SPARC Forums

Hi Soc,
Please help me understand

here are the basics;

State of Washington,

Divorce/custody trial,

me the Petitioner,

Trial date set for late Oct/04

My Attorney set anticapated trial length for two days,

Non Jury trial,

No Pre Trial conference requested by my attorney,

State requires a pre trial settelment conference, I understand what that is.

Questions;

1. What is the purpose of a pre trial conference?

2. Is a pretrial conference advantagous in any way?

3. Is a pretrial conference disadvantagous in any way?

thanks for youre help

>1. What is the purpose of a pre trial conference?

To afford all parties an opportunity to ascertain the other's position (including the judge's), and to hopefully reach a settlement before trial.

>
>2. Is a pretrial conference advantagous in any way?

If the judge tells everyone that his/her position is unlikely to change based on any evidence that might be offerred at trial, then this creates a substantial inscentive for the parties to settle.

>
>3. Is a pretrial conference disadvantagous in any way?

Costs everyone money, and potentially wastes a day of your life.

Thanks so much!