Connecticut Family Law Practice for Paralegals Seminar
DISCLAIMER
Before undertaking any on-demand effort, you should review the rules of your licensing/certifying entity.
It’s your responsibility to determine whether this on-demand course meets your continuing education requirements.
You must take and pass a quiz to receive credit. You can take the quiz as many times as needed and there is no time limit on the quiz.
Once the quiz is completed, you will be asked to download your certificate.
**Any on-demand programs that qualify for AIA or LACES credit will require an additional 2 business weeks for processing.
**AIA credit is not available in USB format.
Streamable MP4/PDF
You will receive an automated email letting you know when your On-Demand package is available approximately 3 business days after the date of the live event or the date of your order, whichever is later. This email will contain links to the video recording, materials, and program quiz.
To track your purchase, you will need to create an account on the website using the email address used for your registration.
For AIA requirements only, the on-demand recording will have occasional question prompts that will not allow the video to progress unless they are answered, and you will not be able to skip forward while watching the video.
Please note, if you attempt to resume watching the video on a separate device, your progress will not be saved.
Click the link which appears at the end of the video to be taken to the course quiz.
You will have unlimited access to the on-demand video recording, and it will never expire.
**Any streamable on-demand programs that qualify for AIA or LACES credit will require an additional 2 business weeks for processing.
USB MP4/PDF
HalfMoon will mail these materials via USPS.
USB orders ship approximately 3 business days after the program takes place or after the order is placed, whichever date is later. Please allow an additional 7-10 business days for shipping.
The link to the quiz will be available in a PDF in your USB drive marked QUIZ.
HalfMoon will contact you and issue a full refund if the product you ordered is not available. However, refunds will not be issued if completion certificates are requested.
Please contact HalfMoon Education if you have any questions during the process of taking this course. (715) 835-5900 or qchapman@halfmoonseminars.org
**Any USB on-demand programs that qualify for LACES credit will require an additional 2 business weeks for processing.
**AIA credit is not available in USB format.
Agenda
Registration: 8:00 – 8:30 am
Morning Session: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Lunch (On your own): 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Afternoon Session: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Family Law Case Intake: From Call to Consultation K. Donlan
Standard operating procedures
Performing conflicts checks and screening
Types of information to gather
Preparing engagement letter, opening file
Preparing Pleadings and Assisting with Motion Practice S. Haggerty
Preparing initial pleadings
• Appearance
• Summons & complaint
• Custody application
• Motion for modification
• Other common motions (pendente lite and ex parte)
• Answer and cross-complaint
• Motion for contempt
Mandatory discovery request and inventory of discovery
Service
Preparing Financial Affidavits L. Bessel
The purpose of the financial affidavit
How to determine income for the employed
Best practices to prepare an accurate FA
Making updates throughout the case
Obtaining and Evaluating Financial Information R. Bauer
Types of discovery
• Mandatory disclosure
• Requests for production
• Requests for admission
• Depositions
• Request for interrogatories
Working with experts to value assets
• Forensic accountant
• Pension valuation
• Business valuation
Continuing duty to disclose
Motions for orders of compliance
Assisting with Child Custody and Visitation Issues J. DiSilvestro
Current status of custody law in Connecticut
Obtaining relevant information, client interview, custody questionnaires,
authorizations for disclosure
Working with the guardian-ad-litem
Working with experts
Drafting and reviewing parenting plans
Working with Divorce Clients and Opposing Counsel M. McGrath
Establishing and maintaining good communication with clients
Methods of communication and contents of communications
Guidelines for responding to client communications
Working with difficult clients
Working with the courts and opposing counsel
Maintaining professionalism
Handling Ethical Issues in Family Law Practice M. McGrath, R. Bauer, J. DiSilvestro
Complying with rules of professional responsibility
and ethics guidelines for attorneys and paralegals
Maintaining client confidentiality
Avoiding the unauthorized practice of law
Working with the secretive or dishonest client
Zealous (vs. over-zealous) representation
Q&A
Credits
This seminar offers paralegals
6.5 CLE hours, including 1.0 ethics hour.
NALA Approved
NFPA Approved
Continuing Education Credit Information
This seminar is open to the public and offers 6.5 CLE hours, including 1.0 ethics hour, to paralegals. The National Association of Legal Assistants and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations have each approved this event.
Attendance will be monitored, and attendance certificates will be available after the seminar for most individuals who complete the entire event. Attendance certificates not available at the seminar will be mailed to participants within fifteen business days.
Speakers
Renee Bauer
Bauer Law Group, LLCAttorney, Founder the Bauer Law Group, LLC, Hamden, CT
The Bauer Law Group, LLC is family-focused, offering legal services for divorce, custody and mediation. Ms. Bauer prides herself on building a business that brings hope to people in one of their darkest times. She presents legal education seminars to peers. Ms. Bauer has appeared on WTNH, as well as the radio, to comment on current legal topics. Recognizing that people need reliable information about divorce, she organized informational sessions at local libraries about the divorce process and alternatives to litigation so that people can make informed decisions for their families. Ms. Bauer penned the book Divorce in Connecticut (Addicus Books) which can be found in every library throughout the state. She also authored a children’s book about divorce, Percy’s Imperfectly Perfect Family (Archway Publishing) as a resource for parents and children going through the divorce process. In addition, Ms. Bauer authored, The Ultimate Guide to Solo and Small Firm Success (LawFirst Publishing) to help other attorneys open their own practice.
Leslie Bessel
Bauer Law Group, LLCOffice Manager, the Bauer Law Group, LLC, Hamden, CT
Ms. Bessel attended Stony Brook University and brings her extensive experience in business management to the Bauer Law Group, LLC. She is well-versed on the art of best billing practices. But, perhaps more importantly, she brings a steadfast loyalty and dedication to all of the firm’s cases. It is not uncommon for clients to stop by the office to hug Leslie good-bye when we wrap up a case.
Joseph DiSilvestro
Bauer Law Group, LLCAttorney the Bauer Law Group, LLC, Hamden, CT
Mr. DiSilvestro dedicates much of his legal practice to advocating for children as a guardian ad litem or attorney for the minor child. In this role, he helps families look past their conflict to a resolution that is best for the children. He believes that while children might have the smallest voice in the family, sometimes they have the most to say. In addition to family law, Mr. DiSilvestro is an experienced practitioner in the following areas: bankruptcy, motor vehicle law, personal injury, real estate, criminal law and probate. He currently serves as co-chair of the Family Law Committee of the New Haven County Bar Association. This committee brings continuing education to the legal community.
Kathryn Donlan
Bauer Law Group, LLCParalegal, the Bauer Law Group, LLC, Hamden, CT
Ms. Donlan graduated from Quinnipiac University with a bachelor of arts degree with a concentration in Legal Studies. She got her feet wet interning at Cantor Colburn LLP as a legal administrative assistant, work that solidified her continued desire to work in the legal field. At BLG, Ms. Donlan tackles every project with enthusiasm and welcomes challenges head on.
Shannon Haggerty
Bauer Law Group, LLCParalegal, the Bauer Law Group, LLC, Hamden, CT
Ms. Haggerty graduated from University of New Haven in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice- Investigative Services and obtained her master’s degree in Criminal Justice- Victim Services from the University of New Haven in 2013. After graduating, she began her career as a domestic violence advocate and became certified as a domestic violence counselor by the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Ms. Haggerty brings her expertise working with clients experiencing domestic violence, divorce and child custody conflicts to her role as paralegal for the Bauer Law Group. She currently attends law school at Quinnipiac University School of Law.
Megan McGrath
Bauer Law Group, LLCAttorney, the Bauer Law Group, LLC, Hamden, CT
In 2016, Ms. McGrath was recognized as a Connecticut Law Tribune New Leader in the Law. This honor is bestowed to only a small group of attorneys each year based on a proven track record of success. She also has been named a Super Lawyer Rising Star for multiple years. Ms. McGrath believes the best resolution in any family matter is the one the client crafts. Under this premise, she works tirelessly to help clients reach settlements outside of court. However, she is prepared to litigate and has successfully tried fully contested divorces, custody actions and post-judgment matters. She is a certified mediator as well as a certified guardian ad litem (GAL) and attorney for the minor child (AMC). Ms. McGrath has represented children of all ages in custody matters. Now that she is a mother, she is passionate about giving children a voice in this capacity.