Product Description

Join us for an engaging program designed to empower legal practitioners in Western Massachusetts with essential skills and knowledge in critical areas of family law. Our program offers invaluable insights into the intricacies of mediations and settlements. You gain a comprehensive understanding of the key strategies, negotiation techniques, and client counseling methods necessary to achieve favorable outcomes in dispute resolution.

In addition, our program includes a dedicated session on QDROs. This segment equips you with the expertise to navigate the complexities of QDROs effectively, ensuring that your clients’ interests are safeguarded during asset division. We also delve into separation agreement language, offering practical guidance on drafting legally sound agreements. Lastly, we address contemporary legal issues in the realm of LGBTQ+ rights and culture. We explore a wide spectrum of topics, from pronouns and language sensitivities to family structures, enabling you to better serve the diverse needs of your LGBTQ+ clients. This panel also includes tips and surprise appearances from a variety of judges of Western Massachusetts. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your legal expertise and broaden your understanding with our experts.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30 - 9:35 am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Renee S. Wetstein, Esq., Wetstein Family Law , Northampton
  
• 9:35 - 10:00 am

  How to Prepare Your Clients for Successful Mediations and Settlements

  Gabrielle Larissa Mollo Hartley, Esq., , Northampton
  
• 10:00 - 10:45 am

  QDRO Session: Potential Traps for Practitioners to Consider

  Alison Silber, Esq., Law Offices of Alison Silber , Longmeadow
  Adam Waitkevich, CFP, AIF, CDFA, Divorce Financial Solutions , Shrewsbury
  
• 10:45 - 11:15 am

  Best Separation Agreement Language: What It Should Include and Mistakes We Have All Made

  Jessica L. Berrien, Esq., Jessica L. Berrien, Attorney at Law LLC , Easthampton
  
• 11:15 - 11:30 am

  Break
• 11:30 - 11:45 am

  Queer Cultural Competency and Queer Legal Issues: Everything from Pronouns/Language to Family Structures, and Second Parent Adoption to Name Changes

  Krista Ellis, Esq., Community Legal Aid/Hampden County , Springfield
  Allison Laughner, Esq., Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas LLP , Springfield
  
• 11:45 - 12:30 pm

  Judge's Panel

  Hon. Dana S. Doyle, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Springfield
  Hon. Nicholas L. Parsenios, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Springfield
  Hon. Kathleen A. Sandman, First Justice, Franklin Probate and Family Court , Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  Hon. Richard A. Simons, Berkshire Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Pittsfield
  

Special Program Materials:

• Massachusetts Family Law Sourcebook & Citator

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Chair

Faculty