Hot Tips in Family Law

The Road to Resolution in family law cases can be long and difficult. In New Jersey, there are five ways to get there - attorney negotiation, and when that fails, mediation, arbitration, collaborative law and trial. Which form of resolution you use to resolve a particular case is actually a very nuanced decision. What works for one case may not work for another and attorneys must be able to assess the suitability of each mechanism for their cases early in the dissolution process. Once chosen, the family lawyer must use the resolution format to their client’s advantage and to guide their clients through the process.

Hot Tips in Family Law brings together the state’s leading matrimonial attorneys. In a unique and fast-paced format, they will share with you their insights into each form of resolution, why they choose or disregard it in particular cases, how they address roadblocks and setbacks, and what they do to make the chosen process a success for their clients.

Selected topics for discussion include:

• The Timing of Mediation: Pros and Cons at mediating before or after the Complaint for    Divorce is filed

• To Attend or Not to Attend: Should the attorneys attend mediation with their clients

• Third Party Presence: Whether an Expert or any other third parties, i.e. family members,    should (or may) attend the mediation

• Crossroads: How to proceed if the case resolves in mediation but the other side    subsequently reneges mediation but the other side subsequently reneges on the agreement

• Success: Is it appropriate for the mediator to prepare the formal Settlement Agreement?

• Failure: Can anything learned during mediation be disclosed in future litigation?

• The Custody Expert: Joint, Sole or Court Appointed?

• Cross Examination: How to prepare the cross-examination of a financial expert

• Court Reporter: Is it worthwhile to invest in a private Court Reporter to transcribe    the proceeding?

• Payment Issues: Is it permissible for an arbitrator to withhold a decision pending payment    of an outstanding balance?

• Appeal Process: How to Appeal and Unfavorable Arbitration Decision and the    Likelihood of Success

• Synopsis of the New Jersey Family Collaborative Law Act

• Scope of the Collaborative Divorce Retainer Agreement: Does it encompass all aspects of    family law? Address what happens if unsuccessful?

• When Tensions Run High: Is it necessary to end a contentious collaborative divorce or is it    permissive to seek outside assistance, such as therapists, to keep the peace?

• Ad Hoc Committee Report on Arbitration

• Use of Depositions at Trial

• Selection of Custody Experts

• Benefits of Team Approach in Collaborative Law

• Communication before the Collaborative Law Agreement is signed

NJ CLE information: This program has been approved by the Board on Continuing Legal Education of the Supreme Court of New Jersey for 4.5 hours of total CLE credit. Of these, 4.5 qualify as hours of credit toward certification in matrimonial law.

 

Credits NJ CLE: This program has been approved for 4.5 credits (50 minute hour) PA CLE: 3.5 substantive credits pending ($16 fee – separate check payable to NJICLE must be submitted at the end of the program) NY CLE (t&n/t): 4.5 professional practice credits Matrimonial Law Certification: 4.5 general credits pending

Door Registration: $200

More information