The Preliminary Conference

Often clients on Long Island ask me when they are at the beginning of their divorce case, what will happen at the Preliminary Conference. The Preliminary Conference is typically the first court appearance in a divorce action.

I often tell clients, the preliminary conference is like the first day of school or a new job. At the Preliminary Conference, the parties are required to appear with their respective attorneys. Each party exchanges Statements of Net Worths and supporting documents on or before the conference.

At the conference the attorneys will complete a Preliminary Conference form wherein all the possible issues which may arise in the divorce matter are outlined. In this form a timeline is created in order to facilitate moving the case from beginning to end, which includes setting a discovery schedule and addressing any interim relief issues.

Many judges will address the parties after the form is complete to learn about the case and offer insight as the justice presiding over their matter.

To learn more about court conferences in your divorce case, contact a lawyer in our office.