Product Description

Do your client’s issues read more like a Hollywood screenplay? Let’s go to the movies!! This year’s Conference focuses on the mind-boggling scenarios of family law. Join us for a full day in Northampton!

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 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. Hear evidence tips during every panel!

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.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:00 am - 9:30 am

  Enough Said...State of the Probate and Family Court

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

  Hon. John D. Casey, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 9:30 am - 10:55 am

  No Reservations

  From tragic accidents to loss, lean how to recognize and appropriately respond to children and families who have experienced trauma

  Hon. Beth A. Crawford,
  Dr. Heather Forkey, MD, University of Massachusetts Medical Center - University Campusl , Worcester
  Hon. Claudine T. Wyner, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 10:55 am - 11:10 am

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 11:10 am - 11:45 am

  It’s Complicated...Case Law and Legislative Update 2019

  In this fast-paced session, the faculty review the most significant court decisions of the past year, explain how they impact your practice, and discuss 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
  
• 11:45 am - 12:30 pm

  You Be the Judge: The Parent Trap

  Observe local practitioners presenting arguments/responses for temporary orders and/or contempt based on sophisticated fact pattern, responding to Judge’s questions, with attendees weighing in on decision.

  Hon. David J. Dacyczyn, Hampshire Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Northampton
  Diane M. DeGiacomo, Esq., Cain Hibbard & Myers, PC , Lenox
  Melissa R. Gillis, Esq., Bacon Wilson, PC , Springfield
  Carla W. Newton, Esq.,
  Hon. Ellen M. Randle, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  James M. Smith, Esq., Law Office of James M. Smith , Springfield
  Renee S. Wetstein, Esq., Wetstein Family Law , Northampton
  
• 12:30 pm -1:30 pm

  Lunch – Provided for Faculty
• 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

  Decisions on You Be the Judge - continued
• 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

  Kramer v. Kramer

  Tips from the pros – what will work best for your case in the areas of high conflict and parental alienation. Sample orders for parenting and parent’s involvement in parenting time exchanges, therapy, etc. will be provided.

  Ann E. Dargie, Esq., Law Offices of Jennifer A. Thorn P.C. , East Longmeadow
  Dr. Patrick A. Fleming, Patrick A. Fleming, Ph.D. , Northampton
  Hon. Barbara M. Hyland, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Springfield
  ,
  Hon. Kathleen A. Sandman, First Justice, Franklin Probate and Family Court , Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  
• 2:45 pm - 2:55 pm

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 2:55 pm - 3:40 pm

  The Birdcage

  A look at parenting plans and issues for atypical families and atypical children. This panel will discuss a wide range of issues related to parenting time and custody for children with special needs, transitioning children, as well as parents with challenges such as chronic or progressive illnesses like MS or cancer, transitioning parents, and parents with traumatic brain injuries.

  Hon. Linda S. Fidnick,
  Beth A. Lux, Esq., Franklin County Family Law , Erving
  Hon. Richard A. Simons, Berkshire Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Pittsfield
  ,
  
• 3:40 pm - 4:15 pm

  Waiting to Exhale...Lobby Conference

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

  Hon. Beth A. Crawford,
  Hon. David J. Dacyczyn, Hampshire Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Northampton
  Hon. Linda S. Fidnick,
  Hon. Barbara M. Hyland, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Springfield
  Hon. Ellen M. Randle, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  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
  Hon. Claudine T. Wyner, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  

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