Product Description

Whether you are just starting out or already have an established family law practice, volunteering as a Lawyer for the Day in the Probate and Family Court is an excellent way to sharpen your skills while giving back to your community. This program provides everything you need to know to effectively assist litigants who appear unrepresented in the Probate and Family Court—and is also helpful in your private practice.

Hear from court personnel and expert family law practitioners in this training designed to provide you with the tools to become a more effective Lawyer for the Day and stronger family law practitioner. Topics include divorce, child support, alimony, paternity, grandparent visitation, and guardianships. Particular attention is paid to both relevant law and practice and procedure.

This program explains how to respond to the most common questions presented to Lawyers for the Day, and provides an opportunity to have your own questions answered.

Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your skills and help people, while simultaneously assisting the court with an unmet need.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30am - 9:35am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Hon. Maureen H. Monks, Middlesex Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Cambridge
  Brian R. Pariser, Esq., Probate and Family Court Administrative Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 9:35am - 10:20am

  Divorce

  Geraldine Gruvis-Pizarro, Esq., Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association (VLP) , Boston
  
• 10:20am - 10:45am

  Guardianships of Minors

  Carolin Hetzner, Esq., Court Service Center, Court Services and Law Libraries Department, Commonwealth , Boston
  
• 10:45am - 11:30am

  Financial Matters - Child Support & Alimony

  Gayle Stone-Turesky, Esq., Wilkinson & Finkbeiner, LLP , New Bedford
  
• 11:30am - 11:45am

  Break
• 11:45am - 12:05pm

  Modifications/Contempts

  Janet Fennell, Esq., Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Woburn
  
• 12:05pm - 12:25pm

  Grandparent Visitations

  Christina Paradiso, Esq., Community Legal Aid , Worcester
  
• 12:25pm - 1:25pm

  Lunch
• 1:25pm - 2:10pm

  Nonmarital Children

  Christina Paradiso, Esq., Community Legal Aid , Worcester
  
• 2:10pm - 3:30pm

  Top 25 Questions and Matters Encountered by Lawyers for the Day

  Panel
  

Special Program Materials:

• Family Law Advocacy for Low and Moderate Income Litigants

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