CLE Courses

This is Part One of the 2016 Speakers Series "Complex Family Law Trial Issues".The experts demonstrate "how to put into practice" advanced legal principles. Try to remember the last family law matter you handled that didn't involve text messages, a string of emails, digital photographs, Facebook posts or some other form of electronically created or stored information. Chances are, it was quite some time ago. With 99% of information now being created digitally, one cannot ignore the practical and legal implications of recognizing and comprehensively addressing such information in even the most basic family law matter. This program provides you with an easily applied method for developing your ESI in every case. The program materials include sample ESI inventory, task list, preservation letters, proof chart for trial, Stipulation & Order to Preserve Rights, list of resources and cases.

Moderator: Garrett C. Dailey, CFLS Judicial Responder Panel: Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman, Hon. Thomas Trent Lewis, Hon. Mark S. Millard, and Hon. Alice Vilardi Don't Worry, It's Only Temporary Christopher C. Melcher, CFLS, and Andrew L. Hunt, CPA, ASA This panel will explore the tactical challenges of setting temporary spousal support. Topics will include pre-filing decisions, guideline vs. non-guideline temporary support, basing support on lifestyle or spending, reimbursement and credits, tax considerations, short marriages, and community income after separation. Martial Standard of Living: The Highs and Lows of It Hon. Lon F. Hurwitz, Hon. Michael J. Naughton (Ret.), and Edward J. Thomas, CFLS Presenting the MSOL at trial: an analysis featuring practical pointers, legal nuances, make-it or break-it evidence, and common misunderstandings and misperceptions in modest and not-somodest estates. The Award for Best Supporting Family Code § 4320 Factor Goes To? Hon. Bruce Iwasaki, Michael A. Guerrero, CFLS, and William Ryden, CFLS Once you have determined the MSOL, to what extent do other Family Code § 4320 factors come into play? This panel will present a number of real life scenarios, demonstrate and provide insight into which factors are important in difference contexts and how to present evidence and arguments to strengthen your case. Beyond 4320 Hon. Patti C. Ratekin, Hon. Claudia J. Silbar, and Michele Brown, CFLS This panel will focus on the interplay between domestic violence, child custody and Family Code sections 4321 and 4322 on the award, modification, and termination of spousal support. From Chaos to Clarity " Establishing a Spousal Support Award Hon. Mark A. Juhas, Hon. Sue Alexander, and John D. Hodson, CFLS Two bench officers demystify the crystal ball and discuss how they establish spousal support. Post-Judgment Modification of Spousal Support: "It Ain't Over Till It's Over"

Former Commissioner and Private Judge Marjorie Slabach and Dr. Robert Kaufman, Ph.D, ABPP, a clinical and forensic psychologist, discuss custody cases when a child resists contact with a parent. The program includes assessment/evaluation issues and considerations including alienation/estrangement/hybrid cases to inform the Court and for custody recommendations.Evaluate which cases are suitable for residential programs like "Overcoming Barriers and Family Bridges"; the nature of court orders needed; and follow-up after these kinds of interventions.

This presentation is two hours with experienced and knowledgeable Family Law litigation counsel and a career trial Judge. As the trial concludes, it is time to bring together the theme with storytelling and anticipate possible post trial motions. Tips, tricks and techniques to convince the trial judge to rule for your client. Analyze effective post trial motions; what you can expect to accomplish and the specific timing imposed. Benefit from the view of these presenters careers in Family Law. This is Part Four of the 2015 series "The Anatomy of a Family Law Trial".

Unlike most statement of decision programs that regurgitate the law, an appellate specialist discusses how to write a successful document. This program compares examples of good requested statements of decisions. You are also presented proposed content with examples that should be avoided. This program is unique because it provides you with the tools for advance planning that should be part of your trial preparation. Remember, a specific and well prepared Statement of Decision can focus your Judge and avoid an appeal.

It is said: "Business income cannot buy groceries " only cash flow can."

This one hour presentation is a concise analysis of statutes available for specific actions that provide for the award of attorneys fees. Fees may be mandatory or discretionary. Learn the secrets of what to submit in your billing statements and what to avoid. Are you confused about whether or how to use the Judicial Council Forms to Request Fees? Learn when and how to effectively use these forms. The Judge provides insight into the dangers and effective requests for Sanctions.. This presentation provides extensive knowledge of an experienced family law Judge with tips and hints to obtain attorneys fees in your case.

This is a experienced level, hands-on program that delves into strategies and tactics designed to successfully bring and defend contempt proceedings. The decision to file contempt should be made after an analysis of whether you can prove your case. Opposing counsel must weigh similar considerations considering the potential consequences to your client. This presentation by two experienced family law litigators zeros in on these factors. If faced with a contempt issue, also consider the best selling ACFLS DVD "Contempt of Court - What is It and How to Use It" by Tracy Duell-Cazes, CFLS - DVD Library Program

The role of the mental health professional (MHP) in Family law is evolving. Counsel are retaining their own MHP's early in custody cases as "consulting trial experts". Some MHP help prepare a client for the court custody evaluations or mediations. A "review expert" helps counsel analyze a custody evaluation for negotiation and trial preparation. Attorneys also use a MHP in preparation for "witness support". The Collaborative Divorce model uses MHP as "coaches". This presentation and the materials by an experienced mental health professional and a private judge discuss an Alternative Hybrid Model to assist counsel in the resolution or litigation of custody disputes. Spend one hour exploring this emerging trend. .