A scheduling conference in Baltimore County Circuit Court is an initial, short administrative hearing—
often held remotely via Zoom with a family law magistrate—used to map out your case timeline, identify
core issues, set discovery deadlines, and order court programs like mediation. No testimony or evidence is
presented.
What Happens During the Conference
- Administrative Focus: The magistrate or case manager reviews what issues (such as custody,
support, or property) are agreed upon and contested, - Setting Deadlines: You receive a formal scheduling order establishing hard cutoffs for discovery,
expert designations, and trial dates, - Referral to Services: The court may automatically order or schedule participation in parenting
seminars, family law mediation, or specialized evaluations, - No Trial or Testimony: You will not be put under oath, and the judge or magistrate will not force a
settlement or hear arguments about who is “right”.
How to Prepare
- Check the Format: Confirm whether your specific conference is remote via Zoom or in person. As
of August 2026, all scheduling conferences are done on Zoom in Baltimore county Circuit court, - Bring a Calendar: Have your schedule accessible for the next 12 to 18 months to safely navigate
future deadlines and trial dates without conflicts. - Review Financial/Domestic Disclosures: Ensure mandatory filings like your financial statements
or Domestic Case Information Reports are completed if required prior to the appearance.