How To Prepare for a Family Court Conference in PA
Family Law
When it comes to family court conferences, it pays to be prepared. Missing your conference date, showing up late, and being unprepared can make it harder for your voice to be heard. By partnering with a skilled family law attorney in Newfoundland, you can make sure you’re completely ready to discuss your custody, visitation, and child support issues.
How To Prepare for Your Pennsylvania Family Court Conference
In order to get ready for your case, there are a few key steps you should take. You can also reach out to a lawyer for more support in navigating the family court process in PA.
Learn About How Family Court Conferences Work
In Pennsylvania, the family court conference is a preliminary meeting to help both parents deal with their disputes outside of a trial. Each county runs these a little differently, so there may be a custody conciliator, hearing officer, or conference officer who runs the meeting. Depending on the case, this may involve narrowing down which issues have to be decided about at trial, how temporary custody will work, or what will go into the final agreement on visitation. The conference may also be used to set future hearing schedules.
Prepare Your Documents
One of the most important things you can do to be prepared is to gather all of the documents that you may need. These documents help to show the court that you are fully prepared. The following are just a few of the things you should gather and make copies of.
- A proposed custody schedule
- School or daycare records
- The child’s medical records
- Communications with the other parent, such as emails and texts
- A log documenting parenting time
Be Realistic
As hard as it is to share custody, it is normally going to be a requirement in most custody agreements. Before your conference, think hard about what you want. You may want 50/50 custody, primary custody, or a specific holiday schedule. Pennsylvania normally awards some degree of custody or visitation to both parents, so you have to be realistic about how much custody you’ll be granted.
Dress Professionally
Although conferences aren’t as formal as hearings, it’s important to dress professionally and arrive on time. Address others with courtesy, act respectfully, and avoid any emotional outbursts. For the best outcome, it’s important to present yourself as the reasonable parent.
Focus on the Interests of the Child
According to Pennsylvania law, the court must prioritize the child’s best interests. No matter what you propose, you should always focus on the best interests of the child. Ideally, your proposal should be in line with the child’s stability and well-being. When safe and appropriate, the court will also search for a solution that prioritizes contact with both parents.
Consider Getting a Lawyer
While family court conferences are intended to be informal, there are still many different legal concepts that need to be understood. An experienced lawyer can help you prepare your legal strategy and understand the documentary evidence you will need. They’ll negotiate and speak on your behalf in court, ensuring your rights are protected.
Remember To Follow Up After the Family Court Conference
After the conference is finished, there is still more work to be done. In many cases, the officer will draft a recommendation or a proposed order. You’ll end up receiving a copy of this in the mail or at court. If you agree with the terms, then the proposed order can become an official court order. Alternatively, you have a short time period where you can disagree and file an exception or request a hearing before the judge.
Find Out the Best Methods for Preparing for Your Legal Case
During the first family court conference, you have an opportunity to set the terms of your custody case. By being courteous, prepared, and ready to find a solution in your child’s best interests, you can reach a better position in your case.
Navigating these types of cases can be challenging. If you’re looking for a family court lawyer in Newfoundland and the surrounding areas, the Clause Group is here to help. We have years of experience helping with all types of family law, so we can help you understand the factors that affect your case.
Learn more by visiting our website today.
