Getting a divorce in Wheat Ridge, Arvada, and Lakewood is not an easy, one-step process. There are many different milestones you must hit along the way to reach the final divorce settlement. One of those important steps is the Initial Status Conference. It is unlike any other part of the divorce process, and often clients are confused about what this appearance involves. Let’s take a closer look at the different elements of the Initial Status Conference and what you can expect if you are filing for a Jefferson County dissolution of marriage.
Jefferson County Divorce Attorney: What Does an Initial Status Conference Entail?
The first scheduled event in any divorce or custody case is the Initial Status Conference. This conference is not held in a courtroom, it is not a hearing and it is not set before a Jefferson County Court judge or magistrate. Instead, it is a Family Court Facilitator that runs this meeting. Usually, your family law attorney will do all the talking. The Initial Status Conference is basically just a check in with the court. The Family Court Facilitator will ask questions to check on the progression of the case and then will set deadlines for the following issues: exchanging financial statements, attending a parenting class (if children are a part of the divorce), and scheduling the Temporary Orders, Mediation, and Final Orders. The Initial Status Conference is a short meeting and no contested issues will be addressed. It is just a check in on the progress of the divorce with the intention of keeping things on track and moving forward with the Jefferson County Court.
Bypassing the Initial Status Conference in a Jefferson County Divorce
If both parties have legal representation, there is a way to bypass the Initial Status Conference. This is done through a Stipulated Case Management Plan. This plan is filed with the Court after it has been agreed upon by both parties. The stipulation addresses the same things the Initial Status Conference does, only in document form. Sometimes, filing the Stipulated Case Management Plan can speed up the divorce proceedings, as you will not have to wait for your Initial Status Conference date. An experienced family law attorney from the Pearman Law Firm will be able to advise you on the best possible path, including if filing a stipulation is in your best interest.
If you are preparing for a divorce, contact the best family law attorneys from the Pearman Law Firm for a free initial phone consultation at 303-991-7600.
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