What is a DRO Conference at Newmarket Court, and do I need one?
A DRO Conference (Dispute Resolution Officer Conference) is a procedural step used at Newmarket Court, typically scheduled before a Case Conference. It is arranged directly between counsel — not by the court — and gives both sides an opportunity to narrow issues before formal proceedings. A lawyer unfamiliar with this practice may skip it entirely, which can disrupt the natural flow of your case.
Key Points
The DRO Conference is arranged directly between the lawyers for both parties — no court scheduling required. Its purpose is to bring the parties together with a neutral officer to identify common ground and reduce the issues heading into the Case Conference.
After the DRO Conference, the case may proceed to a Case Conference or directly to a Settlement Conference depending on progress. Lawyers who don't know Newmarket's local practice often skip this step, which can mean a less efficient path through the court process — at your expense.
Detailed Answer
The DRO Conference is specific to Newmarket Court and is not a standard feature of all Ontario family courts. The DRO (Dispute Resolution Officer) is a neutral professional appointed by the court to help parties work through contested issues before a judge gets involved.
For an experienced lawyer, the DRO Conference is not just a procedural checkbox — it's a strategic opportunity. How you present your position, assess the other side's priorities, and set up the next stage can significantly influence the outcome of later proceedings.
Miao He attends a high volume of DRO Conferences at Newmarket Court each month and understands how to use this step effectively on behalf of her clients. Call 647-930-6688 to discuss your matter.
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