LIVE WEB - Preventing Tragedy: The Intersection of Karina's Law and Family Law
January 27, 2026
Presented by the
ISBA Family Law Section
Co-presented by the ISBA Young Lawyers Division
Co-presented by the ISBA Young Lawyers Division
Live Webcast
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
2:00 – 5:20 p.m.
3.0 hours MCLE credit
In June 2023, Karina Gonzalez reported to police that her estranged husband had threatened to kill her, which led to her being granted an Order of Protection that automatically revoked her husband’s FOID card. But that alone did not remove the guns from her husband’s possession and on July 3, Jose Alvarez shot and killed his wife and 15-year-old daughter. The legislation that followed – and was subsequently referred to as Karina’s Law – requires the confiscation of guns from people who have had their FOID cards revoked due to an Order of Protection against them. Karina’s Law was signed by Governor Pritzker on February 10, 2025 and became effective in May 2025. Don’t miss this in-depth look at how Karina’s Law is designed to prevent unnecessary tragedy, how the new law intersects with the family law practice, and how it strengthens existing laws by clarifying who is responsible for removing firearms once an Order of Protection is granted. Family law attorneys, criminal justice lawyers, and general practitioners with all levels of practice experience who attend this online program will learn:
- How Karina’s Law grants law enforcement the authority to execute search warrants to seize firearms from alleged abusers;
- How this new law supports the existing protections offered by a traditional Order of Protection;
- How to correctly implement Karina’s Law to ensure that the individuals they represent are protected from potential tragedy; and
- The case law and pleading options to be aware of.
Program Coordinator:
Pamela J. Kuzniar, Haid and Teich LLP, Chicago
Program Moderators:
Olivia K. Basu, Hammer Serna and Quinn LLC, Chicago
Hon. Tamika R. Walker, 17th Judicial Circuit Court
Program Chat Moderators:
Sally Kolb, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Champaign
Genevieve E. Miller, Beattie | Onorato Family Law, Chicago
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Orders of Protection: An Overview
Join us for this comprehensive look at the pleadings, orders, and evidence that is needed to ensure that your client is protected from domestic violence. Topics include rights, restrictions, available remedies, civil and criminal processes, rehabilitation, and punishment, as well as the special considerations necessary when the perpetrator is a law enforcement professional or service member, and the additional remedies that may apply.
Heather Hurst, Davis Friedman, Chicago
Sally Kolb, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Champaign
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Incorporating Gun Violence Protection into Your Family Law Practice
Gain a better understanding of why family law practitioners need to focus on gun violence prevention from initial intake through settlement or trial. Learn the alternative remedies to ensure that your client and their children are protected, including language for settlement agreements, options for firearm restraining orders in addition to (or in lieu of) a traditional Order of Protection, and the application of Karina’s Law. Gun violence trends and why family law practitioners should be aware are also discussed.
Stuart A. Reid, The Law Offices of Stuart A. Reid, P.C., Deerfield
4:00 – 4:15 p.m. Break
4:15 – 5:15 p.m. Karina’s Law: Mandates and Implementation
The time when victims seek and win an Order of Protection is statistically one of the most dangerous moments for them, and Karina’s Law ensures that guns are removed from abusers during these emergencies to safeguard victims from tragedy. This panel presentation discusses the differences between an Order of Protection issued under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and those issued under the Illinois Criminal Statutes, as well as the mandates officers are to follow when serving/enforcing an Order of Protection, how to implement Karina’s Law, and the additional liability the officer now faces since this falls under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. A look at how to word an order and what must be pled to secure the best possible outcome for the victim is also included.
Hon. Jennifer Clifford, 17th Judicial Circuit Court, Rockford
Nancy Donahoe, DuPage County Chief Assistant State’s Attorney, Wheaton
Hon. Megan Goldish, Domestic Violence Courthouse, Chicago
Hon. Ramona M. Sullivan, Champaign County Circuit Court, Urbana
For best practices, before attending the program using ISBA's Zoom platform, please visit our Technical Support page.
Program Information
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Fees:
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ISBA Member - $90
- ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
- Non-Member - $210
- New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
- Law Student Members - Free
- Special pricing is available for Legal Service Attorneys.
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ISBA Member - $90
- If you cannot attend the live web event, a full refund is available, if you cancel your registration up to the start of the live web event on the program page in your “My CLE Account”.
- Please Note: MCLE credit is available to registrants only on the day of this live event – and you must attend the entire program to earn MCLE credit. All registrants will receive access to a recording of the event a few days after the program, but credit is NOT available for the recording.
