Family Law & Divorce Attorney
A Resolution Management Conference (RMC) is a court hearing that helps manage an Arizona family law case by identifying disputed issues, discussing possible agreements, and determining what should happen next. An RMC is not a trial, and it is generally not used to decide contested issues that require the presentation of evidence and testimony.
RMCs may be scheduled in divorce, legal decision-making, parenting time, support, and other family law cases. Understanding the purpose of the conference can help you prepare for what the judge may address.
Why Is a Resolution Management Conference Held?
The purpose of an RMC is to determine where your case stands and what needs to happen before it can be resolved. Under Rule 76 of the Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure, the court may set an RMC and must set one when a party requests it.
During the conference, the judge can identify issues that remain disputed, determine whether the parties have reached any agreements, and address procedural matters affecting the case.
Even if you and the other party cannot resolve everything, an RMC can narrow the disagreements that require further court involvement.
What Happens During an RMC in Arizona?
The judge will typically review the status of the case and discuss the issues that still need to be resolved. Depending on the circumstances, those issues might involve property division, spousal maintenance, child support, legal decision-making, or parenting time.
The court may also address matters such as:
- Disclosure or discovery issues
- Deadlines and other case-management requirements
- Whether mediation could help resolve remaining disputes
- Temporary orders when appropriate
- Scheduling additional hearings or trial
Mediation may provide an opportunity to resolve some disputes without having a judge decide them. If agreements are reached, the court can address them during the RMC and determine what issues, if any, remain contested.
An RMC itself is generally focused on managing and resolving the case. If a disputed issue requires testimony or other evidence, the court may schedule an evidentiary hearing or trial rather than decide it at the conference.
How Should You Prepare for a Resolution Management Conference?
Preparation begins before the day of the conference. Rule 76 requires parties to take certain steps before an RMC, including complying with applicable disclosure requirements and filing required statements identifying agreements and disputed issues. The rule also generally requires efforts to resolve as many issues as possible beforehand, with exceptions concerning prohibited contact and significant histories of domestic violence.
Before your RMC, you should be prepared to explain:
- Which issues have already been resolved
- Which issues remain disputed and your position on them
- Whether required disclosures have been completed
- What additional information may still be needed
- Which settlement options you would consider
You should also review relevant court filings, financial information, parenting-related documents, and other materials connected to the unresolved issues. An attorney can help you determine what information matters for the conference and prepare the required filings.
Can Temporary Orders Be Addressed at an RMC?
Temporary orders may come up while an Arizona family law case is pending. These orders can address immediate issues while the parties wait for a final resolution, such as parenting arrangements, child support, spousal maintenance, or use of certain property.
At an RMC, the court can address agreements concerning temporary orders and determine what further proceedings are necessary for contested requests. If an issue requires evidence before the judge can rule, a separate hearing may be required.
What Happens After a Resolution Management Conference?
What happens next depends on how much progress was made. If you resolve all disputed issues, the case may proceed toward finalizing an agreement and obtaining the necessary court orders.
If some disagreements remain, the court may direct the parties to complete additional disclosure, participate in mediation, or prepare for another hearing. When settlement efforts do not resolve the remaining issues, the case may ultimately proceed to trial.
In a divorce, resolving even some issues at this stage can reduce the number of matters that must later be presented to the judge.
Be Prepared for the Next Step in Your Family Law Case
An RMC can shape how your case proceeds, even when it does not result in a complete settlement. Knowing which issues remain disputed, completing required disclosures, and preparing your position beforehand can help you use the conference effectively.
At Cohen Family Law, we help clients understand Arizona family law procedures, prepare for court conferences, and address disputed issues throughout their cases. Contact us to discuss your situation and how we can help you prepare for an upcoming Resolution Management Conference.
