MAXIMUM IMPACT, MINIMAL TIME: Mastering The Short Cause Hearing
Creativity and Strategy for Hearings on Real Property Issues; Short Cause Rulings Can Have a Long-Term Impact
Presenters: John P. O'Malley, CFLS and Greg C. Abel, CFLS
Part I. Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied.
We will explore arguments regarding the appropriateness of making Watts and Epstein claims at pendente lite hearings and the potential related perils in doing so.
Part II. Sell That Real Property! This discussion focuses on potential disposition of real estate before trial under Family Code section 2108, receiverships or possible alternative theories.
Coercive Control: Fact or Fiction?
Presenter: Hon. Mark A. Juhas
Domestic violence allegations have become very common in family courts. The legislature and appellate courts continue to expand DV’s boundaries. One of the most vexing issues in DV is what exactly is coercive control and how do you either prove or disprove it in court? This session will explore how coercive control allegations can arise and be addressed as part of a family law case.
Civility as Strategy: The Litigator's Hidden Advantage
Presenters: Avi Levy, CFLS, Justin O’Connell, CFLS, and Hon. David Wasserman
Think civility is just about being “nice”? Think again. In family law, civility is a game-changer—it lowers the temperature, earns the court’s respect, saves clients money, and can even tilt the playing field in your favor. Join our panel for a candid conversation about turning professionalism into strategy, with tips and takeaways you can put to work right away. Civility isn’t just good manners—it’s your hidden advantage.
Income: To Be, or Not to Be, Included in Support?
Presenters: Christopher C. Melcher, CFLS, Kenny Pierce, MBA, ABV, CPA, MAFF, and Brandon R. Blevans, CFLS
This lively panel of two trial attorneys and a forensic accountant will tackle the most vexing questions concerning whether funds available to a party are includable for purposes of support. Oral arguments for, and against, each position will be demonstrated, along with tips for presenting these technical questions to the court in a persuasive way.
Save It or Sanction It: Dream of Cali-Spoilation Not Starring Anthony Kiedis
Presenters: Jillian Duggan-Herd, CFLS, Scott Lantry, CFLS, and Comm. Leah Boucek
Part I: The Preemptive Strike - Can courts stop evidence destruction before it happens? Watch our mock trial as one attorney seeks an innovative ex parte order to preserve critical evidence while their opponent argues there's no legal authority for such judicial fortune-telling.
Part II: When Prevention Fails - The Spoliation Aftermath Spoiler alert and not-shocker - the evidence got destroyed anyway. Now our attorneys battle over appropriate remedies, with one seeking severe sanctions while the other argues for minimal consequences. Watch as they clash over willfulness, prejudice, and whether the destruction warrants case ending penalties or mere finger-wagging. The Stakes - You'll witness cutting-edge arguments that could reshape how courts handle evidence preservation with real time rulings and interjections by our esteemed presiding judicial officer.
The Well-Tempered Custody RFO
Presenters: Andrea Palash, CFLS and Victoria Lewis, CFLS
This program is intended to share ideas about framing strategically complex and emotionally charged child custody disputes in ways that are child-centric and respectful. Materials will include a mock child custody RFO and responsive pleadings and Counsel will present brief oral argument and answer questions from the bench. Counsel will then explain the strategic choices they made, their evidentiary considerations, how they crafted their legal arguments, and how they prepared for questions that might be posed by the court. (Counsel will also offer some thoughts about how not to argue custody matters.)
The Endless Encore: Litigating Post-Judgment Spousal Support
Presenters: Steven A. Mindel, CFLS and Scott M. Klopert, CFLS
Post-judgment spousal support litigation often resembles a rock concert that never quite ends, the stage may go dark, but everyone anticipates the encore. In this informative program, Scott Klopert and Steve Mindel, with active commentary from several sitting judicial officers, will offer practical guidance for navigating recurring issues such as Family Code section 4320 factors, income fluctuations, retirement, remarriage, inheritances, and asset depletion. Attend this session to gain effective strategies for managing the ongoing challenges that arise in spousal support disputes.
Ask the Judges - the Last Word
Presenters: Hon. Thomas Trent Lewis (Retired), Hon. Mark A. Juhas, Hon. Monica F. Wiley, and Hon. Bunmi O. Awoniyi
This is a favorite of Spring Seminar attendees!