A third party s perspective of the case is especially helpful in emotionally charged cases. Sometimes all the parties need is a neutral, communicative climate to help them settle a matter. That person can suggest solutions that have not been explored previously. The other type of program is the court-initiated mandatory settlement conference, in which the court requires the parties to participate prior to trial. Before the parties meet with the mandatory settlement judge or panel, the judge needs to be educated about the facts and theories of the case.
Many courts require settlement statements from the parties.
These statements are designed to educate the court as to the nature of the case, the facts, and the issues in dispute. You may also consider using the statement to put forth ideas for solutions in the dispute. Each state and each court differs with respect to requirements for settlement conference statements. Check with your local court rules to determine whether such statements are required and if so, what is required in their content. If there is no requirement for settlement conference statements, you may consider asking the settlement judge if the parties may provide such a statement.