Alaska Domestic Relations — Informal vs. Formal Trial is a type of dispute resolution process used to settle family law disputes. In an informal trial, parties can represent themselves and no court appearance is necessary. The parties can negotiate an agreement on their own or with the help of a mediator. In a formal trial, a judge presides over the proceedings and hears evidence from both sides. The parties will have an opportunity to present their case and cross-examine witnesses in a courtroom setting. There are two types of formal trial: bench trial, where the judge makes a decision based on evidence presented in the courtroom, and jury trial, where the decision is made by a jury.