If you’ve received notice of a Resolution Management Conference (RMC) in your Arizona divorce case, you might be feeling overwhelmed or unsure about what to expect. This guide will walk you through exactly what an RMC is, what happens during the hearing, and how to prepare so you feel confident and ready.
At The Shaw Law Group, we help Arizona residents navigate divorce and family court with clarity and strategy. Here’s what you need to know.
What is a Resolution Management Conference?
An RMC is a court hearing that takes place early in your divorce or family law case in Arizona. Its primary purpose is to:
- Identify the key issues in your case
- Clarify what you and your spouse agree or disagree on
- Help the judge set the direction for your case moving forward
This isn’t a trial, it’s a planning meeting with the judge. The goal is to make the case more efficient, cooperative, and organized.
What Happens During a Resolution Management Conference?
At the RMC, the judge will ask questions to better understand:
- Which issues are resolved or uncontested
- Which topics still need to be decided (such as legal decision-making, parenting time, spousal maintenance, or division of property)
- Whether the case is likely to settle or go to trial
Before the RMC:
- You (or your attorney) must file a Resolution Management Statement with the court. This outlines your position on major issues and what you’re requesting.
- A “meet and confer” is required. This is when both parties or their attorneys try to identify any common ground ahead of the hearing.
During the RMC:
- The judge may approve agreements that both sides have reached.
- For unresolved issues, the judge may:
- Order mediation or a parenting conference
- Set timelines for disclosure and discovery
- Schedule future hearings or a trial date
- Issue temporary orders (if both parties agree)
How to Prepare for Your Resolution Management Conference in Arizona
Preparation is critical. A well-organized presentation helps the judge understand your position and improves your ability to advocate for what matters most.
Steps to prepare:
- File your Resolution Management Statement on time
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- Make sure it’s thorough, focused, and clearly explains your goals.
- Organize your documents
- Include financial records, parenting schedules, or anything that supports your requests.
- Discuss strategy with your attorney
- Go into the hearing with a clear idea of what you’re asking for and where you might compromise.
What to Avoid at a Resolution Management Conference
RMCs are not the time for dramatic accusations or emotional outbursts. Avoid:
- Being unprepared or missing filing deadlines
- Making last-minute demands or surprising the other side
- Overreacting emotionally in court
Judges want to see cooperation and problem-solving, not conflict. Keeping calm and focused on progress will serve you better.
What Happens After the Resolution Management Conference?
Following the RMC, the court will issue a written order that outlines:
- Next steps in the case
- Deadlines for disclosure and evidence exchange
- Whether mediation is required
- Trial dates, if needed
Think of the RMC as your roadmap for what comes next in your divorce. The clearer your direction, the smoother the process can be.
Need Help Preparing for a Resolution Management Conference?
At The Shaw Law Group, we know how stressful court proceedings can be, especially when your family and future are on the line. We’ve helped hundreds of Arizona clients confidently prepare for RMCs and other critical hearings, and we also share helpful tips and answers to your questions on our website and YouTube channel.
Schedule a consultation today to get the guidance and preparation you need to walk into court with confidence.
