A case conference is an early case-management and settlement event where the court identifies the issues, explores resolution and gives procedural directions.
Process
Case conferences
Court: Ontario family courts — court-specific procedure may differ
A case conference is an early case-management and settlement event where the court identifies the issues, explores resolution and gives procedural directions.
A case conference is usually one of the first major court events after the pleadings are in place. It gives the judge an overview of the issues, the parties’ positions, the information still needed and the steps that may move the case toward resolution. The court can make procedural and certain other orders within the authority provided by Rule 17.
Each party normally files a case conference brief rather than simply re-filing all previous material. The brief should make the disputed issues and requested directions understandable. Service, filing and confirmation deadlines are set by the Family Law Rules and may be supplemented by court-specific directions.
What the conference is for
The court can clarify issues, address disclosure and procedural problems, encourage settlement and plan the next steps.
Briefs and confirmations
The prescribed conference brief and confirmation form have specific deadlines. The current forms and the applicable court direction should be checked for the event.
After the conference
An endorsement may record agreements, orders, deadlines and the next event. Those directions become part of the case timetable.
Law and rules
Relevant official provisions
Binding law / official textConsolidated Provincial Practice Direction for Family Proceedings
Rule 17 — applies to case conferences including those heard by a DRO pursuant to Rule 17(9).
Parties attending a dispute resolution conference (DRC) must comply with the document requirements under Rule 17, including advance filing of:
a Form 17A: Case Conference Brief, which on a motion to change should include:
a copy of the previous order that is the subject of the motion to change;
documentation supporting the “change in circumstance”; and
a description of the change being sought.
The deadline for serving and filing Form 17A prior to the DRC is 6 business days for the applicant/moving party, and four business days for the respondent.
A form 17F: Confirmation Form must also be filed not later than 2:00 pm three business days prior to the date scheduled for the DRC.
Parties must upload their stamped court documents into the appropriate Case Center bundle promptly (a) after receiving confirmation from the court that the documents have been accepted for filing; or (b) with respect to a new case, after receiving an invitation to the Case Center case and bundles. Failure to comply with this direction may result in the matter being adjourned.…
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeSuperior Court of Justice — province-wide
Binding law / official textCentral West Region Practice Direction
APPLICABLE TO ALL CENTRAL WEST CASE CONFERENCES
Case Conference Briefs (Max. 8 pages)
Parties must serve and file a Case Conference Brief (Form 17A) in accordance with the Family Law Rules . Case Conference Briefs must not exceed 8 pages. This includes Form 17A and additional pages of facts and arguments attached to the brief as an appendix or schedule.
Permissible attachments in addition to the 8-page Brief are those described in the Consolidated Provincial Practice Direction for Family Proceedings at the Superior Court of Justice, and documents required by the Family Law Rules .
If the parties do not resolved disclosure prior to the Case Conference, any party seeking disclosure must include in their materials a detailed list of the outstanding disclosure. This is a permissible attachment and is to be in addition to the 8-page brief.
The Case Conference Brief should expressly set out any Orders that a party seeks to have the court make at the Case Conference. The Case Conference judge has jurisdiction to make substantive Orders in appropriate cases, where requested, in a Case Conference Brief.…
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeSuperior Court of Justice — Central West
Binding law / official textConsolidated Provincial Practice Direction for Family Proceedings
Part H — : Conferences 1. Filing Materials for Conferences a) Font Size and Spacing
b) Restrictions on Filing Conference Materials (Page Limits and Attachments)
2. Requirements to Confer in Advance of a Conference
3. Confirmation Forms for Conferences
4. Early Judicial Intervention and Procedural Direction
5. Combined Case/Settlement Conference
6. Settlement Conferences and Trial Scheduling Conferences
7. Trial Management Conferences
8. Dispute Resolution Officer (DRO) Program a) Role and Conduct of the DRO
b) Dispute Resolution Conferences (DRCs)
c) DRO Conference Reports
d) Next Steps after the DRC
e) Local Schedules & Procedures Regarding DRO Programs
f) Complaints Process
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeSuperior Court of Justice — province-wide
Binding law / official textConsolidated Provincial Practice Direction for Family Proceedings
Part H — : Conferences
1. Filing Materials for Conferences
Focused materials facilitate better conferences. Unfortunately, many filings include irrelevant or excessive material with voluminous attachments. Counsel and parties must prepare material that is focused and includes only documents directly relevant to the outstanding issues.
a) Font Size and Spacing
All documents filed for a family conference or motion must be prepared using at least 12-point font and double spacing.
b) Restrictions on Filing Conference Materials (Page Limits and Attachments)
Case conference briefs shall not exceed 8 pages, pluspermissible attachments (as defined below) and additional documents that are required below or by the Family Law Rules . The 8-page limit includes the brief (Form 17A) and any additional pages of facts or argument attached an appendix or schedule.
Settlement conference briefs shall not exceed 12 pages, plus permissible attachments (as defined below) and additional documents that are required below or by theFamily Law Rules .…
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeSuperior Court of Justice — province-wide
Binding law / official textNorthwest Region Practice Direction
Part 2 — Civil Proceedings, Section A Motions Confirmation Forms also apply to all family conferences.
Confirmation forms for all family conferences must be filed and uploaded no later than three (3) business days prior to the event.
C. Trial Dates
Dates for Family trials shall be obtained at the trial scheduling conference and the presiding judge shall place the trial on the appropriate Running List and make directions with respect to further trial management conferences as required.
All matters on a Running List shall be spoken to two months prior to the commencement of the Running List to determine trial readiness and, where possible, to confirm commencement date within that Running List.
Additionally, there will be a Trial Confirmation Date the Wednesday prior to the commencement of the Running List to confirm all matters proceeding to trial. The Running List will be distributed to counsel prior to these dates. These dates and details will be distributed annually.
D. Binding Judicial Dispute Resolution
Binding JDR is available in appropriate family law cases throughout the Northwest Region.…
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeSuperior Court of Justice — Northwest
Binding law / official textConsolidated Provincial Practice Direction for Family Proceedings
Rule 17 — (7.1) allows parties to make this request after they have tried to resolve the issues that are in dispute through mediation or a Legal Aid Ontario settlement conference, provided the parties confirm:
The dispute resolution process included a screening for power imbalances and domestic violence;
No motions for a temporary order in the case are pending or are contemplated; and
Financial disclosure has been provided.
Counsel or parties make this request by filing a Form 14B: Motion and a Form 17G: Certificate of Dispute Resolution from each party addressing the above requirements.
If the court grants permission, the parties are expected to comply with all requirements relating to a settlement conference, including filing a Form 17C: Settlement Conference Brief and any additional documentation (for example, a Net Family Property Statement, Comparative Net Family Statement, litigation expert reports or Offers to Settle).…
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeSuperior Court of Justice — province-wide
Official Family Law Rules provisions governing case conferences, settlement conferences and trial management conferences, including briefs and confirmations.
Government of OntarioRule 17 — ConferencesSource checked 2026-08-07
Official OCJ information about Case Center and support available to parties and self-represented litigants.
Key points
Case Center is not the same thing as filing
Case Center is used for hearing materials and document access in matters where the court directs its use. Filing requirements still have to be satisfied through the accepted filing process.
Follow the invitation and event instructions
The documents and bundle for a particular event depend on the court event and current directions.
Help is available
The OCJ page provides current Case Center support information for self-represented litigants.
Ontario Court of JusticeCase Center family-court information and supportSource checked 2026-08-07
Current OCJ guidance on case conferences, including Form 17A, financial updates, Form 17F confirmation and Rule 17 service and filing.
Key points
Core case-conference forms
The OCJ identifies Form 17 (Conference Notice) and Form 17A (Case Conference Brief) for a case conference.
What the brief covers
The OCJ describes Form 17A as covering family information, financial circumstances, agreed and disputed issues, issues for discussion and proposed resolution.
Financial disclosure may need updating
The OCJ explains that an older financial statement may need to be updated and also points to Form 13A where financial disclosure is required.
Confirmation
The OCJ identifies Form 17F as the Confirmation of Conference and directs parties to Rule 17(14).
Service and filing
The OCJ points to Rule 17(13) and 17(13.1) for service and filing of conference briefs and gives current OCJ timing information.
Conference briefs have special record treatment
The OCJ notes that Form 17A does not go into the Continuing Record unless the judge orders otherwise.
Ontario Court of JusticeCase conference forms, preparation, confirmation, service and filingSource checked 2026-08-07
Current OCJ guidance lays out the specialized child-protection court process, including the Application, Answer and Plan of Care, temporary hearings, conferences, motions and trial.
Key points
Child-protection cases use a specialized process
The OCJ guide sets out stages beginning with the protection application and first court date and continuing through hearings, conferences, motions and trial.
Starting and responding forms are specialized
The guide identifies Form 8B for a child-protection application and Form 33B for an Answer and Plan of Care.
Temporary care and custody evidence
The guide explains that affidavits, including Form 14A, may be used at a temporary care and custody hearing and that those documents must be served and filed.
Conferences and motions can both occur
The guide distinguishes conferences from motions and explains that both may occur during a child-protection case.
Ontario Court of JusticeChild-protection application, answer and plan of care, hearings, conferences, motions and trialSource checked 2026-08-07
Official OCJ notice describing how family matters are scheduled and conducted, including current presumptive modes of appearance and requests to change them.
Key points
Mode of appearance can depend on the event
The OCJ scheduling notice sets out whether different family matters are presumptively in person, virtual or otherwise conducted.
Requests to change the mode use court forms
The current OCJ notice identifies Form 17F or Form 14B for a request to change the presumptive mode of appearance, according to local practice.
Check the current notice before an appearance
Scheduling directions can change.
Ontario Court of JusticeCurrent OCJ notice on scheduling and modes of appearanceSource checked 2026-08-07
Current OCJ guidance explains the purpose and preparation requirements for settlement conferences, including Form 17C, financial updates, offers to settle, Form 17F and Rule 17 service/filing requirements.
Key points
What the conference is for
A settlement conference is used to explore settlement, narrow disputed issues, ensure relevant disclosure and organize the case if a trial is still needed.
Main conference brief
The OCJ guide identifies Form 17C as the Settlement Conference Brief and describes the information it covers.
Financial information may need updating
Where a financial statement is required, the guide explains when an updated financial statement or affidavit of changes is needed and identifies Form 13A for the certificate of financial disclosure.
Offer to Settle
The OCJ guide says an Offer to Settle is required for the settlement conference and points to Rule 18. The offer is treated separately from the continuing record.
Conference confirmation
Form 17F is used to confirm attendance, with Rule 17(14) governing the confirmation requirement.
Service and filing
Rule 17(13) and 17(13.1) govern the conference documents and timing. The guide also explains which materials do and do not go into the continuing record.
Ontario Court of JusticePurposes; Form 17C; financial updates; offers to settle; Form 17F; service and filingSource checked 2026-08-07
Current OCJ guidance on trial management conferences, including Form 17E, Form 17F, witness/document preparation and Rule 17 service and filing.
Key points
Purpose
The OCJ describes a trial management conference as the stage used to get the case ready for trial and identifies Rule 17(6) as the governing conference provision.
Forms
The OCJ identifies Form 17 and Form 17E: Trial Management Conference Brief as documents to complete, serve and file before the conference.
Bring a concrete trial plan
The OCJ tells parties to bring witness information, the documents they expect to rely on, and estimates for cross-examination time.
Trial issues come from the pleadings
The OCJ warns that the trial is limited to the issues raised in the original documents unless the case has been properly changed.
Confirmation
The OCJ identifies Form 17F as the Confirmation of Conference for a trial management conference and directs parties to Rule 17(14).
Continuing Record
The OCJ states that Form 17E is placed in the Continuing Record.
Ontario Court of JusticeTrial management conference forms, trial preparation, witnesses and confirmationSource checked 2026-08-07
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Conference Notice. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 17, “Conference Notice”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2018-10-31 and effective 2018-12-31.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 17 — Conference NoticeSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Case Conference Brief – General. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 17A, “Case Conference Brief – General”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2023-08-31 and effective 2023-11-26.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 17A — Case Conference Brief – GeneralSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Case conference brief for protection application or status review. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 17B, “Case conference brief for protection application or status review”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2018-02-28 and effective 2018-04-29.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 17B — Case conference brief for protection application or status reviewSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Settlement Conference Brief – General. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 17C, “Settlement Conference Brief – General”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2023-08-31 and effective 2023-11-26.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 17C — Settlement Conference Brief – GeneralSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Settlement conference brief for protection application or status review. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 17D, “Settlement conference brief for protection application or status review”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2023-08-31 and effective 2023-11-26.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 17D — Settlement conference brief for protection application or status reviewSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Trial Management Conference Brief. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 17E, “Trial Management Conference Brief”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2023-08-31 and effective 2023-11-26.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 17E — Trial Management Conference BriefSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Confirmation of Conference. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 17F, “Confirmation of Conference”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2024-09-23 and effective 2025-01-21.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 17F — Confirmation of ConferenceSource checked 2026-08-08
Official Ontario family-law form or related court document: Certificate of Dispute Resolution. Its use depends on the governing rule, the issues in the case and any applicable court directions.
Key points
What this is
Ontario Court Services lists this as Form 17G, “Certificate of Dispute Resolution”.
Current official version
The current English version is version dated 2021-04-30 and effective 2021-07-31.
How to use this form
Read the form together with the current Family Law Rules and any applicable court orders, notices and practice directions. The governing rule determines when the form is required and how it is used.
Ontario Court ServicesFamily Law Rules Forms — Form 17G — Certificate of Dispute ResolutionSource checked 2026-08-08
The Central East regional practice direction contains local Superior Court procedures and family-court scheduling, filing or hearing requirements that apply in that region in addition to province-wide directions.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeCentral East Region — family proceedings and local proceduresSource checked 2026-08-08
The Central South regional practice direction contains local Superior Court procedures and family-court scheduling, filing or hearing requirements that apply in that region in addition to province-wide directions.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeCentral South Region — family proceedings and local proceduresSource checked 2026-08-08
The Central West regional practice direction contains local Superior Court procedures and family-court scheduling, filing or hearing requirements that apply in that region in addition to province-wide directions.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeCentral West Region — family proceedings and local proceduresSource checked 2026-08-08
The current Superior Court province-wide family practice direction covers filing, Case Center, motions, conferences, financial disclosure, Binding JDR, virtual hearings and other court requirements.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeProvince-wide family practice direction — updated March 17, 2026Source checked 2026-08-08
The Superior Court guide explains that DROs conduct certain conferences at participating Superior Court locations and help identify, narrow or resolve issues.
Key points
A DRO is a Dispute Resolution Officer
The Superior Court uses DROs at participating locations to conduct certain family conferences. Rule 17 applies to DRO case conferences.
DRO conferences can narrow or resolve issues
The process is intended to identify issues, encourage settlement and help determine next steps. The documents required for the conference still have to be prepared and filed.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeWhat is a Dispute Resolution Officer (DRO) conference?Source checked 2026-08-08
The East regional practice direction contains local Superior Court procedures and family-court scheduling, filing or hearing requirements that apply in that region in addition to province-wide directions.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeEast Region — family proceedings and local proceduresSource checked 2026-08-08
The Superior Court guide explains case, settlement and trial-management conferences, preparation, materials, page limits and what may happen at the conference.
Key points
Rule 17 governs the main family conferences
The Superior Court guide identifies three main conference types under Rule 17: case conferences, settlement conferences and trial management conferences.
Conferences focus the case and encourage resolution
A judge or Dispute Resolution Officer can discuss what is agreed, what remains disputed, whether issues can be resolved and how the case should move forward.
Conference materials have court-imposed format and length requirements
The Superior Court practice direction contains requirements for conference materials, including font, spacing, page limits and permitted attachments. Regional directions may add local requirements.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeWhat happens at a family law conference?Source checked 2026-08-08
The Superior Court guide explains when a first appearance occurs, what the clerk reviews and how a case may move toward a conference.
Key points
A first appearance is an early procedural court date in cases where it applies
The Superior Court guide explains that the court clerk reviews the file and helps move the case toward the next required step.
The next step is often a conference
When the required documents are in place, the case will normally move toward a case conference before a judge or, at participating locations, a Dispute Resolution Officer.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeWhat happens at a First Appearance Court?Source checked 2026-08-08
The Northeast regional practice direction contains local Superior Court procedures and family-court scheduling, filing or hearing requirements that apply in that region in addition to province-wide directions.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeNortheast Region — family proceedings and local proceduresSource checked 2026-08-08
The Northwest regional practice direction contains local Superior Court procedures and family-court scheduling, filing or hearing requirements that apply in that region in addition to province-wide directions.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeNorthwest Region — family proceedings and local proceduresSource checked 2026-08-08
The Superior Court guide explains the case-management steps that commonly occur before a family case can proceed to trial.
Key points
Family cases usually move through case-management steps before trial
The Superior Court guide describes required events that organize the case, identify issues, encourage resolution and prepare unresolved issues for a final hearing.
The exact route depends on the case and court location
First appearances, conferences, DRO events and other steps do not occur in exactly the same way in every case or courthouse. Current court and regional directions should be checked.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeWhat are the required steps in a family law case?Source checked 2026-08-08
The Southwest regional practice direction contains local Superior Court procedures and family-court scheduling, filing or hearing requirements that apply in that region in addition to province-wide directions.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeSouthwest Region — family proceedings and local proceduresSource checked 2026-08-08
The provincial practice direction sets requirements for Superior Court family conference materials, page limits, advance discussions, confirmations, combined conferences and trial-management steps.
Key points
Conference materials should be focused
The Superior Court practice direction says conference material should address the outstanding issues and avoid irrelevant or excessive attachments.
Page limits apply
The province-wide direction sets page limits for case conference and settlement conference briefs and identifies attachments that may be included outside those limits. Regional directions should also be checked.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticePart H — ConferencesSource checked 2026-08-08
The provincial practice direction describes the DRO program, Dispute Resolution Conferences, reports and local scheduling procedures.
Key points
The province-wide direction governs Superior Court DRO programs
The practice direction applies to Superior Court DRO programs and describes the role of DROs, dispute resolution conferences, reports and next steps.
Rule 17 document requirements still apply
A DRO dispute resolution conference is a Rule 17 conference. Parties must prepare the conference documents required by the Rule and the court directions.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticePart H — Dispute Resolution Officer (DRO) ProgramSource checked 2026-08-08
The Toronto regional practice direction contains local Superior Court procedures and family-court scheduling, filing or hearing requirements that apply in that region in addition to province-wide directions.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeToronto Region — family proceedings and local proceduresSource checked 2026-08-08
The current province-wide SCJ family practice direction sets requirements for Form 17F conference confirmations, Case Center upload and the information the confirmation must identify.
Key points
Conference confirmation
The practice direction requires each party to deliver a fully completed Form 17F by the stated conference-confirmation deadline and upload it to the related Case Center event bundle.
What the confirmation identifies
The direction says Form 17F should identify the specific issues to be addressed and the specific material the judge should review.
Ontario Superior Court of JusticeParas. 108-114 — Form 17F Confirmation Forms for ConferencesSource checked 2026-08-07
Official OCJ orientation for self-represented family litigants preparing for in-person, virtual or telephone appearances.
Key points
Start by checking how the appearance will happen
The OCJ guide tells self-represented parties to confirm whether the event is in person, by video or by telephone and to follow the court information for that appearance.
Preparation is not only about forms
The guide also orients litigants to practical court-appearance expectations and available assistance.
Use the event-specific source as well
A conference, motion or trial has its own procedural rules and forms.
Ontario Court of JusticeYour case is scheduled to be heard — what you need to knowSource checked 2026-08-07