Product Description

The Coercive Control Law represents a landmark shift in how domestic abuse is defined, recognizing that control extends beyond physical violence to include psychological and economic manipulation. There is a complex spectrum of financial behaviors within relationships—from working collaboratively, to delegating responsibilities, to deliberately weaponizing money to maintain power and control. When does a person’s behavior become coercive financial control?

With the Coercive Control Law taking effect in September 2024, the answer has become even more important to understand because coercive financial control can be the basis for a 209A restraining order, the basis of a violation of a 209A restraining order, and can influence parenting time orders in domestic relations cases. This seminar examines behaviors that constitute coercive financial control, identifies the legal pitfalls, and provides family law practitioners with strategies to address financial abuse during litigation and settlements.

Agenda & Materials

• 3:00pm - 3:05pm

  Welcome and Introduction

  Rebecca G. Neale, Esq., Law Office of Rebecca G. Neale , Bedford
  
• Pre-Petition Panel Breakout
• 3:05pm - 3:15pm

  Definition of Abuse

  Rebecca G. Neale, Esq., Law Office of Rebecca G. Neale , Bedford
  
• 3:15pm - 3:25pm

  Financial Abuse

  Gabrielle Clemens, Esq., RBC Wealth Management , Bonita Springs
  
• 3:25pm - 3:40pm

  Financial Abuse as a Basis for a 209A Protective Order and Impact on a Domestic Relations Case

  Rebecca G. Neale, Esq., Law Office of Rebecca G. Neale , Bedford
  
• 3:40pm - 3:55pm

  How to Minimize Opportunities for Financial Abuse

  Gabrielle Clemens, Esq., RBC Wealth Management , Bonita Springs
  
• 3:55pm - 4:00pm

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

  Panel
  
• 3:55pm - 4:00pm

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

  Panel
  
• Diversion Panel Breakout
• 12:15pm - 1:15pm

  Lunch (provided by the Supreme Judicial Court’s Court Improvement Program)
• 1:15pm - 1:35pm

  Chief Justice Address
• 1:35pm - 2:55pm

  Legal Updates
• 2:55pm - 3:10pm

  Break
• 3:10pm - 4:25pm

  Community Provider Panel
• 4:25pm - 4:30pm

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

Special Program Materials:

• Obtaining, Enforcing, and Defending c. 209A Restraining Orders in Massachusetts

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.

Faculty

Fees

• $112.50 - MCLE Sponsor Member
• $62.50 - New Lawyer
• $62.50 - Pending Admittee
• $62.50 - Law Student
• $62.50 - Paralegal
• $125.00 - All Others

To apply for a need-based scholarship for this program, email scholarships@mcle.org.

Available FREE with an MCLE OnlinePass^® subscription.