What’s the difference is between a pretrial and a trial in the context of a Connecticut divorce? It’s a reasonable question. Even if you are well-versed in your prefixes thanks to English or Latin class in school — the fact that a “pre”-trial happens “before” the trial is hardly the whole story — or enough information. Read on to learn the difference between a pretrial and a trial in a Connecticut divorce.
Pretrials vs. Trials in Connecticut Divorces
We generally use “pretrial” as shorthand for “pretrial conference.”
A pretrial conference is a Court-mandated settlement meeting in litigated divorces.
A trial is when the two parties to a dispute present information (in the form of evidence) formally before a court with authority to adjudicate (or decide) their claims or disputes.
In other words, in a pretrial, the Court brings the parties together to assist them in deciding how to resolve their disputes themselves. However, in a trial, the parties’ respective lawyers present their clients’ cases to the judge, who issues a ruling deciding issues the parties have been unable to determine on their own.
Read: What’s the Difference Between a Hearing and a Trial?
Special Masters Pretrials vs. Judicial Pretrials
There are two types of pretrials in Connecticut divorces:
- Special Masters Pretrials, and
- Judicial Pretrials.
In both, professionals experienced with Connecticut divorce law help the parties reach an agreement. In a judicial pretrial, that person is a judge. For a special masters pretrial, one or two experienced divorce lawyers volunteer to assist spouses in resolving their disputes.
Read: What Is a Pretrial?
Read: What Is a Special Masters Pretrial?
Next Steps
At Freed Marcroft, we want you to understand what is happening in your divorce — including how pretrials work. Then, depending on your goals, skilled divorce counsel can develop a legal strategy keyed into those goals. Our first step at Freed Marcroft, the Goals & Planning Conference, is designed to get to the heart of your problem and unveil your true goals for your life. Next, once we discover your goals at the Goals and Planning Conference, we are able to build a divorce customized for you.
