Often the parties in a conservatorship case resolve issues in a less formal setting, with or without a mediator.

These informal settlement conferences may take place in any setting, such as by telephone or at the courthouse outside the presence of the judge.

Once the attorneys and parties reach an agreement on some or all of the issues, the agreement becomes an order of the court. This agreement is often called a Rule 11 Agreement.

To be entered into the orders of the court, a Rule 11 Agreement must be:

  •   made in writing, signed by the attorneys and parties, and filed with the court; or

  •   made verbally by the attorneys and parties in open court and entered into the record.