Ontario legal guide · Updated 2026-06-16
Settlement Conference — Ontario Family Court
A settlement conference (Rule 17 of the Family Law Rules) is a without-prejudice meeting with a judge to try to resolve the case. It happens after a case conference and before trial.
What to prepare
- Settlement conference brief (Form 17C — issues, position, supporting law, draft order).
- Updated financial disclosure (Form 13 or 13.1).
- Confirmation of Conference (Form 17F) — to the clerk by 2 p.m. three days before.
- Written offer to settle under rule 18 (there is no numbered family form for it) — triggers costs consequences if rejected and you do better at trial.
What happens at the conference
- Judge reviews briefs.
- Each party presents their position.
- Judge gives feedback on strengths/weaknesses.
- Parties negotiate; partial or full agreement may be put on the record.
Costs implications
Rule 18 awards costs when a written offer is rejected and the rejecting party does worse at trial — sometimes substantial costs from the date of the offer forward.
Need help with your case?
Free triage. No legal advice — procedural guidance only.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a case and settlement conference?
A case conference (Rule 17(4)) deals with procedure — disclosure, next steps, simple issues. A settlement conference (Rule 17(5)) focuses on resolving the substantive issues with the judge's help.
Do I need a settlement conference brief?
Yes. The party requesting the conference (or the applicant) serves and files the settlement conference brief (Form 17C) and updated financial disclosure no later than six days before the conference; the other party no later than four days before (r. 17(13.1)). The Confirmation of Conference (Form 17F) must reach the clerk by 2 p.m. three days before the conference (r. 17(14)) or the conference is not held (r. 17(14.1)). Failing to file can also result in costs.
Can the judge make orders at a settlement conference?
Only on consent or for procedural matters. The judge cannot impose a substantive order without agreement, but they will give a strong non-binding opinion on likely outcomes.
Are settlement conferences confidential?
Yes. Statements made are without prejudice and cannot be used at trial. The same judge will not hear the trial.
Quorex provides legal information and procedural guidance, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. For legal advice, contact Legal Aid Ontario (1-800-668-8258) or a licensed lawyer or paralegal.