Paperwork

• Complete all the paperwork the court provides well in advance of your conference date. Answer every question honestly and as thoroughly as possible. The paperwork, called Resolution Statements in some districts, help you and your spouse identify marital issues upon which you agree and disagree. The statement describes how you believe the court should resolve your issues. If your spouse's responses are similar to your own, you can reach an agreement on specific matters.
  
  

Discussions

• The family court in Maricopa County, Arizona, recommends parties discuss their statements prior to the conference. However, if you or your spouse has an Order of Protection in place, the court does not recommend meeting without an official present. Discussing what you and your spouse believe is a fair settlement can lead to an argument without a neutral third party present, so do not feel discouraged if you cannot reach an agreement.
  
  

Emotional Preparation

• A successful early resolution conference for divorce requires you to prepare yourself emotionally. Attempt to put aside your differences to try and reach a settlement prior to going to court. The purpose of an early resolution conference is to settle as many marital issues as possible without the court's intervention. If you are not ready to meet with your ex-spouse and civilly approach child support, custody, spousal support and division of property, the conference will be fruitless.
  
  

Conference

• Prepare to be at the conference for up to four hours. Some are as short as two hours, but you need to set aside as much time as possible. Most courts expect the parties to appear without their attorneys present. Discuss your concerns with your counsel before the conference. Also, avoid arriving at the conference sans counsel to discover your spouse has an attorney by asking the clerk if lawyers are allowed in the meeting. If the parties reach an agreement during an early resolution conference for divorce, the Attorney Case Manager helps you outline the matter and submit it to the court.