CLE: Advanced Family Law Child Custody
Presented by the Family and Juvenile Law Section
Thu, April 18, 2024
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT
BAMSL operates as a non-profit organization which aims to provide valuable educational opportunities and events to our members and the legal community at large. We carefully consider rates to ensure they remain accessible and reasonable for our members. The proceeds from CLE programs and BAMSL events are dedicated to sustaining our mission and the numerous services and initiatives we extend to the legal community and the broader public. We express our gratitude for your ongoing support.
An Advanced Child Custody CLE for Family Law practitioners covering current issues in family law cases, which will cover family dynamics in dealing with cultural issues and sexual identity, parenting plans when dealing with substance abuse, mental health evaluations, ethical considerations in high conflict cases, alternative dispute resolution, therapeutic interventions, and the Guardian Ad Litem role. Will qualify for Advanced Guardian Ad Litem training, Ethics, and Bias.
Approved for 8.0 hours of MCLE
Approved for 4.0 hours of Ethics
Approved for 2.0 hours of Bias
Approved for 8.0 hours of Guardian Ad Litem
AGENDA:
| TIMES | TOPIC | Description | Speakers |
| 7:30 am - 8:00 am | REGISTRATION | ||
| 8:00 am - 8:50 am | What practitioners want and expect from a GAL | The GAL’s role is different than that of a parent’s attorney. At times, the two will clash. Is it just a matter of representing different individuals involved in the litigation or are there things that GALs can do to avoid those conflicts? Parents’ attorneys will talk about their goals for having a GAL, their expectations for GAL involvement, how to resolve issues with a GAL and what they believe a GAL can do to help resolve a custody battle. | Alisse Camazine, Bob Hamilton, Steve Bardol, Brittany Brown |
| 9:00 am- 9:50 am | Ethical Considerations for GALs - Continued Representation in High-Conflict Cases | Is a GAL allowed to withdraw from cases if conflict gets too high? How can the system be protected from parents purposely infusing conflict in a case in an effort to rid the GAL? What are the ethical issues when a child shares an issue with the Guardian Ad Litem and asks Guardian Ad Litem not to share? What are good time keeping measures for the GAL? | Maia Brodie, Jennifer Piper, The Honorable Jason Dodson |
| 10:00 am - 10:50 am | Alternative Dispute Resolution and GALS | What are the various ADR methods? What is best approach for high conflict families? What is the GALs role in mediation, arbitration, special masters, and PC? What is your ethical obligation to share these options with your client. | The Honorable Doug Beach, Simone Haberstock |
| 11:00 am - 11:50 am | Therapeutic Interventions – Co-Parent, Family, individual Counseling, and Coaching | What is the difference between the different therapy and coaching options and when should each be considered? What are the goals? What families benefit from such? At what point should the children be entered in counseling? | Art Nissenbaum, Holly Hamilton, Carol Love, Nicole Pace |
| 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | LUNCH | ||
| 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm | Psychological/Custody Evaluations | What are the differences between custody and psychological evaluations? Is one preferable over the other? What language is needed for the evaluator in a court order. What happens when a parent will not cooperate with the evaluation? When are these helpful to the GAL and the Court? | Dr. Rick Scott, The Honorable Amanda McNelley |
| 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm | Parenting Plans When Substance Abuse | How does substance abuse affect custody for children? Does it differ depending on the age of the child? A collaborative workshop will be used to strengthen the use of Soberlink and step-up plans. How to provide ongoing oversight of a step up plan. | Tib Albach, Sara Pleban |
| 3:00 pm - 3:50 pm | Culture Factors to Consider in Custody Cases | How do culture factors influence parenting plans? How do the individuals involved, the Judge, lawyers, GALs, therapists etc., educate themselves on various aspects of different cultures to craft parenting plans that embrace each culture? How do you create a parenting plan that is workable for parents from different cultures or religions? What happens when two parents views are different? | Joe Lambson, Jimmy Fendelman, Sophy Raza |
| 4:00 pm - 4:50 pm | Gender Identity in the Family Court System | Transgender children may need special consideration when involved with the family courts. What are the legal, social, medical, and psychological challenges that are facing these children and their family members? How do judges, therapists, and GALs handle the issues presented? How to identify and avoid biases in the family court. What are the ethical issues when a child’s wishes oppose a parent. What are the ethical issues when a child shares an issue with the Guardian Ad Litem and asks Guardian Ad Litem not to share. | Jeff McPhearson, Michelle Dalton PhD |
Missouri Bar, MCLE Department
Credit has been approved with the Missouri Bar, MCLE Department for 2.00 MO Elimination of Bias credits, 4.00 MO Ethics credits, and 8.00 MO MCLE credits.
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BAMSL operates as a non-profit organization which aims to provide valuable educational opportunities and events to our members and the legal community at large. We carefully consider rates to ensure they remain accessible and reasonable for our members. The proceeds from CLE programs and BAMSL events are dedicated to sustaining our mission and the numerous services and initiatives we extend to the legal community and the broader public. We express our gratitude for your ongoing support.
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