Over 70 experienced attorneys specializing in family law offer their services without cost in this court-annexed settlement conference program. Begun in 1997, these attorneys have conducted thousands of settlement conferences, assisting parties in resolving their cases without the financial and emotional expense of trial.

Although there are no formal limitations, this program is intended to serve those for whom it would be a financial hardship to utilize the many acceptable mediation and arbitration services available in our community.

Pursuant to the Order Setting Civil Case Schedule and King County Local Rule 16, effective September 1, 2004, parties in civil actions must participate in some form of ADR (alternate dispute resolution) before trial. Those wishing to access the program may use the following contact information:

For Seattle or Kent cases, email the Settlement Conference Program, at SCVolunteerSettlement@kingcounty.gov to reserve a settlement conference appointment.  The Volunteer Settlement Conference Program is a first come, first serve, and one-time service opportunity.  Please note that when parties agree on a date, this date is set because of limited spacing and cannot be changed.

If you utilize this program, you will receive a receipt in the form of a confirmation letter confirming the date, time, settlement master attorney information, and instructions.  The letter will also specify the information you must provide to the settlement master attorney before your settlement conference.  Please note that most, if not all, of the settlement master attorneys, are conducting their settlement conferences via video, while many are back in person.  This is at the discretion of the settlement conference master attorney.

If you resolve your case before the scheduled date, please immediately notify the Volunteer Settlement Conference Program at the above email.

If you need additional information on how the settlement conference works, please see the videos below provided by the King County Law Library. 

Using the Family Law Settlement Conference Program (What Is It?)  https://youtu.be/o582Dbnvp9s

Using the Family Law Settlement Conference Program (How Does It Work?) https://youtu.be/ZvxdGr3vi4U

Judicial Officer Settlement Conferences

Many Superior Court judges and commissioners also make themselves available for settlement conferences. Visit the Settlement Conferences directory for more information.