status conference or
pretrial hearing

noun

stat•us con•fer•ence or pre•trial hear•ing

The "Let’s check in" meeting with the court to review progress, address issues, and prepare for the next steps in your case. At Gavvl, we’ll ensure you’re prepared and confident—no stress, no surprises, just solid guidance to keep things on track.

Ready to Get Started?

Use our Pretrial Fee Calculator to Find the Right Service and Get Started

A status conference is a court meeting held to review the progress of a case and ensure it is moving forward efficiently. Common in family law matters such as divorce, custody, or support disputes, the status conference allows the judge or magistrate to check on the case’s progress, address procedural issues, and set a timeline for next steps.

During the status conference, the court may:

Review the current status of the case, including pending motions or unresolved issues.
Set deadlines for completing tasks such as discovery or filing documents.
Discuss the potential for settlement or the need for mediation.
Schedule future hearings or a trial date.

The primary purpose of a status conference is to keep the case on track and ensure all parties are prepared for the next stages of the legal process. Attendance is typically required, and having an attorney present can help you effectively address any concerns raised during the conference.

If a status conference or pretrial hearing is continued, it means the court has rescheduled the meeting for a later date. Continuances can occur for various reasons, such as scheduling conflicts, incomplete discovery, or requests from one of the parties. If the court grants a continuance, it may also adjust any related deadlines or schedules to accommodate the new hearing date.

What if You Need to Request a Continuance?

If you need to request a continuance for a status conference or pretrial hearing, follow these steps:

File a Motion for Continuance: Submit a written motion to the court explaining why you need the hearing rescheduled. Valid reasons might include medical emergencies, unavoidable scheduling conflicts, or the need for additional time to gather evidence.
Notify the Other Party: Provide a copy of your motion to the opposing party or their attorney. In some cases, they may need to agree to or oppose the continuance request.
Follow Court Rules: Ensure you comply with your court’s specific procedures for requesting a continuance. This may include filing the motion within a certain timeframe or including supporting documentation.
Await Court Approval: The court will review your request and decide whether to grant the continuance. If approved, you will receive notice of the new hearing date.

It is important to request a continuance as early as possible to avoid delays or conflicts.

A pretrial hearing is a court meeting held to prepare for trial by addressing unresolved issues and ensuring the case proceeds efficiently. Common in family law cases such as divorce, custody, or support disputes, the pretrial hearing allows the court to narrow the focus of the trial and address procedural or evidentiary matters beforehand.

During a pretrial hearing, the court may:

Identify the key issues to be decided at trial, such as custody, parenting time, or financial support.
Finalize the list of witnesses and evidence to be presented.
Address any remaining motions, objections, or procedural disputes.
Discuss the possibility of settlement to avoid a trial if feasible.
Provide instructions on trial procedures to ensure both parties are prepared.

The goal of a pretrial hearing is to streamline the trial process by resolving as many issues as possible beforehand, reducing the time and complexity of the trial itself. Attendance is usually mandatory, and having an attorney present ensures your case is effectively represented and prepared for trial.

If your status conference or pretrial hearing is held virtually, it means the court has opted to conduct the proceeding through a video or phone conferencing platform rather than in person.

Virtual hearings have become more common due to advancements in technology and the need for flexible court operations.In a virtual setting, you will still be expected to:

Appear on time and be properly prepared.
Follow courtroom etiquette, such as dressing appropriately and addressing the judge respectfully.
Have access to the necessary technology, such as a stable internet connection, a computer or smartphone with a camera and microphone, and any required software or links provided by the court.

The court may also provide specific instructions, such as how to submit documents or evidence electronically if needed.

Can You Request to Appear Virtually?

Yes, you can request to appear virtually if you have a valid reason, such as:

Health concerns.
Travel limitations.
Scheduling conflicts that make in-person attendance impractical.

To request a virtual appearance, follow these steps:

File a Motion: Submit a written request to the court explaining why you need to attend virtually. Include any supporting details, such as medical documentation or travel constraints.
Notify the Other Party: Provide a copy of your request to the opposing party or their attorney.
Await Court Approval: The court will review your motion and decide whether to allow a virtual appearance. If granted, the court will provide instructions on how to attend the hearing virtually.

Always ensure you have the necessary technology and are familiar with the court’s virtual procedures to avoid technical issues during the hearing.

Choose the Amount of Support You Need

Limited Scope Representation

A lawyer helps with specific parts of your case, like drafting documents or attending a single court date, while you handle the rest. It’s a cost-effective way to get legal support where you need it most.

Full Representation

A lawyer handles every aspect of your case, from start to finish, giving you comprehensive support and peace of mind throughout the legal process.