How does Court communicate with Parties

[LakeErie]

I’m preparing for self rep and I have a stupid question to ask for those of us who have gone through the process ….

Just wondering how the Court communicates with the applicant and respondent. After the applicant has the respondent served, and files the motion in court, how would the court notify the parties for the various dates? I have heard of the case conference date, the trial date etc.. I know lawyers can send fax between them, would the family Court notify us by letter or may give us a phone call? Or we get all the dates in person from the court clerk? What's the process?


Thanks a lot.

[Tayken]

Originally Posted by LakeErie

I’m preparing for self rep and I have a stupid question to ask for those of us who have gone through the process ….

Just wondering how the Court communicates with the applicant and respondent. After the applicant has the respondent served, and files the motion in court, how would the court notify the parties for the various dates? I have heard of the case conference date, the trial date etc.. I know lawyers can send fax between them, would the family Court notify us by letter or may give us a phone call? Or we get all the dates in person from the court clerk? What's the process?


Thanks a lot.

You are best to call the trial management office for the court house you are appearing at and talking to the trial schedulers. They can look up the scheduling information from you and confirm with you. You can also ask them to notify you by phone, fax or email most times.

Your best bet is to call yourself though. Generally getting through to the trial management office isn't a problem.

Good Luck!
Tayken

[Frustrated_DAD]

The court does not cummincate the dates. The Applicant (individual) who starts the process will send the opposing party the court papers with the dates on it.

See the FLIC at the court house and they will guide you through the steps. They can tell you process but can not help you fill out the forms.

Just remember that the very first time Court Documents must be served by a third party (usually a process server) and can not be served on the lawyer until they are registered with the court.

[TLCRN]

Actually from experience and having dealt with Courts in two different region, the Trial Management Office always called, followed by a letter sent via "mail". You can simply call the Family Court Clerk at the court house where the case is heard and ask especially if it is a motion or case conference and not a trial.

[Tayken]

Originally Posted by TLCRN

Actually from experience and having dealt with Courts in two different region, the Trial Management Office always called, followed by a letter sent via "mail". You can simply call the Family Court Clerk at the court house where the case is heard and ask especially if it is a motion or case conference and not a trial.

I agree. Using FLIC should be a last resource for this kind of scheduling information for a self represented litigant.