While I cannot tell you what is meant by “settlement conference for child custody” in every jurisdiction, I can tell you what it means in the jurisdiction where I practice child custody law (Utah).
The term “settlement conference” means a meeting held for the purpose of a hoped for settlement out of court of one or more issues in a pending lawsuit. “Settlement conference” can mean many different things.
When litigating parties meet in the hope of reaching a settlement agreement, that is a settlement conference.
When litigating parties meet in mediation with a mediator in the hope of reaching a settlement agreement, that is a settlement conference.
When litigating parties meet in mediation with a judge serving as the mediator in the hope of reaching a settlement agreement, that is known as a judicial settlement conference.
Thus, when litigating parties meet—with or without a mediator—in the hope of reaching a settlement agreement on a particular issue, such as the child custody award, that is a child custody settlement conference.
Utah Family Law, LC | divorceutah.com | 801-466-9277
https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-settlement-conference-for-child-custody/answer/Eric-Johnson-311