlement conference, the parties involved in the case meet to discuss the issues at hand and attempt to come to an agreement that is agreeable to all parties. The agreement may involve anything from a monetary award for damages to an agreement to cease certain activities. If an agreement is not reached during the settlement conference, the case will go to trial. It is important to note that if a settlement is agreed upon, it must be approved by the court before it is considered legally binding.

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