Practice Tips & Pointers on Child-Related Issues – 2011

 

This diverse program covers a myriad of topics that will enable you to communicate better with your clients during contested custody disputes and other child-related matters. Topics include: the principles and process of mediation; child abuse/neglect mediation; becoming your client’s advisory; representing a divorcing parent with a special needs child; drafting settlements and judgments; the psychological effects of custody disputes on children; special education procedures; accessing services for your client; and federal/state safeguard regulations. Attorneys with all levels of experience practicing in child-related areas such as family law, education, and domestic violence, as well as those who serve as Guardian Ad Litem will benefit from the information presented throughout this seminar.

 

 

 

 

This panel presentation explains both the principles and the process of mediation by examining how mediation can be used in disputes related to children. Each speaker draws upon experience as an example of the value mediation can provide as an alternative to litigation in cases involving children. Topics include: the roles of the child, lawyer, and mediator in the different mediation processes; family and divorce; delinquency; and child abuse/neglect mediation.

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Break (beverages provided)

 

This segment answers the various questions attorneys may have regarding mediation, including:

·           Why should I send a case to mediation?

·           Are there cases that cannot be mediated?

·           What should I tell my client about mediation?

·           When should I suggest mediation?

·           What is the mediation process?

·           How is discovery used throughout mediation?

·           Should I attend the mediation?

·           How do I move from adversarial to advisory for my client?

·           Who draws up the settlement?

 

 

Whether in the planning stages or the final steps towards judgment, attorneys must consider a number of additional issues when representing the divorcing parent of a special needs child. This session offers a plethora of information regarding those issues – from the basics of government benefits to Section 513 and the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act; from parental support beyond majority to drafting settlements and judgments. Special needs trusts are also examined, including what they are and what lawyers need to know about them.

 

Too often children become collateral damage during contested custody litigation, especially when divorcing parents lose sight of their child’s feelings, emotions, and best interests throughout this stressful time. This presentation arms attorneys with the information they need to assist clients by focusing on the psychological effects custody battles can have on children.

 

2:45 – 3:00 p.m. Break (refreshments provided)

 

This segment provides an overview of special education procedures, including how to access services for your client, which children are eligible (and for what services), and the safeguards provided for children under federal/state laws, rules and regulations. Additionally, information on how to access accommodations and services for children who do not qualify for special education services (but who need provisions made for diagnosed disabilities such as ADD/ADHD) is discussed, as well as getting services provided for children who are in need of help but who are not yet diagnosed.