WA Minor Case Status Conference — What to Bring and What to Expect

The defendant filed a defence, and now you've received a notice listing a "status conference." If you've never been to court before, the name alone is enough to spike your anxiety. Here's what actually happens and how to prepare.

What a Status Conference Is

A status conference is an informal meeting before a Magistrate. It is private unless the Court orders otherwise. The registrar lists it within 14 days after the defendant files a response indicating an intention to defend. Both parties must attend in person (or send an authorised representative if the party is a company).

The Magistrate's goal is settlement and case management. The Magistrate walks through both sides of the dispute, identifies what's in contention, and sees if the parties can agree on a resolution without going to trial. The conference is without prejudice.

What to Bring

Treat this as a case-management conference. The Magistrate may ask about your evidence, so bring:

• Your sealed Form 4 claim and a copy of the defendant's response
• The letter of demand you sent before filing, plus the registered post receipt
• The contract, invoice, or agreement that created the obligation
• Supporting documents — emails, text messages, photos, quotes, bank statements — anything that proves what happened and how much is owed
• A one-page summary of your claim: who owes what, why, and how you calculated the amount

Organise everything in chronological order. If the Magistrate asks "when did you send the invoice?" you should be able to find it in seconds, not shuffle through a pile of loose papers.

What Happens at the Conference

The Magistrate considers both parties' filed documents, then asks each side to explain their position. This is a conversation, not a trial — no witnesses, no sworn testimony.

If the parties reach an agreement, they can file a Form 49 Memorandum of Consent Order for the Court to make it a binding, enforceable order.

If there's no agreement, the Magistrate may issue case-management directions. These typically include an order to exchange a formal list of documents (under Rule 25C) and a trial date. A party cannot tender a document that was not listed unless the Court gives leave, so take the disclosure order seriously.

What If You Don't Show Up

Non-attendance at a status conference can result in your claim being struck out (if you're the claimant) or judgment entered against you (if you're the defendant). The court doesn't reschedule because you forgot.

If something genuinely prevents you from attending — illness, emergency — contact the court registry before the conference date to request an adjournment.

Preparing for What Comes After

If the case goes to trial, the Magistrate's directions set the timeline. You'll have a deadline to file your list of documents and a hearing date. Use the time between the conference and the hearing to fill any evidence gaps — get that repair quote you've been putting off, print those text message screenshots, or request a bank statement showing the payment.

The WA Minor Case Claim Guide includes a pre-trial conference preparation checklist and an evidence index template so you walk in organised and ready to settle — or to go to trial with a complete bundle.

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