Minnesota Initial Case Management Conferences
Divorce Lawyer in Minnesota
An initial case management conference (ICMC) is the initial meeting with the judge for divorcing couples, especially those with children. By allowing the judge to have early intervention in the process, proper communication is sought between the parties so that a resolution can be reached in the case. The judge also gets a feel for the case through the conference and the process can be less difficult in many cases, streamlining the divorce process as much as possible, also saving the cost of a long and grueling court battle. A Minnesota divorce attorney from Heimerl & Lammers can assist you throughout every aspect of a contested divorce, including the ICMC.
There are a number of reasons as to why ICMC is used. Those reasons include:
- To establish the court's control over the case's progress
- For the court to have early intervention
- Offer alternative dispute resolution processes
- Establish discovery deadlines and limitations
- Discuss the progress of settlements and opportunities of settlements
- Schedule a date for future conferences if they are needed
- This can make the divorce process much easier and make it less stressful on children when there are disagreements present between the two parents.
The Minnesota ICMC Process
Within 30 days of the initial court filing, the court schedules the ICMCs for each party. Each party will be sent a confidential data form. This form needs to be filled out and then returned to the court before the scheduled conference date. This hearing is mandatory, so both parties need to attend their scheduled hearing. When you are re presented by an attorney - which you should be in any divorce case or other important legal proceeding, your attorney will need to be present. You do not need representation at the ICMC because all involved parties meet with the judge.
When meeting with the judge, the judge will discuss with you all of your options and what issues are leading to the inability to come to an agreement as parents. Once the reasons are determined, you will be asked to choose an Alternative Dispute Resolution, or ADR, which is how your case will continue through the court process with little or no delay.
Although your attorney does not have to attend ICMCs, you will need to be adequately prepared. The judge and your attorneys will have to be prepared as well. When you have the proper representation during your divorce, reaching agreements can be easier when you know what the possible outcomes can be. We are very familiar with every aspect of ICMC's and can help you prepare for this important aspect of divorce. We can help you through the entire divorce process, including preparing for your Minnesota initial case management conference with the judge.
Contact a Minnesota divorce attorney to discuss an Initial Case Management Conference.