This meeting will take approximately 30 minutes. The case will then be scheduled for a support conference. Both parties will be notified of the date and time of the conference. If the absent parent cannot be found, a parent locate action will be initiated. In all matters relating to Domestic Relations, the parties have a right to be represented by an attorney, but it is not necessary to bring one to the conference.
Attorneys can give the parties help and advice about legal matters relating to the case.
The obligee or obligor makes the decision to have an attorney at the conference. If the obligee fails to attend the conference, the case will be dismissed. If the obligee, however, receives Public Assistance and does not attend, the matter will be heard. He or she could lose welfare benefits as a result. At the conference, the conference officer is an unbiased party.