--- title: "Family Law Settlement Conference Guide (VSC vs MSC)" description: "Preparing for a divorce trial in California? A family law settlement conference can help you avoid the stress, cost, and uncertainty of court. Learn how voluntary and mandatory settlement conferences work, how they differ from mediation, and how proper preparation can lead to faster, more peaceful divorce resolutions..." url: https://ffmediation.com/family-law-settlement-conference-california/ date: 2025-10-08 modified: 2026-06-15 author: "Dina Haddad" image: https://ffmediation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/What-is-Family-Law-Settlement-Conference-in-Divorce.webp categories: ["Assets in Divorce"] type: post lang: en --- # Family Law Settlement Conference Guide (VSC vs MSC) [Home](https://ffmediation.com/) » Divorce and Family law Blog # Family Law Settlement Conference Guide (VSC vs MSC) ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0962836aab19b70e2ec144967da66ff8f65d3548ea94f705fb592b7efc162319?s=264&d=mm&r=g)Dina HaddadFounder Attorney-Mediator and California's Top-Rated Super Lawyer [ View Profile ](https://ffmediation.com/about-us/dina-haddad-esq/) [ Facebook ** ](https://www.facebook.com/Families-First-Mediation-100162333372826/) [ Linkedin ** ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinahaddad/) [ X-twitter ** ](https://twitter.com/MediatorDina) [ Youtube ** ](https://www.youtube.com/@divorcewithdina) ![Family Law Settlement Conference in California](https://ffmediation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/What-is-Family-Law-Settlement-Conference-in-Divorce-1024x614.webp) ## Content ** Looking for Expert Help? Dina Haddad and her team provide expert mediation services for Californians. If you want help related to any family law issue, call us or book a consult. [ ** ](tel:+14083573486) [ +1 408-357-3486 ](tel:+14083573486) [ ** Book A Free Consult ](https://ffmediation.com/schedule-a-free-consult/) Are you preparing for a trial in divorce court in California? It’s not too late to work with your spouse and attorneys in a collaborative setting so that you can save time, money and still have the chance for a high-quality and creative agreement.  With a private family law settlement conference you can avoid court hearings and trials, and still reach a settlement agreement with the assistance of your attorney. There are two types of settlement conferences: voluntary (VSC) and mandatory (MSC). A private VSC is usually more effective than an MSC court order. Adequate preparation is the most important factor to a successful result. [Book a free consult](https://ffmediation.com/schedule-a-free-consult/) with [Dina Haddad](https://ffmediation.com/about-us/dina-haddad-esq/)– California’s leading and most trusted Settlement officer and mediator to take control of your whole outcome. ## Understanding California Family Law Settlement Conference A [family law settlement conference](https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/civil2/adr2/adrfaq/settlementconferencesfaq) is a structured meeting where both parties will meet with their attorneys and a neutral third party (an [attorney-mediator](https://ffmediation.com/divorce-mediator/) with experience in family law) in an effort to settle their divorce or separation.  The California Family Code encourages these settlement conferences because it believes that the resolution of disputes outside trial will conserve court resources and minimize conflict for families. The point is simple: to reach a binding agreement on some or all of the issues. The goals are: - Limit the disputes you disagree on. - Allow you to control the result of the divorce. - Avoid the stress and publicity of a courtroom hearing. - Save considerable time and money in contrast to a trial. - Encourage an honest discussion in a safe environment. - Develop solutions creatively that a judge cannot impose. In most cases, settlement beats [trial](https://ffmediation.com/mediation/what-is-litigation/). Trials are adversarial, costly, time-intensive, and leave final decisions with a judge who doesn’t know your family. Settlement terms are about being able to create a unique agreement that works for your situation. It is dependent on the nature of the conference. A Voluntary Settlement Conference (VSC) is optional, but if your case is progressing to trial, the court will schedule a Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) which will require your participation. ## Types of Family Law Settlement Conference ![Types of Family Law Settlement conference](https://ffmediation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Types-of-Family-Law-Settlement-Conference.webp) ### 1. Voluntary settlement conference A Voluntary Settlement Conference (VSC) is a private meeting, held outside of court that you initiate to resolve your case. An experienced Settlement Officer functions as a neutral facilitator and can help facilitate negotiations more actively than a [mediator](https://ffmediation.com/divorce-mediator/). Here are some key things about VSC: - **Format:** Usually half a day or a full day. - **Formality: **Not as formal as, but still structured like a court. - **Purpose: **To efficiently resolve the dispute, avoid the [costs of trial divorce](https://ffmediation.com/amicable-divorce-tips-checklist-cost/), and reach common ground or a settlement with respect to the issues. - **Scheduling: **After your request, we will schedule this at your convenience, often virtually. - **Facilitation: **The Settlement Officer is someone you privately selected to facilitate the VSC. - **Key differentiator: **You control the whole process, the timing, and the neutral professional in comparison to MSC where you can’t control the whole process. ### 2. Court-ordered settlement conference A [Court-Ordered Settlement Conference](https://ffmediation.com/san-jose-family-law-settlement-conference-ca/) is an obligatory meeting that the presiding judge requires before your case can proceed to trial. It is not optional, and its ultimate goal is to achieve a settlement before a trial. - ** **Formality:** It is a formal judicial proceeding. - ** **Purpose: **Get a court order, make a final attempt to settle, simplify issues for trial. - ** **Context: **Generally, this will occur in a one-time session for a few hours. - ** **Setting:** Ordered by the family law court, usually at the courthouse. - ** ** Facilitated:** Usually by a volunteer attorney or a judge pro tem, assigned by the court. - ** ** Key Difference:** It is mandatory to attend, and you have no choice about the facilitator. ### 3. Other court connected conferences - ** (1): Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC): ** A general term for a court ordered pre-trial settlement meeting. - ** (2): Judicial Settlement Conference: ** A judge, who is seated, is presiding and provides an evaluative conclusion on the case. - ** (3): Case Management Conference: ** Refers to an event related to trial preparation which does not involve settlement negotiation. ### Comparative analysis between voluntary and mandatory settlement conference The primary difference between the conferences is control. A voluntary conference involves a proactive decision by you to create a customized process. Meanwhile, a mandatory conference involves a reactive decision in the [litigation](https://ffmediation.com/mediation/what-is-litigation/) sequence. Here’s a tabular summary of the major differences. | Points of Comparison | Voluntary Settlement Conference (VSC) | Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) | | --- | --- | --- | | **Control** | You initiate and control the process. | Court-ordered; you have little control. | | **Timing ** | Scheduled at your convenience. | Set by the court's busy calendar. | | **Neutral Party ** | Your choice of a private Settlement Officer. | A court-assigned volunteer or judge | | **Duration ** | Ample time (half/full day) for discussion. | Often time-pressured (a few hours). | | ** Cost ** | Predictable fee for a dedicated professional. | Can be expensive due to attorney wait time. | | ** Location** | Flexible (virtual or private office). | Typically at the courthouse. | | ** Outcome Focus ** | Client-centered, seeking creative solutions. | Court-centered, focused on clearing the trial docket. | ## What Happens in a Family Law Settlement Conference? In a Voluntary Settlement Conference (VSC), you and your attorney enter a private meeting with the other party and their attorney with the guidance of a Settlement Officer you have selected. The officer will facilitate discussions and assist in evaluating an offer and counteroffer to reach a mutual agreement.  A Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) works similarly to a VSC except that it’s held at the courthouse, and the neutral facilitator is appointed by the court which can also introduce additional formality and time constraints. ### What happens next after the settlement conference? If parties do reach an agreement, it is documented and becomes a binding settlement. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. However, the discussions may have technically narrowed down existing disputed issues. ## What happens if Agreement is Not Reached in Settlement Conference In family-related legal matters, disputes regarding child custody and/or support will not always result in an agreement between the parties. The consequences of not reaching an agreement depend on the type of conference. ### What if no agreement is reached in VSC If you did not reach an agreement in your private VSC, your case may go to trial. However, even in this case, your Settlement Officer, in their role and capacity as a skilled neutral negotiator, will likely identify an area of progress and suggest next steps – whether that be another VSC, preparing an agreement for circulation, or directing or attorneys for further negotiations. ### What if no agreement is reached in MSC If the MSC process did not result in an agreement, the court sets a trial date. The judge may make some orders based on the agreement, but you must continue the [litigation ](https://ffmediation.com/mediation/what-is-litigation/)process, resulting in increased costs. If you have an agreement from the VSC, your Settlement Officer is there to help craft a binding settlement. In an MSC, agreements will be presented to the court to become a valid court order. ## Are Family Law Mediation and Settlement Conference Similar? No, they are different processes. [Mediation ](https://ffmediation.com/mediation/how-does-this-process-start/)and a settlement conference are designed to resolve family law disputes but serve fundamentally different purposes. [Mediation ](https://ffmediation.com/)is a facilitative process where a [neutral mediato](https://ffmediation.com/divorce-mediator/)r assists the parties with communication and negotiation of their own agreement.  A settlement conference is an evaluative process where a neutral person, usually a judge or an experienced attorney, evaluates strengths and weaknesses of the case and encourages settlement based on what the likely outcome will be if the case went to court. Key differences include: - **The Role of the Facilitator:** A mediator is a facilitator of discussion; a settlement officer is an evaluator and recommender. - **Involvement of the Participant:** In [mediation](https://ffmediation.com/), you will participate directly. In a conference, the attorney often runs the conference. - **The level of formalness: **A conference is more formal and resembles a court hearing. - **The focus:** Mediation focuses on interests; while the conference focuses on the legal positions and outcomes. - **Advocacy:** In a conference situation, each party will have their advocate more formally argue their position. The following table further illustrates the differences between private divorce mediation and a voluntary settlement conference: | Point of Difference | Private Divorce Mediation | Voluntary Settlement Conference | | --- | --- | --- | | **Primary Goal** | Facilitate a mutually created agreement between the parties. | Evaluate the case to secure a settlement and avoid trial. | | **Neutral’s Role ** | Facilitator of communication and negotiation. | Evaluator and recommender of terms based on legal merits. | | **Party Involvement ** | Parties are central, active participants in discussions. | Parties may be present, but attorneys often do most of the arguing. | | **Formality Level** | Informal and collaborative, focused on problem-solving. | Formal and structured, similar to a mock court proceeding. | | ** Basis for Outcome** | The parties' interests, needs, and creative solutions. | The predicted outcome if the case were to go to trial. | | ** Confidentiality ** | Highly confidential; discussions cannot be used in court. | Confidential, but the outcome can become a binding court order. | ## How to Prepare for a Settlement Conference? The first thing you want to do is to clarify your goals and priorities. You should collect all financial information and then discuss your case with your attorney. The neutral will likely ask questions like: “What result do you want?” and “Where can you compromise?” Most VSC will last half a day or a full day. You should wear business casual clothes to respect the process. ## Take Control of Your Outcome with VSC A family law settlement conference is an effective way to resolve your divorce without having a trial. Understanding how a client-controlled Voluntary Settlement Conference (VSC) differs from a court-mandated Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) is part of this process. A private VSC provides a process dedicated to resolution. Your ability to prepare thoroughly before any VSC will significantly improve your chance of success. If you are looking for an efficient path to settlement, engaging in a VSC is a proactive move. Take control of your outcome. [Schedule a free consultation with the Settlement Officer](https://ffmediation.com/divorce-mediator/) today. ## California’s Best Private Settlement Conference Service [Families First Mediation](https://ffmediation.com/) is a premier private mediation service that provides experienced and reliable assistance with a settlement conference in California. We have established a 90% effective settlement for divorce, custody, and support cases.  [Families First Mediation](https://ffmediation.com/) has built a reputation that the legal community trusts, as attorneys routinely suggest that our excellent officers engage in the settlement process. Let our talented [settlement officers](https://ffmediation.com/about-us/dina-haddad-esq/) resolve your case quickly and effectively. [Book a free consult](https://ffmediation.com/schedule-a-free-consult/) with our Settlement officers and work with a leading settlement officer near you in California.  If there are or were premarital funds or any inheritance funds, it is best to set these funds up in separate accounts.  You should never deposit marital income into these accounts or pay for anything jointly. Also, title all real estate, investments, or businesses you own solely in your name. ## FAQ — Settlement Conference Guide ** ** Q. How successful are settlement conferences? Private Voluntary Settlement Conferences (VSCs) are often very successful (over 90%) when all parties are properly prepared. Its success depends on all parties’ willingness to engage in negotiations. Court-ordered MSCs may not always be as successful due to the time constraints. ** ** Q. Do you need a lawyer for a settlement conference? While a lawyer is not legally required for a VSC, it is highly advised you have a lawyer attend the VSC. A lawyer can provide invaluable legal advice and advocacy. In an MSC, you are expected to have counsel present. ** ** Q. What happens if I miss a settlement conference? If you miss a voluntary conference, it will merely be rescheduled for a future date. However, if you miss a court-ordered MSC, serious sanctions can be imposed, such as having the judge determine the case against you. ** ** Q. Are settlement conferences binding? The conference is not binding. However, if an agreement is reached, it will be formalized into a legally binding settlement contract that the court will enforce. ** ** Q. What is the disadvantage of a settlement conference? The main disadvantage is the cost of a private Settlement Officer, and no guaranteed outcome. Additionally, there is also a risk that disclosed negotiation strategies could be used if the case goes to trial. ### Was this helpful? Yes No Submit Cancel Thanks for your feedback!