Product Description

D. C. F.—three initials that may cause fear for parents in Massachusetts. DCF involvement in family law cases is on the rise. Would you know what to do if your client became the subject of a DCF investigation in the course of family law litigation? In this seminar, the panel of experts provides legal background and practice tips for the family law practitioner in working with DCF on behalf of your client.

Don’t miss this opportunity to better understand the agency, the process, the law, and your role. Family law cases with DCF involvement pose unique challenges and require strategies for navigating the rules and procedures of this agency. Let our experts bring you up to speed, so you are prepared to meet these challenges head on. Whether you have yet to have a DCF involved family law client or you have had many, this panel provides valuable information to ensure effective representation.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30 pm - 9:35 pm

  Welcome and Introduction

  Gayle Stone-Turesky, Esq., Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, PC , Boston
  
• 9:35 am - 10:05 am

  DCF Basics

  Hon. Mary Rudolph Black, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Andrew T. Rome, Esq., Department of Children and Families, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 10:05 am - 10:40 am

  Working with DCF Involved Clients: DCF and DCF Reports in the Context of Contested Issues of Custody and Parenting Time

  Hon. Mary Rudolph Black, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Gayle Stone-Turesky, Esq., Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, PC , Boston
  
• 10:40 am - 10:50 am

  Refreshment Break
• 10:50 am - 11:15 am

  Other Investigations: GAL, Mental Health

  Hon. Mary Rudolph Black, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Susan R. Elsen, Esq., Massachusetts Law Reform Institute , Boston
  
• 11:15 am - 11:50 am

  Case Review

  Jennifer Sevigney Durand, Esq., Schmidt & Federico, PC , Boston
  
• 11:50 am - 12:15 pm

  A Judge’s Perspective: The Intersection of DCF and Family Law

  Hon. Mary Rudolph Black, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 12:15 pm - 12:30 pm

  "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session and Key Takeaways

  Panel
  

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