A written summary or statement explaining your position or a particular issue to the judge. The pre-hearing brief states the facts, evidence, and legal arguments that you plan to present at a hearing and typically includes citations to legal authority (such as statutes, case law or rules) to support your position. In family law cases, a pre-hearing brief is not required unless the court orders it. However, you may choose to file a pre-hearing brief that summarises your position before a hearing.