Case Management Conference (CMC)

A Case Management Conference (CMC) is a procedural hearing in family law cases designed to streamline the legal process and ensure that cases keep moving forward efficiently. The CMC is typically scheduled early in the case and attendance by both parties and their attorneys is requred. During the conference, the Judge or Commissioner will discuss the issues in the case, set deadlines for various stages of the proceedings, and address any preliminary matters that need resolution.

The primary purpose of the CMC is to keep the case on track and avoid unnecessary delays. Before this type of conference was required, cases could drag on for years without resolution. By setting clear timelines and expectations, the CMC helps to prevent this from happening, ensuring that both parties are working towards a timely resolution of the case.

For the parties involved, the CMC is generally not a hearing to be concerned about, as most of the procedural matters are handled by the attorneys. However, it is still important to be prepared, as the conference sets the stage for how the case will proceed. In some cases, the judge may request that the parties attend to discuss specific issues or to ensure that they understand the process moving forward. The outcome of the CMC is typically a clear roadmap for the remainder of the case.