Do I need to show up for the settlement conference
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Do I need to show up for the settlement conference
Do I need to attend settlement conference if we have an uncontested divorce and nothing to split up in Maryland. I have an appointment for a settlement conference, but it would cost money, and vacation, to travel there and would like to know if I can just not show up. We have been split, and living in desperate states, for years. We just want the divorce over.
Asked on August 9, 2017 under Family Law, New Jersey
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
If the court has ordered the conference, you will have to attend, unless the court chooses to let you send an attorney in your stead without a personal appearance (the courts often allow this at settlement conferences, so long as the lawyer has authority to settle and can reach you by phone to confirm settlement): court ordered appearances or conferences are (except when the court itself lets you out of appearing, or if it's one at which an attorney can appear for you) mandatory. Or if you actually file a final settlement in the matter with the court ahead of time, that would render the conference moot so that you did not have to appear.
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