Types of Appearances

Types of Family Court Appearances in Ontario

Ontario family court proceedings involve several types of appearances before a judge. Understanding what each one involves — and what is expected of you — can reduce anxiety and improve your result. Anna Boulman will prepare you fully for every court appearance.

Case Conference

A Case Conference is typically the first court appearance in a family law case. It is an informal meeting before a judge to:

• Identify and narrow the issues in dispute
• Explore possibilities for settlement
• Discuss the evidence and information that will be needed
• Set a schedule for disclosure and future steps

The judge may give an opinion on what a settlement might look like, but cannot make final orders at a Case Conference (with limited exceptions). Both parties must prepare and exchange Briefs (Form 17A) at least 7 days before the conference.

Settlement Conference

A Settlement Conference is a more focused meeting before a judge aimed at settling all outstanding issues. The judge:

• Actively encourages settlement
• May make recommendations (though not binding orders)
• May identify the issues that remain for trial

Both parties must prepare and exchange Settlement Conference Briefs (Form 17C) at least 7 days before. Full financial disclosure must be complete before the Settlement Conference.

Trial Management Conference

A Trial Management Conference is held close to the trial date to ensure both parties are ready. The judge confirms:

• Which issues remain for trial
• Witness lists and expert reports to be used
• Estimated length of trial
• Whether any issues can still be settled before trial

Motions

A Motion is an application to the court for a specific order before the final resolution of your case. Motions may be used to address:

• Temporary parenting arrangements (interim parenting time or decision-making responsibility)
• Temporary child or spousal support payments
• Temporary possession of the matrimonial home
• Urgent matters (restraining orders, preventing removal of children)
• Procedural issues (disclosure, adding parties, changing a court date)

The moving party serves a Notice of Motion (Form 14) and Affidavit (Form 14A). The responding party serves an Answer. Both parties must file a Confirmation (Form 14C) before the motion is heard.

Urgent Motions (Without Notice)

In very urgent situations — such as risk of a child being removed from the jurisdiction, or serious safety concerns — a party may bring a motion without notice to the other side. These are heard urgently and require a compelling affidavit demonstrating the emergency. The responding party has the right to respond once the motion is granted.

Trial

A Trial is the final hearing of your case before a judge if all other resolution methods have failed. At trial:

• Each side presents evidence through sworn testimony and documents
• Witnesses are cross-examined by the opposing lawyer
• The judge makes binding final orders on all outstanding issues

Trials are expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally demanding. Anna Boulman will always explore settlement options first — but when trial is necessary, she is a skilled and experienced courtroom advocate.