Product Description

Game-changing case decisions. Emergent regional trends. In-depth focus on Western Massachusetts family law—and cresting developments that impact your cases. That’s what you can expect from Cutting Edge Issues in Western Massachusetts. This full-day Conference is delivered by a diverse panel of distinguished expert family lawyers and judges ready to share their insights on new issues central to your practice. Benefit from the valuable practice take-aways they can offer you. Come to this Conference expecting a lively interchange, panel discussion, question and answer session, and top-notch supporting materials—you will not be disappointed. 

Your practice is constantly evolving: make this Conference a fundamental part of your annual family law self-audit.

Local Stars 

The conference leaders for this full-day symposium are a diverse cadre of star-quality family lawyers. Selected by MCLE not only for their deep substantive knowledge, but also for their dynamic presentation styles and regional expertise, this impressive faculty is ready to teach you what they know.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:00- 9:30

  State of the Probate and Family Court:

  Hear from Chief Justice Angela Ordoñez about what’s happening at the Probate and Family Court.

  Hon. Angela M. Ordoñez,
  
• 9:30-10:15

  Case Law and Legislative Update 2018:

  In this fast-paced session, the faculty reviews the most significant court decisions of the past year, explains how they impact your practice, and discusses emerging issues in family law practice and procedure.

  Kate M. Amato, Esq., Robinson Donovan, PC , Springfield
  Elaine M. O'Donnell, Esq., Law Office of Thomas Kenefick III, PC , Springfield
  Alexandra S. Flanders, Esq., Franklin Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Greenfield
  
• 10:15-10:25

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 10:25-11:15

  Retirement/Deferred Comp/Social Security:

  Alimony term limits make retirement assets an important focus of any divorce. Learn how to identify the type of retirement assets in your case, understand the benefits provided, navigate through social security rules, and get strategy tips for trial.

  Hon. Barbara M. Hyland, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Springfield
  Kathleen A. O'Malley, Esq., Raipher, PC , Springfield
  Marianne G. Zurn, Esq.,
  Matthew Reid Fisher, Esq., , Worcester
  
• 11:15-12:00

  You Be the Judge: Alimony/Child Support/College:

  Observe local practitioners present arguments/responses for support orders based on sophisticated fact patterns, respond to judge’s questions, with attendees weighing in on decision.

  Hon. Linda S. Fidnick,
  Hon. Richard A. Simons, Berkshire Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Pittsfield
  Diane M. DeGiacomo, Esq., Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas LLP , Lenox
  Leslie McLellan Brown, Esq., , South Hadley
  Thomas A. Kenefick, III, Esq., Law Offices of Thomas A. Kenefick III, PC , Springfield
  Carla W. Newton, Esq.,
  
• 12:00-1:00

  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:00- 1:30

  Decisions on You Be the Judge - continued

  Hon. Linda S. Fidnick,
  Diane M. DeGiacomo, Esq., Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas LLP , Lenox
  Leslie McLellan Brown, Esq., , South Hadley
  Thomas A. Kenefick, III, Esq., Law Offices of Thomas A. Kenefick III, PC , Springfield
  Carla W. Newton, Esq.,
  
• 1:30-2:25

  Jurisdiction—Subject Matter/Personal:

  Learn how to identify jurisdictional issues and gain an understanding of the many areas where jurisdiction can impact your clients, now and in the future.

  Stephanie A. Fitzgerald, Esq., Fitzgerald Family Law , East Longmeadow
  Andrew Y. Cheng, Esq., , Braintree
  Sara E. McCollum, Esq.,
  
• 2:25-2:35

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 2:35-3:30

  Mediation/Arbitration/Conciliation/Master:

  Tips from the pros—what will work best for your case, when to bring in the neutral, how to prepare, and what to expect.

  Oran E. Kaufman, Esq., Western New England University School of Law , Springfield
  Jennifer A. Thorn, Esq., Family Law of Western Massachusetts, P.C. , East Longmeadow
  James M. Smith, Esq., Law Office of James M. Smith , Springfield
  
• 3:30-4:00

  Lobby Conference:

  An informed discussion plus a question and answer session with members of the judiciary on the family law issues affecting your practice.

  Hon. Beth A. Crawford,
  Hon. Barbara M. Hyland, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Springfield
  Hon. Linda S. Fidnick,
  Hon. Richard A. Simons, Berkshire Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Pittsfield
  ,
  Hon. David J. Dacyczyn, Hampshire Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Northampton
  

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.

Cochairs

Faculty