Don’t Get SLAPPed in Family Court: Spotting and Managing SLAPP Issues in Family-Law Cases
Many lawyers think the anti-SLAPP law applies to defamation cases, but it can reach into all areas of civil law, including probate, employment-law and even family-law cases. This program will enable you to:
1. Identify and successfully attack a family-law SLAPP filed by your client’s opponent
Don’t wait until you get hit with an anti-SLAPP motion before you figure out how it can apply in family court.
Brendan J. Begley, Weintraub Tobin
When Bad Is Enough: Managing Incivility in Family Law
Child Custody Resist-Refuse Issues and Strategies to Address
Parenting Plan Assessments (PPAs): LA County Practice Overview
Hon. Shelley L. Kaufman, Supervising Judge of Family Law at LASC, and Susan Thrall, Senior Administrator of Family Court Services, provide a practical overview of Parenting Plan Assessments (PPAs) as administered by Los Angeles Family Court Services. The session will cover payment procedures, document preparation, collateral submissions, and hearing expectations, including the role of the FCS Specialist and cross-examination protocol. Attorneys will leave with a clear understanding of how to guide clients through the PPA process and how to advocate effectively in hearings that follow.
Hon. Shelley Kaufman, LASC
When Bankruptcy Is Filed During Divorce: What Happens Next?
What happens when a bankruptcy petition interrupts a pending divorce? In this program, attorney James (Jim) Menton explores how a bankruptcy filing can upend the divorce process—and what attorneys need to know to move forward. He’ll address how the automatic stay can bring proceedings to a halt, the limited exceptions that allow divorce-related matters to proceed despite the stay, and the procedures for seeking relief or determining when the stay doesn’t apply. Mr. Menton will also examine what constitutes property of the bankruptcy estate and how to handle disputes over those assets in the context of family law.
James Menton, Robins Kaplan LLP
Nuts and Bolts of Business Valuation in Family Law
This presentation demystifies the essential concepts and methodologies behind business valuation, with a special focus on issues relevant to family law attorneys. Attendees will learn about the primary approaches to valuation and will explore how valuation standards, assumptions, and adjustments impact results. You will gain practical insights on working with, and against, valuation experts.
Katie Pandolfini, Blank Rome LLP
Substance Abuse in Family Court: Legal Tools and Practical Realities
When substance abuse enters a custody dispute, the legal and emotional stakes escalate dramatically. Hon. Harry L. Powazek (Ret.) of Signature Resolution draws from decades on the family bench and his experience in drug court to examine the statutory tools available to address substance abuse—such as Family Code §3041.5 testing orders, supervised visitation protocols, and the use of trained custody evaluators.
Hon. Harry Powazek (Ret.), Signature Resolution
Child Custody Monitors: The When, The Who, and The What
This program will explore the role of monitors in family law cases, including when it is appropriate to request a monitor, who to use as a monitor and the responsibilities monitors have. Topics will include the circumstances that may require supervised visitation, qualifications and selection of monitors, and what monitors are expected to do to ensure the safety and well-being of children during visits.
Michael Hanasab, Jamra Jamra & Hanasab LLP
Minor’s Counsel 101: What You Need to Know When Counsel is Appointed
When Minor’s Counsel is appointed, many attorneys representing parents are left wondering what happens next. This CLE will cover the essential information Family Law attorneys need to know to navigate cases involving Minor’s Counsel, including their role, responsibilities, scope of work, and control of privilege. Learn when to include Minor’s Counsel in communications, how to manage a limited appointment, and practical strategies for effectively working with them throughout the case.
Comm'r Kendra Thomas, LASC
From Settlement to Judgment: Enforceability and Procedure Regarding Settlement Agreements under CCP 664.6
In most family law matters, the goal is to secure a deal at a settlement conference–one that is enforceable pursuant to CCP 664.6. But getting from the deal to a final judgment can be time consuming and fraught with difficulty. This presentation will provide a comprehensive discussion about Code of Civil Procedure section 664.6 and the related procedure of enforcement. A solid understanding of the process and its hazards will allow you to navigate the process wisely and minimize the possibility of costly and exhausting post-settlement litigation in drafting the settlement agreement.
Jack McMorrow, Harris • Ginsberg LLP
Follow the Money: Mastering Financial Documents in Family Law
Designed for family law attorneys, this webinar provides a comprehensive guide to reviewing and interpreting key financial documents, including tax returns and financial statements. Whether you're new to family law or looking to refine your financial analysis skills, this program offers valuable insights to navigate complex financial issues in family law cases with confidence.
Lorna Mouton Riff, CBIZ Forensic & Financial Services
Crypto Conundrums: Cracking the Code on Digital Assets in Family Law Cases
As crypto’s popularity grows, so do the challenges it brings to family law cases. Join Victoria Fife and Katie Pandolfini as they unpack must-know strategies for tackling digital assets in divorce. From uncovering alternative investments to spotting cryptocurrency romance scams, this is one CLE you won’t want to miss.
Victoria Fife, Forensic & Litigation Manager, CBIZ Forensic Consulting Group
Children’s Health Insurance in Divorce: A Primer
Under California law, parents must ensure their children have continuous health insurance coverage after divorce. This program will cover legal obligations under Family Code Section 3751, available coverage options, and how courts allocate financial responsibility. It will also address common co-parenting disputes over health insurance and best practices for resolving them.
Emily F. Robinson, Law Office of Emily F. Robinson, APLC
Ritchie, DVRO Renewals, and Case Updates
The Domestic Violence Protection Act provides that domestic violence restraining orders may be renewed but provides little guidance on when requests for renewal should be granted. Come learn about the process of renewing a DV restraining order and the applicable standard under Ritchie v. Konrad, along with case updates about the Domestic Violence Protection Act.
Writs and Appeals of Pre-Trial Issues - Establishing the Record and The Big Pict
This program provides a comprehensive overview of writs and appeals related to pre-trial issues, emphasizing the importance of establishing a clear record and understanding the intricacies of appealable and non-appealable interim orders. It addresses key considerations, statutory guidelines, and practical strategies for navigating complex procedural aspects in family law and civil cases.
Trial/Long Cause – How to Protect the Record
This program provides essential guidance for trial lawyers on how to protect the record at trial or during a Family Code 217 hearing to ensure a successful appeal. It covers practical strategies, critical deadlines, and procedural tips, emphasizing the importance of creating a comprehensive and clear record to address potential appellate challenges.
Beyond the Decision – What Comes Next?
This program explores the strategic importance of requesting a Statement of Decision (SOD) and understanding the implications of the doctrine of implied findings. It provides guidance on when and how to request an SOD, the procedural requirements for proposing findings, and best practices for preparing, objecting to, and leveraging the SOD both for appellate purposes and for future proceedings in trial court.
Family Law Tips and Tricks from the Bench
Will Taylor Swift Need a Prenup? Nuts & Bolts of Celebrity Prenups
With all of the money and fame that comes along with success in sports and entertainment, many famous athletes and celebrities turn to pre-marital agreements to protect their assets and navigate the complexities of their high-profile relationships.
A prenup for a celebrity or athlete can:
This CLE will provide an overview on what the "celebrity" prenup can provide using real world examples. This knowledge will help you best advise your famous clients before they marry.
Family Code Section 4322: A Hidden Tool in High Wealth Spousal Support Cases
Explore the strategic implications of California Family Code Section 4322, a statute with roots dating back to 1872, which remains a powerful yet underutilized tool in high-asset divorce cases. This program will discuss the historical context, statutory language, and practical applications of Section 4322, demonstrating how it can lead to the denial of spousal support even when there is a disparity in wealth or income between spouses.
Robert A. Roth, Partner, Complex Appellate Litigation Group
The Nuts and Bolts of Dependency Law
This program serves as an introduction to dependency law, beginning with how cases come into the Juvenile Court and how Juvenile Court differs from Family Law Court. The program will explain the legal timelines imposed upon parents in California, the case plans parents are ordered into, and how parental rights are impacted by the Department of Children and Family Services.
New Rules for Support Guidelines: SB343 (2024) Changes to Child and Spousal Support
Effective September 1, 2024, SB 343 introduces significant changes to child and spousal support. Join us for a special presentation with Art Grater, DissoMaster Co-creator, as he goes over:
• Child Support changes
Special Powers of Family Law Judges to Restructure Real Property Interests
In this program, former family law Judge Scott Gordon, now with Signature Resolution, will explain how both divorcing spouses and third parties may find themselves in unexpected situations due to the powers of the family law courts in California to restructure real property interests in a dissolution of marriage case.
Ask the speaker a question. Email *protected email* and be sure to include the program name in the subject line.
Family Law Trial Box - A Practical Guide for Trial Preparation
When you walk into trial, you will have everything you need in your Trial Box(es). In order to put yourself in a position to do this, however, you need to think ahead. This presentation will discuss the contents of a fully prepared trial box, and explain the timelines and processes for creating each component so that you know what you need and when to get to work on various tasks. In addition to explaining statutory deadlines and local court rules, our panelists will provide an explanation on how to navigate the practical realities of appearing in Court and preparing your materials. This presentation will function somewhat as a checklist, something you can return to as you navigate your way to and through trial.
So, You Want To Keep The House After Marriage Ends: Buyouts, Refinance And Judgments - Tips And Traps
Three’s a Crowd: Resolving Third-Party Claims in Divorce Litigation
Divorce cases usually involve only two parties: the spouses. However, in some cases third parties need to be joined to adjudicate property or other claims. This CLE will discuss the complex legal and ethical issues that can arise when litigating claims against third parties joined to marital dissolution actions. The presenters will review the law governing joinder and its application to frequently encountered fact patterns in the marital dissolution context. The presenters will also discuss their practical experience and insights into resolving these cases—both from the practitioner’s point of view and the judge’s point of view.
Xspouse: Everything to Know About Support Calculations After DissoMaster
With DissoMaster's official Judicial Council of California certification ending on March 31, 2025, LASC bench officers will be utilizing Xspouse to replace the DissoMaster. Join us for a live demonstration of Xspouse. Learn about its powerful features, uncover its similarities to DissoMaster, and gain practical skills through common examples and scenarios compiled by your family law colleagues.
Bohdan Harasymiw, CEO, Tolapa, Inc., Creators of Xspouse
Analyzing Scenarios: A Live Xspouse Demonstration
This interactive webinar will explore real-world Xspouse scenarios of varying financial complexity, providing key takeaways from the attorney, financial expert, and software creator perspectives. Learn how different professionals analyze and approach support calculations using Xspouse in family law matters.
Bohdan Harasymiw, CEO, Tolapa, Inc., Creators of Xspouse
Recent Trends in Premarital Agreements (2025)
A look at recent trends, including the law of “unconscionability,” in premarital agreements.
Hon. Elizabeth Scully, LASC
Family Preparedness: What Attorneys Working with Immigrant Parents Need to Know
Join Sharon Balmer Cartagena of Public Counsel for a presentation that will provide practical tips for attorneys who work with immigrant families at risk of separation due to detention or deportation. With the goal of reducing a family’s risk of child welfare involvement, the presentation focuses on creating care plans based on whether a parent wishes to reunite with their child in their country of origin or have their child remain in the United States with a caregiver. It equips attorneys with the knowledge to guide families in gathering critical documents, naming trusted caregivers, and navigating complex custody issues with safety and dignity in mind.
Sharon Balmer Cartagena, Public Counsel
Civility Under Pressure: Maintaining Professionalism in Family Law Litigation
Tips and Tools to Address Bad Faith and Incivility in Custody and Visitation Matters
QDRO: Safeguarding Your Client’s Rights to Retirement Benefits
In the intricate landscape of divorce proceedings, safeguarding your client's rights in the division of retirement benefits is paramount. Join us for a comprehensive presentation where we delve into the essential concepts of "Notice of Adverse Interest," "Joinders," and "Judgment Language." Designed to equip legal practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate this complex terrain. This talk provides an in-depth exploration of these crucial aspects and their impact on securing the rights of both parties involved.
California’s New Law (SB741) Regarding Discovery in Domestic Violence Actions: Everything You Need to Know
The Nuts and Bolts of Gestational Surrogacy Law
Join us for a one-hour program addressing the fundamentals of gestational surrogacy law. Speakers Rose Pondel and Allie Weinstein dedicate their practices to family formation and will address topics including: the fundamentals of drafting a gestational surrogacy contract, conflict of interest issues, reproductive health, insurance matters, and typical concerns regarding surrogacy compensation.
