A settlement conference is a pre-trial meeting for Civil, Family, and Probate cases, where parties discuss their case with a neutral person to help reach an agreement. To participate in a settlement conference, parties need to complete a form proving they are prepared. This method is used for different types of cases, such as car accidents, contracts, medical issues, and family matters.
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Parties can agree to a binding, one-day jury trial with a judge pro tempore and four jurors, where three jurors must agree on the verdict. Short Trial is optional and cannot be mandated, often chosen as an alternative to mandatory arbitration. It's suitable for most civil matters, including car accidents, contracts, medical malpractice, and other tort claims.
Learn MoreDespite its many benefits, ADR may not be appropriate in all cases. As a general matter, the following situations should be seriously considered before using ADR as an alternative to litigation.
To access the Virtual Settlement Conference Platform, request GoTo Meeting access from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Office at adroffice1@jbazmc.maricopa.gov or by calling 602-506-7884. Access is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The parties to a case may stipulate to, or the Court may order the parties for a mandatory settlement conference (SC). The parties can either attend an SC through private mediation, or with a Judge Pro Tempore (JPT) through the court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Department. Cases are generally referred to ADR for a settlement conference by the Judge presiding over the case (Family, Civil, and Probate Cases).
During a court hearing or the Judge may set an ex parte settlement conference. See ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2021-044: IN THE MATTER OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM PROCEDURES FOR FAMILY COURT CASES (AMENDMENT TO AO 2021-041) & ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2021-041: IN THE MATTER OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM PROCEDURES FOR FAMILY COURT CASES.
By Minute Entry; Stipulated/Joint Order; or during a Courtroom Hearing. See ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2023-009: IN THE MATTER OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM PROCEDURES FOR CIVIL CASES
By Minute Entry; Stipulated/Joint Order; or during a Courtroom Hearing.
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