Types of case conferences

Prepare for a directions conference

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Overview

If the Family Court has set a date for a directions conference, you or your lawyer must file a Memorandum for Directions Conference at least five days before the conference date.

What is a directions conference

A directions conference is a type of case conference where everyone involved in your case will meet with a judicial officer. The judicial officer will make directions to get your case ready for a hearing. To help the judicial officer make directions in your case, they need information from you.

Information you should give

You need to include information about what has happened in the case so far in your Memorandum for Directions Conference, such as:

  • any agreements that have been reached
  • any remaining disagreements
  • what court orders have been made previously and whether they have been followed since.

How to complete your Memorandum for Directions Conference

You and the other people involved in the case should complete one memorandum between all of you.

If you can’t agree to complete a memorandum together, you can complete separate memoranda.

1

Understand what you'll need

If anyone prepares a separate memorandum, make sure everyone involved in the case is given an exact copy. This is called service.

Serving documents

Use a BLUE or BLACK ballpoint pen if you complete the forms by hand.

2

Complete the form

Download the following form:

Memorandum for Direction Conference [PDF, 461 KB]

To have the form sent to you, freephone the Ministry of Justice on 0800 224 733. You can also pick one up from the court.

Find your nearest court

You must print the forms single sided.

3

File your memorandum

You can file your memorandum electronically or in person. When you file your memorandum, it must have the original signatures. You must file your memorandum at the correct court.

How to file documents

Court staff will contact you if they need more information.

Fees and costs when using the Family Court - memorandum

There is no court filing fee associated with this memorandum.

After you file your memorandum

The directions conference will go ahead on the date the court has told you. At the directions conference, the judge will give directions to get your case ready for a hearing.

Attend a hearing

Sometimes the judge can make a final order at a directions conference. For example, if you don't show up for court and don't have a good reason for it.

Feeling overwhelmed?

Going to Family Court can be hard. It's normal to feel overwhelmed. There are services available to help and support through this time.

Visit our help page