Presenter:  Amy Shield   May 14^th  10:40 – 11:30 AM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Appeals and Writs for Divorce Proceedings – An Overview

Description:
Appeals are a mystery to most professionals when counseling clients going through a divorce. This presentation that includes movie clips and vignettes will provide attendees with an overview of the various types of appeals that can arise during the divorce process, including final and non-final (interlocutory) appeals, as well as writs of certiorari, prohibition, and mandamus. The presentation will also take attendees through an appeal, with emphasis on the appellate record, legal briefs, oral argument, and appellate attorney’s fees, along with tips from an AV Preeminent rated appellate attorney with 43 years of legal experience.

Presenter: Daryl Weinman May 14^th  11:40 – 12:30 PM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: UCCJEA and the Hague Convention: Cross Border Jurisdiction Issues in Child Custody Cases

Description:
We are living in a mobile society. Sometimes parents relocate together and sometimes one parent moves without the other. So, what happens when parents are living in different states or different countries and there is a dispute about child custody? Which jurisdiction makes the decision and which state’s or country’s law will be applied? In this presentation family law attorney Daryl Weinman will demystify the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act and The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and will explain how and when each act applies.

Presenter:   Elina Santana    May 14^th  1:40 – 2:30 PM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: When Love Across Borders Ends: The Intersection of Divorce, Family & Immigration

Description:
Immigration is a “must” discussion when talking to divorcing binational couples. This panel will provide an overview of the family immigration petitioning process, which will include discussing “proving” the marriage is real and explaining how that involves commingling assets more than many couples wish or ever intended. It will also explain the required “affidavit of support” and the financial obligations that bind the US citizen spouse when signing that contract with the government (including the role of prenups, divorce, and alimony). Other topics covered will include how divorce affects the immigration process down the road, when a spouse can continue the process alone, how children can be involved in the event that a minor was included in the immigration process, what spouses can and can’t agree to during dissolution for purposes of later immigration lings, and the effect of domestic violence allegations on the process.

Presenter:  Katherine L Provost May 14^th  2:40 – 3:30 PM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Same-Sex Marriage – Is Everything Equal Now?

Description:
We have all heard the statistic: 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce.  While not entirely accurate, it is true that divorce is a common occurrence throughout the United States. In 2015, the United States Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, ruling that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by both the Due Process Clause and under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. But, does the equal right to marry provide equality across the board? This program will examine the effect of the decision in Obergefell on the issues of same-sex divorce, parentage, and child custody.

Presenter: Frank Napolitano, J.D., CFP®, CFA, and Rick Miller, Ph.D., CFP May 14^th  10:40 – 11:30 AM

Title: The lifetime balance sheet: A holistic approach to settlement agreements

Duration: 50 minutes

Description:
The traditional balance sheet summarizes a household’s net worth – total assets minus total liabilities – at a specific point in time. By contrast, a lifetime, or economic, balance sheet summarizes lifetime assets and liabilities.

While divorce professionals have traditionally relied on the traditional balance sheet to divide property in a divorce, this approach has major shortcomings which, if ignored, can lead to unfair and even unsustainable settlements. As an alternative, we recommend incorporating the lifetime balance sheet into the divorce process.

In this presentation, Rick Miller, Ph.D., CFP®, will introduce the theory of life-cycle economics and the concept of “consumption smoothing”. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how families manage their resources over the entire lifecycle. Frank Napolitano, J.D., CFP®, CFA, will then show, with examples, how the traditional approach leads to short-term decisions that can have negative long-term (expensive) consequences for clients. Attendees will learn how incorporating a lifetime balance sheet approach into the divorce process can make them more valuable divorce professionals and improve client outcomes.

Presenter: Janine Golding May 14^th  11:40 – 12:30 PM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Insurance & Divorce: Why insurance matters, considerations & pitfalls

Description:
Divorce tends to emphasize asset division over asset protection, whereas Insurance is almost entirely about asset protection. This session will address: Understanding, valuing & managing life insurance policies; the importance of who owns an insurance policy (regardless of who is insured); state laws regarding life insurance beneficiary revocation on divorce; and using life insurance to manage settlement risks, achieve objectives & reduce conflict.

Presenter:  Joan Coullahan   May 14^th 1:40 – 2:30PM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Divorcing the Money From The Emotion: Identifying the Financial Issues

Description:
Divorce is a legal, financial and emotional process.  Yet, the source of a great majority of problems is the financial issues. The lack of knowledge and preparation before starting separation and divorce are the main causes of anxiety, confusion, and stress. All professionals who advise individuals and couples, whether before, during or after divorce, should be aware of the issues and decisions that may be required.

This workshop discusses the most common financial mistakes made when the divorce process is approached from an emotional perspective.  Also, common client misconceptions are addressed.  A primer on the financial segment of the process will be offered including:

• the financial components of an agreement
• identification and classification of assets
• defining real property
• general definitions of marital, separate, hybrid and transmuted property
• retirement accounts, debt, pensions, spousal and child support

Presenter: Kara Rademacher   May 14^th 2:40  – 3:30 PM  

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: How to Keep Your Ex Out of Sight, Out of Mind and Out of Your Estate Plan: Estate planning before, during and after a divorce

Description:
During this presentation, Trusts and Estates Attorney Kara Rademacher will discuss the practical need for clients to update their estate plan before, during and after their divorce.  She will share the details needed for an estate plan, including how a divorce, or even a contemplated divorce, can affect one’s estate plan and will offer strategies to ensure that your divorcing client’s estates are protected from their exes (or soon-to-be exes).  The presentation will also include engaging, real life examples of celebrities whose own estate planning went wrong, or could have gone wrong, before, during and after a divorce.

Presenter: Raymond Reichenberg    May 14^th 10:40 – 11:30 AM 

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Understanding anger and its impact on relationships

Description:

Anger has long been an emotion that has been ignored in the psychoanalytic community. Therapists and other divorce professionals are often stumped how to deal with client’s chronic anger. Even the DSM-5 has no category for Anger, studies continue to be done for depression and anxiety but scant few for anger. However, anger continues to be a major disruptive emotion in both marriage and divorce. In this presentation, Raymond will share how to integrate both psychodynamic and cognitive techniques to improve client’s emotional regulation.

Presenter: Laurie Wilson      May 14^th 11:40 – 12:30 PM 

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Addiction & Divorce – Successful Negotiations with an Addict

Description:
Learn how addiction impacts the therapeutic work done with clients. During this presentation, Laurie will identify the best practices for negotiating a divorce when addiction is present.  Attendees will also understand how mental health professionals and addiction resources can support the divorce process making it more manageable for all parties involved.

Presenter: Elizabeth Yang   May 14^th 1:40 – 2:30PM   

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Cultural Impacts on Divorce Decisions

Description:
During this presentation, Elizabeth Yang will explore the role of culture in determining divorce decisions and address country of origin differences in divorce rates of immigrants in the United States. Factors that will be discussed include family relationships and structures, religions, belief systems, gender equality, multi-cultural relationships and more. In addition to understanding how culture can play a role in the divorce process, attendees and professionals will learn strategies in how to handle and respect their clients whose culture is impacting the way they maneuver through the divorce process.

Presenter: Gladys Frankl      May 14th 2:40 – 3:30pm

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Difficult Clients? Strategies for Effective Interactions when dealing with Personality Disorders

Description:
Do you feel like tearing your hair out when you are interacting with one of your clients or opposing counsel? Do you feel frustrated and feel you aren’t making any progress? Do you feel that no matter what you do, you aren’t getting through? Maybe the client or counsel has a difficult personality disorder, such as narcissism that you experience with frustration but does not know how to handle effectively. This workshop provides clues to identifying difficult personalities and strategies for interacting so you can effectively engage. The presentation will be interactive to provide practice so you can learn key strategies to successfully return to your office to handle these people well, resolve impasses and create less stress for you.

Presenter: Carol Lee Roberts   May 14^th 10:40 – 11:30 AM

Title: The Five Financial Pitfalls of Divorce and how to assist your client in avoiding them. 

Duration: 50 minutes

Description:
Currently, the only demographic that has an increasing rate of divorce in the US is those individuals age 50 or above.  Help your clients to recognize the unique provisions that impact the division of the marital home, retirement plans and debts incident to divorce.  Identify the insurance and post-divorce concerns that your client will encounter.  Join us to discover the importance and potential of divorce planning as a specialized niche for your practice.

Presenter: Laurel Starks May 14^th 11:40 – 12:30 PM

Title: House Fires: Extinguishing the Sparks of Conflict that Put Divorce Real Estate at Risk

Duration: 50 minutes

Description:
Conflict in divorce real estate can arise from the smallest spark. Learn how to categorize, prevent, and mitigate all ranges of conflict while working through real property challenges in family law. Presented by Laurel Starks, founder of The Ilumni Institute, the leader in divorce real estate coaching and training.

Presenter: Sober Link / Our Family Wizard May 14^th 1:40 – 2:30 PM

Title: Implications of Technology and Social Media for Domestic Violence and Family Court Cases

Duration: 50 minutes

Description:
This interactive workshop will explore the implications of technology in Domestic Violence and Family Court cases. Professionals will learn how batterers use phone technology, social networking and GPS to circumvent injunctions for protection, supervised visitation and child custody. Legal and Mental Health Practitioners will explore how victims of domestic violence can overcome communication issues using mobile and online communication tools, such as the OurFamilyWizard website, designed specifically for high conflict parents.

Presenter: Mark Schondorf May 14^th  2:40 – 3:30 PM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Is The Spousal Support Deduction Really Gone?

Description:
The 2018 Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2018 took away the traditional tax deduction for spousal support. As a result, a lot of attorneys rushed to finalize divorces before 2019. But was that really necessary? Is there a way to keep the deduction, even in newly filed cases? The answer is yes, the deduction is available in certain situations. This is a must-attend for any attorney or accountant that has a client going through the divorce process.

Presenter:  Mark Hill    May 15^th  10:30 – 11:20 AM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: The Case for Alternative Dispute Resolution in Divorce – A Financial Professional’s Perspective

Description:
Divorce: too painful, too expensive, takes too long. Most participants (clients and professionals) are too often dissatisfied with outcomes. The legal system should be the last resort when resolving personal relationships. Research shows that the combination of the nature of their parents’ divorce and today’s high conflict world significantly impacts children. Participants will learn the different forms of ADR and understand risks and benefits so that they can feel confident in appropriately referring. So, who wins in ADR? Not necessarily the couple but usually it’s the kids as ADR provides the best opportunity to foster a positive co-parenting relationship.

Presenter: Ed Kainen  May 15^th  11:30 – 12:20 PM 

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: The Division of Digital Assets: Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology in Divorce

Description: This session will offer a brief history of money, which will put into context and explain the forces that lead to the development of various forms of currencies, and eventually to the creation and existence of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. In addition to providing a comprehensive glossary of essential terminology, this session will also include an understanding of how Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are transacted and an explanation of the mechanics of Blockchain Technology upon which cryptocurrencies rely. A history of Bitcoin, as well as the benefits, detriments, and consequences associated with the use of those cryptocurrencies, will be addressed. There will be a discussion of how all of the forgoing impacts divorce and family law litigation, including understanding both issues of value and the essentials of Discovery in cases where cryptocurrencies may exist, as well as the potential for malpractice pitfalls and how to avoid the same.

Presenter: Mary Zogg May 15^th  1:30 – 2:20 PM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Are you Twalkin’ ta meh? Communicating, negotiating and hearing individuals in distress

Description:
In this presentation, Florida family law attorney, Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, and collaborative professional, Mary Zogg will discuss the impact on communication during high conflict and emotional situations, such as divorce and custody disputes.  Attendees will learn to identify positions versus interest statements, the body’s response to communication when emotionally charged, and the importance of body language.

This presentation surrounds how the collaborative team can save a family run business from destruction if the owners decide to end their matrimonial relationships. What needs to be considered? Who are the key players on the team? How creative are we allowed to be in the process? We answer the questions that you want to know through an interactive presentation and case studies of real clients!

Presenter:  Chantal Kahane   May 15^th  10:30 – 11:20 AM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Stories From the Dark Side Using Surveillance in the Divorce Process

Description:
Chantal Kahale from Crossroads Investigations will be telling some scintillating stories, it’s not to be missed! Participants will learn how they can take control of finding the information they need in the most efficient way possible, how surveillance can help their client’s cases, including legal considerations. In addition, we will be including research techniques for participants to use on their own in their professional and personal lives. This includes Google Ninja Tricks, Social Media Tips & Tricks and some great resources to help along the way

Presenter: Avani Ramnani May 15^th  2:30 – 3:20 PM 

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Important financial considerations when helping divorcing clients with special needs children

Description:
Avani Ramnani, CFP®, CDFA® will do a deep dive into the importance of preparing a divorce settlement that incorporates planning for a special needs child’s financial future. Often divorcing parents must work collaboratively to do what’s in the best interest of the child and find a middle ground, financially. She will cover:

• Strategies and costs to consider now and in the future
• Evaluating insurance coverage and securing life insurance to protect child support payments if the paying spouse passes away
• Estate planning for children with special needs
• Dealing with contradicting opinions for the child’s treatment
• Resources available for families with special needs children

Overall how to financially care for children with special needs

Presenter: Nicole Feuer     May 15^th 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Duration: 30 or 60 minutes

Title: How to start an NADP chapter

Description:
Join Nicole Feuer, Vice President of Development at the NADP, as she shares the details on starting an NADP chapter in your community. Learn about the steps it takes to build your chapter, including a strong leadership team and how you and your community can benefit from it.

Presenter: Suzanne Chambers-Yates  May 15^th 11:30 – 12:20 PM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Uncovering the Missing Link – the Difference a Divorce Coach Makes

Description:
During this session, Certified Divorce Coach Suzanne Chambers-Yates will help attendees gain a clear picture of the distinct profession of divorce coaching, often the missing professional in the divorce process.

In addition to learning some valuable coaching tools, participants will walk away with an understanding of the divorce coaching framework and how it helps clients to avoid very costly mindset mistakes. Suzanne will also explain how this process helps clients get organized and focused on the business of divorce, and how a good coach can directly support the efforts of all the other professionals involved.

Presenter:  Rebekah Mastel  May 15^TH 1:30 – 2:20 PM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: ACES: The Impact of Divorce & Parental Conflict on Child Development

Description: 
This presentation will offer participants a brief history of the concept of trauma, and the effects of trauma on development.  The discussion will focus on the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), with an emphasis on both the original CDC-Kaiser ACE study and its current application.  Additionally, participants will learn how to apply a trauma-informed perspective to their work with parents and children experiencing parental conflict and divorce, as well as the importance of identifying possible risk factors for developmental trauma in high-conflict divorce.

Presenter:  Bill Eddy  May 15^TH 2:30 – 3:20 PM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Understanding High Conflict Personalities

Description: 
Some clients, family members, and even professionals have high conflict personalities, meaning they are preoccupied with blaming others and have lots of all-or-nothing thinking, unmanaged emotions, and extreme behavior. Yet they can generally be helped by avoiding four common mistakes and instead of applying four positive skills for helping them make decisions and agreements.

Presenter: Katie Lynch    May 15^th 10:30 – 11:20 AM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: How technology can revolutionize your practice and its profitability

Description:
Technology is evolving to become even more integral to the divorce process. How can you easily adapt and integrate it into your business without it cannibalizing your bottom line?

Clients are now tech-savvy and will begin to demand more efficient processes. Divorce professionals are getting too bogged down in paperwork to be successful in managing complex cases and to attract new business.  In this presentation, Katie will discuss how the use of technology in Family Law can revolutionize your practice, increase efficiency, help you have an organized and engaged client, assist with the challenging client/professional relationship and improve client experience that will help you attract direct referrals for new business.

Presenter: Nancy Chausow Shafer   May 15^th 1:30 – 2:20 PM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: The Taxman Cometh: Key Tax Factors to Watch Out For

Description:
Although spousal maintenance is typically no longer taxable or tax-deductible, there are still many tax issues to be aware of. We will work through a list of key issues, including exemptions, filing status, tax credits, real estate issues, and issues relating to property division. We will look at the key decisions your clients make that may affect tax outcomes, including who works or does not work, who claims exemptions (yes!), who pays for child care, and various decisions relating to the marital residence.

Presenter: Pegotty Cooper    May 15^th 2:30 – 3:20 PM

Duration: 50 minutes

Title: Moving from the Story of Divorce to the Business of Divorce

Description:
The story of divorce gets in the way of the work that has to get done by both the client and any professional working with that client.  In this session, you get 5 specific steps we have found to be successful in working with clients to shift their focus from the endless and sometimes overwhelming story about their divorce to the business of making better decisions for their future during a divorce. Attorneys, mediators, financial and real estate experts tell us that having a credible client makes it much easier to do their work.