Your settlement conference is by video: how to prepare
Video is the default for settlement conferences. The hearing-method rules, Forms 1B and 1C, and a preparation list.
By the Make Them Pay team · reviewed 2026-08-23 · updated 2026-09-14 · 2 min read
Legal information, not legal advice. Results depend on the facts of your case.
Legal information, not legal advice. This guide and our free tools give legal information. They do not give advice about your case. A licensed lawyer can give legal advice.
The answer
Settlement conferences happen by video by default. In the court's last reported year, 37,554 were by video and 316 in person. The rules set 3 hearing methods: in person, by video, and by phone.
To change the method
- Ask for a different method with Form 1B, at least 30 days before the date.
- The other party can object with Form 1C within 7 days.
- Phone is an option only for some events: settlement conferences, motions, payment-terms hearings, and trial management conferences.
Prepare for a real hearing
- Serve and file your documents and your Form 13A witness list at least 14 days before.
- Test your camera, your microphone, and your internet the day before.
- Choose a quiet room. Have your documents open in front of you.
- Dress for court.
- Join the call early.
- Prepare a 2-minute summary and your settlement range. Read: what happens at a settlement conference.
Attend your conference. If you do not attend, the court can impose sanctions, such as costs. A defendant who misses 2 conferences can have the Defence struck out. The judge can also strike out a claim or a Defence, or dismiss the action, with written reasons.
Deadlines and fees
- The conference comes within 90 days after the first Defence.
- Documents and Form 13A: at least 14 days before.
- Form 1B: at least 30 days before. Form 1C objection: within 7 days.
- The conference has no court fee. A later trial date costs $308, or $403 for a frequent claimant.
Common mistakes
- Do not treat the video call as casual. The conference is a real court event, with a judge.
- Do not join from a car or a work site.
- Do not serve your documents late. The 14-day rule applies.
- Do not skip the technology test.
When to get a lawyer
Get legal advice if the other side has a representative, or the legal issues are hard. Legal services provided by Mithril Law — Jonathan Kleiman, licensed Ontario lawyer.
Free tools
- Check if your claim is worth it: /check
- Write a demand letter: /demand-letter
- Fill in your court forms: /build/7a
- Calculate your deadlines: /calculators/deadlines
Primary sources
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