How Do I Schedule a Judicial Case Conference for Hearing?

A Judicial Case Conference is a special type of hearing in the Supreme Court, involving the parties, their lawyers and a judge or master, that is intended to explore the issues in a court proceeding in the hope of finding a way to settle all or part of the proceeding. JCCs are private and held off the record, and while a recording is made of the proceedings, you'll need the judge's permission to listen to the recording at a later date.

JCCs are governed by Rule 7-1. You should read this rule before your JCC, especially the list of the court's powers that appears at Rule 7-1(15).

JCCs can be very helpful, especially if the judge or master is prepared to be pushy with the parties and their lawyers. It is fairly common for proceedings to settle at JCCs, and where a settlement is reached the judge will make a consent order on the spot, at the end of the hearing. If you are married and it seems likely that you'll be able to get the court proceeding wrapped up at the JCC, if you file a court form called a Registrar's Certificate a couple of days before the JCC you may be able to get divorced at the JCC too.

Unlike Family Case Conferences in the Provincial Court, JCCs are mandatory whenever a family law court proceeding has started. Except for a few limited circumstances, a JCC must be heard before the first application is heard. However, you are not limited to this first JCC. You can schedule additional JCCs as you like, within reason.

JCCs are scheduled through the Trial Coordinator, who will give you a list of dates to choose from. When you have a date that works for everyone, the date is reserved using a special Requisition form that the Trial Coordinator will supply, and sending a copy of the filed Requisition to the other side.

A lot more information about JCCs is available in the _____ page.