Product Description

Are you interested in learning more about being a Category E and/or Category F GAL or considering applying to be a Category E/F GAL? If so, this training is for you.

Category E and F guardian ad litem evaluators/investigators provide critical information and insights to the Probate and Family Court in the areas of domestic relations, child custody, and parenting time. In this training, you are introduced to the Category E and Category F Standards and learn how to apply those standards to your evaluations/investigations, including how to prepare for the evaluation/investigation, conduct it, and then write the report. You also learn how to conduct an effective interview, including the nuances involved with interviewing children, confidentiality, privilege, and bias.

If you are considering applying to be a Category E/F GAL, you can take this training now and then submit your application package to pandf.feegenerating@jud.state.ma.us. Attendance at this training does not guarantee approval of your application but provides you with the tools you need to prepare for the application and interview process.

If you wish to join the Probate and Family Court’s Category E or Category F Fee Generating Appointment List, you are required to take the training set forth by the Administrative Office of the Probate and Family Court. Attendance at the live webcast, recorded webcast, or on demand webcast of this program and completion of the required prompts, fulfills part of the requirements to be considered for the Category E/F list. Submission of the required application and documentation is also necessary. Applications and additional information may be found at: Category E and F Fee Generating Appointments

Note: To obtain credits to be considered for the Category E/F application, you must click all prompts as they appear during the program.

Agenda & Materials

• Day One - October 8, 2025
• 9:00am - 9:05am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Denise M. Fitzgerald, Esq., Probate and Family Court Administrative Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Brian R. Pariser, Esq., Probate and Family Court Administrative Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 9:05am - 9:45am

  Logistics of Fee Generating Appointments, Introduction to the Standards

  Denise M. Fitzgerald, Esq., Probate and Family Court Administrative Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Brian R. Pariser, Esq., Probate and Family Court Administrative Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 9:45am - 10:00am

  Reflections on Bias

  Denise M. Fitzgerald, Esq., Probate and Family Court Administrative Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 10:00am - 11:00am

  Role of GAL and Difference Between E and F Appointments

  Thomas D. Ritter, Esq., Law Firm of Thomas Ritter, LLC , Boston
  
• 11:00am - 11:15am

  Break
• 11:15am - 1:15pm

  Between E and F Appointments

  Dr. Mira Z. Levitt, Ph.D., Co-Parenting Assessment Center , Natick
  Linda Medeiros, Esq., Law Office of Linda Medeiros , Danvers
  
• 1:15pm - 1:45pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:45pm - 2:30pm

  An Investigation/Evaluation – From Beginning to End – Cont.

  Dr. Mira Z. Levitt, Ph.D., Co-Parenting Assessment Center , Natick
  Linda Medeiros, Esq., Law Office of Linda Medeiros , Danvers
  
• 2:30pm - 3:00pm

  Post-report

  Kathleen A. Rice, , Woburn
  Kelly Flynn Zawistowski, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Springfield
  
• 3:00pm - 3:15pm

  Break
• 3:15pm - 3:45pm

  Interactions with Judicial Liaison and Motion Practice for GALs

  Kathleen A. Rice, , Woburn
  Kelly Flynn Zawistowski, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Springfield
  
• 3:45pm - 4:15pm

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

  Panel
  
• Day Two - October 9, 2025
• 8:45am - 9:00am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Denise M. Fitzgerald, Esq., Probate and Family Court Administrative Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Brian R. Pariser, Esq., Probate and Family Court Administrative Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 9:00am - 10:15am

  Putting It all Together / Report Writing Tips / Pitfalls to Avoid/Quality over Quantity

  Dr. Mira Z. Levitt, Ph.D., Co-Parenting Assessment Center , Natick
  Linda Medeiros, Esq., Law Office of Linda Medeiros , Danvers
  
• 10:15am - 10:30am

  Break
• 10:30am - 11:45am

  Confidentiality and Privilege

  Linda Medeiros, Esq., Law Office of Linda Medeiros , Danvers
  
• 11:45am - 12:00pm

  Break
• 12:00pm - 1:30pm

  Interviewing Parents, Children and Collaterals

  Dr. Stephanie Tabashneck, Esq., Center for Law, Brain, and Behavior/Petrie Flom Center, Harvard Law School , Cambridge
  
• 1:30pm - 2:00pm

  "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

Cochairs

Faculty