4-903 Settlement Conference

A 4-903 settlement conference is a critical part of family law proceedings, particularly in cases involving child custody. During this hearing, a custody evaluator, who has conducted thorough interviews and evaluations, will present their recommendations to the court regarding custody and parent-time arrangements. The recommendations are based on what the evaluator believes is in the best interest of the child. The court gives significant weight to these recommendations, making this hearing a pivotal moment in the case.

After the custody evaluator presents their findings, the parties involved, including their legal representatives, are typically given time to review and process the information. This period allows everyone to consider the implications of the recommendations before moving forward. The goal is to reach a resolution that reflects the best interests of the child while also being fair to both parties.

Immediately following the review of the custody evaluator’s recommendations, the parties may proceed to mediation. Mediation is a structured negotiation process where the parties, guided by a neutral mediator, attempt to reach an agreement on custody and other related matters based on the evaluator’s findings. If a full agreement is reached, it can then be presented to the court for approval, potentially avoiding further litigation.