Previous Events & CLE Programs
June 6, 2008
Section Meeting
California's Domestic Partnership & Massachusetts Marriage: Discerning the Common Issues
Sponsors
Family Law Section
Massachusetts Lesbian & Gay Bar Association
Join Frederick Hertz, Law Offices of Frederick Hertz, as he presents a summary of the emerging legal issues arising out of the new forms of partnership relationships in California, with a focus on those issues that are likely to arise in the formation and dissolution of Massachusetts same-sex marriages.
June 4, 2008
CLE Program
Divorce Taxation: New Cases, New Regulations, New Issues
Family law practitioners, clients, and their families rely upon the advice of their attorneys to help make business-minded financial decisions during emotionally charged times. Therefore, the advice provided by counsel can not be made in a bubble, and must take into account future effects, including tax implications and consequences. Any practicing family law attorney, or tax consultant, regularly providing advice to parties engaged in the divorce process, can not afford to miss this seminar.
Click here for complete program description.
May 29, 2008
Section Meeting
Hospice Care Delivery and Costs: Is There a Better Way?
Sponsors
Health Law Section
Elder Law & Disability Planning Committee
Family Law Section
Please join Dr. Haiden Huskamp, Harvard Medical School, for an overview on the status of hospice. Research shows that hospice, which includes a broad array of palliative and supportive services, can improve symptom management and quality of life for patients with a terminal illness. Use of hospice has increased rapidly over the past several years, yet many terminally ill patients receive hospice care only in the final days before death or never enroll.
This seminar will describe trends in hospice use and the supply of hospice providers, coverage of hospice care, and factors that influence a patient's decision to use hospice. We will also discuss how the primary payer of hospice care - the Medicare program - pays hospices for the care they provide, problems created by this payment approach, and alternative ways of paying for these services.
May 15, 2008
Section Meeting
A Child's Voice in Court: How to Get It, How to Interpret It, and How to Use It
Sponsors
Family Law Section
Massachusetts Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
Panelists:
Judge E. Chouteau Merrill
Probate and Family Court
Dr. Robin M. Deutsch
Children and the Law Program, MGH
Amy Lynn Blake
Casner & Edwards, LLP
Alex D. Jones
Looney & Grossman, LLP
Josh Hoch
Mediation Works Inc.
Moira Toomey, MSW
Suffolk Probate and Family Court
CAFL attorneys will receive CLE credit for attending this program.
May 13, 2008
Section Meeting
What to Do When DSS Enters Your Client's Life (and Your Case)
Perhaps nothing is as scary for your clients as a knock on the door by DSS. Thomas Malone, Department of Social Services, Jinanne S.J. Elder, Bowman, Moos, Elder & Noe LLP, and Andrew Cohen, Director of Appeals, Committee for Public Counsel Services Children & Family Law Program will address:
- The filing of reports of suspected abuse and neglect under G.L. c. 119, § 51A,
- Investigations under § 51B,
- The DSS administrative process for appealing “support” decisions in § 51B investigations and other DSS decisions,
- The DSS registry of alleged perpetrators,
- Licensing ramifications for teachers and childcare professionals, and
- Obtaining case records from DSS.
Sometimes that knock on the door turns into DSS involvement in a pre-existing divorce, custody or guardianship case. We will address DSS participation in Probate and Family Court cases, how to prevent your clients from losing custody of their children to DSS, and how to help your clients regain custody if they have already lost it.
April 8, 2008
Section Meeting
Scheduling Practices in the Probate and Family Court: A Bench/Bar Discussion
Sponsors
Family Law Section
Trust & Estates Section
Family Law Section of the Massachusetts Bar Association
In response to concerns expressed by the legal community regarding the lack of uniformity in the manner in which cases are scheduled in the various courts within the Probate and Family Department, Chief Justice Paula Carey has appointed a Scheduling Task Force to review such matters and to provide her with recommendations for suggested changes. The Task Force, chaired by the Honorable Robert Langlois, First Justice of the Norfolk Probate and Family Court, is now conducting state wide forums to meet with practitioners in order to listen to their concerns and to hear their suggestions on how to improve scheduling procedures.
Judge Langlois, together with Task Force members Denise Squillante, former Chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Family Law Section, and Gayle Stone-Turesky will be conducting the meeting. The Task Force invites all of you to attend this forum and to discuss methods on improving scheduling procedures and protocol in the Probate and Family Court.
March 26, 2008
CLE Program
Valuing Marital Assets
Sponsored by:
Family Law Section
Determining what assets comprise the marital estate and obtaining valuations for those assets is one of the primary jobs of a domestic relations attorney. Finding the right expert can often mean the difference between settling a case or going to trial. This program will cover valuation issues for a variety of marital assets such as real estate and personal property. Panelists will cover the law of valuing closely held corporations, especially the changes from the Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Bernier.The panel will also discuss locating and retaining experts, preparing experts for deposition and trial testimony and addressing differences in value between competing experts.
Click here for complete program description.
March 26, 2008
Section Meeting
Tax Issues Related to Health Coverage for Same-Sex Spouses, Children and Ex-Spouses Under MA Law
Sponsors
ERISA Committee
Family Law Section
The panel will discuss the Federal and Massachusetts state income tax issues resulting from the provision of employer sponsored health insurance coverage under Massachusetts laws to ex-spouses, domestic partners, same sex spouses and adult children.
Panelists:
- John P. McMorrow, Mirick, O'Connell, DeMallie & Lougee, LLP (Moderator)
- Richard A. Szczebak, Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority and Parker Brown & Macaulay, P.C.
- Kevin Brown, General Counsel, Mass Department of Revenue
- Michael R. Fiore, Senior Attorney, IRS Office of Chief Counsel, Small Business/Self-Employed Division
March 11, 2008
Section Meeting
Listening Skills and Other Mediation Role Plays
Join John A. Fiske, Healy, Fiske, Richmond and Matthew, and Diane Neumann, Diane Neumann & Associates, for the chance to practice your mediation skills. More divorcing couples are turning to mediation as a sensible and less expensive method for reaching agreement. In order for anyone to understand mediation, they need to do it. Role plays afford a safe space for the mediator to experience the challenge of doing with both spouses at the same time while still remaining impartial. We begin by listening. Anyone interested should join us for a few listening exercises followed by role places in which we hope everyone present will have the chance at least once to be a mediator.
February 12, 2008
Section Meeting
Facebook, MySpace & Family Law
Sponsors
Family Law Section
Solo & Small Firm Section
Join Mark D. Robbins, Nixon Peabody LLP, and other fellow practitioners in an open discussion regarding FaceBook, Myspace and other social-networking sites and how such sites have been used in our practice. Specific topics to be discussed include:
- What role can participation in sites such as MySpace and FaceBook play in 209A Orders and custody cases?
- How does one even get on such sites?
- How can “pages” from these sites be entered into evidence?
- How and when can visits to pornographic sites be used?
If you have experience with online social sites, whether positive or negative, please come and share your insights. This topic will be relevant for all practitioners, even if you practice outside Family Law. If you are interested in joining the panel of presenters, please feel free to contact the program organizer, Laura Unflat at Laura@unflatlaw.com.
February 5, 2008
CLE Program
Healthcare Reform and the Individual Mandate
Sponsors
Health Law Section
Family Law Section
The individual mandate, a critical component of healthcare reform, requires that adults in the Commonwealth purchase health insurance unless it is not affordable for them. This program will address the question of how Massachusetts state agencies will implement the individual mandate.
Click here for complete program description.
January 8, 2008
Section Meeting
Appellate Advocacy for the Family Lawyer
Hon. Fernande Duffly, Associate Justice, Massachusetts Appeals Court, and Neal Quenzer, Chief Staff Counsel, Supreme Judicial Court, will provide a perspective from the appellate courts on best practices in appellate advocacy. Topics will include:
- what to expect when you file a notice of appeal;
- presenting the record;
- briefing;
- effective oral advocacy;
- amici;
- petitioning for direct and further appellate review; and
- particular issues related to appeals of family law matters.
There will be plenty of time for questions.
December 11, 2007
Section Meeting
Role of Psychological Testing in Probate and Family Court Cases
David Medoff, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Suffolk University, will discuss the role and utility of psychological testing in Probate and Family Court cases. The following psychological tests will be discussed:
- MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - Second Edition);
- WAIS-III (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Third Edition); and
- The Rorschach.
Indications for the use of testing will be reviewed, the relevance of psychological testing will be discussed and the empirical basis of testing will be addressed. Attendees will gain knowledge regarding standards of practice for forensic psychological testing while obtaining a more informed appreciation for the proper and improper use of it.
November 26, 2007
CLE Program
The Intersection of Family Law and Trusts: What Every Practitioner Should Know
Sponsored by:
Family Law Section
Trusts & Estates Section
This program will discuss how life insurance, educational and special needs trusts are impacted by divorce. Requests for alimony and child support can create a host of complicated tax and estate administration issues. The panel for this program, which includes a judge and two experienced practitioners in estate planning and family law, will provide an overview on and address some of the key points surrounding the various types of special trusts.
Click here for complete program description
November 13, 2007
Section Meeting
Understanding the Intersection of Social Security Benefits & Child Support Orders
Join us as we discuss SSI, SSDI, dependency benefits and their application to the child support guidelines.
Presenters:
October 9, 2007
Section Meeting
Courtroom Lawyer for the Day: Limited Representation Pro Bono Training
Join Jill Crockett, Volunteer Lawyers Project, and David Eppley, Rackemann, Sawyer & Brewster, as they lead a training session for the newest pro bono opportunity made available from the Limited Representation Program of the Suffolk County Probate & Family Court. The "Courtroom Lawyer for the Day" program allows seasoned family lawyers from the Volunteer Lawyers Project / Senior Partners for Justice and the Boston Bar Association Family Law Section to provide “on-your-feet” advocacy to pro se litigants on set days. No prior preparation or contact with these clients is required. This program will allow the participant to qualify for Limited Representation, while simultaneously providing perspective as to what the participant can expect in this very rewarding pro bono opportunity.
September 24, 2007
Section Event
Open House and Tribute to Judge Boorstein
Join us for the Family Law Open House, an excellent opportunity to meet colleagues and learn about the Section. Also, enjoy food and drinks as we honor Judge Boorstein for her upcoming retirement.
June 26, 2007
CLE Program
Removal Actions in the Probate & Family Court
Sponsors
Family Law Section
Association of Family & Conciliation Courts
The decision to allow a child to move out of the Commonwealth over the objection of a parent is one of the most difficult facing the Probate and Family Court bench.
During the past year six new appellate cases have been decided that have altered the legal landscape. Starting with the Supreme Judicial Court case Mason v. Coleman, this seminar will provide a discussion of these recent cases and their impact. It is important for any practitioner in the Probate and Family Court to understand these cases in drafting separation agreements at the time of divorce or later when counseling a client about a removal action.
Click here for complete program description
June 12, 2007
Section Meeting
Court Investigators and Evaluators in the Probate and Family Court
Please join us for a discussion about working with Guardian ad Litems. Our interdisciplinary panel will discuss when you should seek the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem and the difference between an investigator and evaluator. Once the Guardian ad Litem is in place, what information is useful to a Guardian ad Litem? How do you prepare your client to meet with a Guardian ad Litem?
The panel will include:
Mark Warner
Witmer Karp Warner & Ryan
Anne Cremonini
Norfolk Probate & Family Court
Jessica P. Greenwald O'Brien, Ph.D.
Forensic Psychologist
June 7, 2007
Section Meeting
Space Odyssey 2007: Choosing Office Space
Sponsors
Solo & Small Firm Section
Family Law Section
Have you struggled to decide where you can be most effective and satisfied with your practice, while getting the most for your money? This program is designed to address your “space” concerns and connect you with other lawyers dealing with these issues. The program will feature:
- John R. Peterson, Corporate Vice President and Partner of Arakelian Real Estate, Inc., who is a real estate broker and will give an overview of the greater Boston office space scene (rentals, condos, building ownership);
- Roger Glovsky, Indigo Venture LLC, who has worked as in-house counsel for start up ventures, making full use of cyber space and emerging technology; and
- Roy J. Watson, Jr., Watson Law Offices, who has spent nearly twenty-eight years renting and sharing office space but has finally purchased his own building.
Join us as our panelists discuss their unique experiences. Audience questions and discussion are encouraged Coffee & pastries will be served.
June 6, 2007
Section Meeting
Juvenile Law Update 2007
Join us for an update on important appellate decisions and rule changes affecting child welfare attorneys during the past two years. Panelists include:
- Brian J. Dunn, Law Office of Brian J. Dunn
- Toiya Taylor, The Law Office of Toiya L. Taylor
- Peter A. Hahn, Law Office of Peter A. Hahn
- Andrew Cohen, Director of Appeals, CPCS Children & Family Law Program
May 8, 2007
Section Meeting
Drafting Separation Agreements
Hon. Eileen M. Shaevel (Ret.) of Dispute Resolution Alternatives and Gene Dahmen of Verrill Dana LLP will discuss what should be considered when drafting separation agreements.
April 10, 2007
Section Meeting
Practice & Procedure
Join us as we discuss difficult procedural questions including interdepartmental assignments and filing motions. Specific motions to be discussed include:
- attachment and trustee process
- hearings on ex parte motions
- joint modification for child support
- Rule 78 submissions
Panelists include:
March 29, 2007
Section Meeting
Domestic Violence and the Immigrant Client
Join us as we discuss the unique issues that arise when an immigrant client presents for help with a family law case, whether documented or undocumented. Specific topics include:
- how to identify whether proceeding with a divorce, annulment, or restraining order will have an effect on your client’s immigration status;
- assessing the risks of approaching the court when your client lacks status;
- special considerations regarding financial information and discovery;
- what protective measures are available when one party poses a flight risk with a minor child;
- ethical issues that could arise in the course of the representation.
Panelists include:
March 13, 2007
Section Meeting
The New Uniform Mediation Act
Join us as we discuss significant sections of the Uniform Mediation Act and its impact on attorneys. Speakers include:
March 1, 2007
CLE Program
The Intersection of Divorce and Bankruptcy
Sponsors
Bankruptcy Law Section
Family Law Section
Attend this program to learn about the relationship between family and bankruptcy law as it has been affected by three recent events: the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2006 (BAPCPA), the US Supreme Court decision Marshall v. Marshall (the Anna Nicole Smith case), and legalization of gay marriage in Massachusetts.
Click here for complete program description.
February 13, 2007
Section Meeting
Basics in Completing Financial Statements
Lee M. Peterson of McCarter & English, LLP and Elizabeth C. Leicht of Dane Shulman Associates, LLC will discuss the basics of financial statements, including:
- procedural issues;
- when to file;
- forms and schedules;
- assets that are complicated to list and value.
January 9, 2007
Section Meeting
The Incarcerated Parent Family Law Education Project
Attend this program to become a trained volunteer in the newest pro bono project of the Family Law Section. This project is perfect for those wanting a short time commitment and a rewarding experience. Volunteer attorneys work in pairs to present two-hour educational sessions regarding the legal issues incarcerated parents face trying to preserve relationships with their children.
The training will focus on what volunteers should expect upon entering the county correctional facilities as well as the nature of the family law issues facing incarcerated parents such as:
- child support, guardianship, visitation, divorce
- "informal" Department of Social Services (DSS) involvement
- DSS cases (including CHINS, care and protection, and termination of parental rights proceedings)
- restraining orders
- name changes
Anyone with questions about the program should contact Andrew Cohen, Director of Appeals, Children & Family Law Program, Committee for Public Counsel Services, at (617) 988-8310.
December 12, 2006
Section Meeting
Thinking Outside the Box in Crafting Family Support Orders
We will discuss child support for dual income families, how issues of disabilities for parents and children can be treated and how to craft support orders in cases that fall within the Child Support Guidelines for income but where parents essentially share parenting time. We will also examine the tax implications of allocating support between alimony and child support as well as a presentation of after tax dollars available to families. Discussion is encouraged and will be facilitated by the use of fact patterns.
Speakers include:
- Lee D Sanderson, CPA, ABV, MST, MST, CVA of Lee D. Sanderson, CPA, P.C.
- Jennifer Sevigney Durand of Packenham, Schmidt and Federico, P.C.
- Alexander D. Jones of Beveridge & Diamond, P.C.
- Kate Nemens, Staff Attorney, of Clubhouse Family Legal Support Project
November 16, 2006
Section Meeting
Demystifying Tax Returns
**This meeting is co-sponsored with the New Lawyers Section**
Stephen J. Bravo, CPA, ABV, CBA, CFP will review individual income and S Corporation tax returns for attorneys who would like to avoid mistakes and maximize their usefulness during discovery or at trial. He will explain where to find key information needed to evaluate damages or divide assets. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers at the end of the presentation.
October 10, 2006
Child Welfare & Adoption Committee Event
DSS Intervention in High-Conflict Divorce Cases
**Sponsored by the Child Welfare and Adoption Committee of the BBA Family Law Section**
A major issue in custody and divorce cases that involve a higher degree of conflict is the potential involvement of the Department of Social Services, the state child welfare agency. You must be prepared for the complications that arise when DSS intervenes in the family and in your case. This seminar will explain:
- The 51A and 51B investigation process done by DSS
- How to obtain copies of the abuse and neglect reports and investigations and the DSS file
- The extent to which the contents of DSS records are admissible
- The extent to which DSS may become involved with the family, and the role it may play in your case.
The panel will address what obligations you and your client do and do not have as a result of DSS involvement so that you will know how to best protect your client’s interest in the underlying matter.
Panelists:
Honorable Edward F. Donnelly
Middlesex Probate and Family Court
Tom Malone
Regional Counsel
Department of Social Services
Metro Regional Office
Brenda Davis
Area Program Manager
Department of Social Services
Gert Condon
Area Program Manager
Department of Social Services
Dimock Street/Roxbury
Moderator: Jinanne S. J. Elder
Bowman, Moos, Elder & Noe
Approved for 1 hour of CLE credit for the CPCS Children & Family Law Panel
October 10, 2006
CLE Program
Criminal Issues in the District and Probate Courts: Where Criminal Law and Family Law Collide
This program, designed for family law, criminal law and general practitioners, will review criminal issues that arise during the course of representing parties in family law cases, and how best to address them.
Click here for complete program description
September 12, 2006
Section Event
Kick-Off Program & Reception
Limited Assistance Representation in Domestic Relations Cases Hands-On Training Workshop
Please join the Family Law Section as we kick-off the 2006-2007 program year with a hands-on training workshop focused on limited assistance representation in domestic relations cases.
Beginning November 1, 2006, attorneys who have attended this or another orientation program may file limited appearances in Suffolk Probate and Family Court. Once the terms of the limited appearance have been satisfied, the attorney is not obligated to appear in further proceedings.
Attendees at this workshop will receive sample retainer agreements and other materials to assist in establishing a limited representation aspect to their practice.
Among the issues to be addressed are:
- What are the ethical issues? What is the standard of care?
- What are the common pitfalls and how do I avoid them?
- How can I set up office procedures to make it work smoothly and profitably?
Speakers:
- Hon. Edward Ginsburg, Retired Judge of the Middlesex Probate and Family Court; Chair of the Subcommittee for the Pilot Project on Limited Representation of the SJC’s Committee on Unrepresented Litigants; and founder of Senior Partners for Justice
- Edward Notis-McConarty, Co-Chair of the SJC’s Committee on Unrepresented Litigants; and partner at Hemenway & Barnes
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