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 – 4:30 pm

Initial Interview, Pleadings and Hearing
D. Emory

   Assisting with initial client interview
   Preparing engagement letter, opening file
   Collecting information
   Preparing pleadings and assisting with motion practice
   Preparing initial pleadings
   Requesting temporary relief
   Preparing for the temporary orders hearing
   Preparing the temporary orders

Obtaining and Evaluating Financial Information
A. Rode

   Identifying relevant information on assets, debts, income and expenses
   Obtaining financial information
      Using financial information questionnaires
      Using interrogatories, requests for production, deposition testimony, private investigators
   Valuing assets
   Evaluating the information you have obtained
   Working with accountants and financial experts
   Preparing financial statements

Assisting with Child Custody and Visitation Issues
A. Butler

   Current status of custody law in Texas
   Obtaining relevant information
      Client interview, custody questionnaires,, authorizations for disclosure, using formal discovery
   Working with guardian-ad-litem
   Working with experts
   Drafting and reviewing parenting plans

Working With Divorce Clients and Opposing Counsel
R. Carrillo

   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
S. Bandoske

   Complying with rules of professional responsibility and ethics guidelines for attorneys and paralegals
   Avoiding conflicts of interest
   Maintaining client confidentiality
   Avoiding the unauthorized practice of law
   Working with the secretive or dishonest client
   Handling allegations of abuse or neglect
   Zealous (vs. over-zealous) representation
   Fee agreements, retainers, and collection of unpaid fees

Credits

Texas Certified Paralegals
     6.5 CLE Family Law Hours
     6.5 CLE Civil Trial Law Hours

NALA & NFPA
     6.5 CLE Hours (1.0 Ethics)

Continuing Education Credit Information

This seminar is open to the public and has been approved by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for 6.5 CLE hours for certified paralegals in the areas of Family Law and Civil Trial Law.

The National Association of Legal Assistants and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations have each approved this program for 6.5 CLE hours, including 1.0 ethics hour.

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

Stephanie Bandoske

Stephanie Bandoske Partner at Bandoske & Butler in San Antonio. Ms. Bandoske is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She offers a wide range of legal services which include all family law matters including divorce, custody and child support.  She has been recognized since 2017 as a Texas Super Lawyer. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and San Antonio Bar Association’s Family Law Section and the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists. Ms. Bandoske received her J.D. degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio.   

Ashley Butler

Bandoske Butler Reuter, PLLC

Partner at Bandoske Butler Reuter, PLLC in San AntonioMs. Butler practices in family law matters involving spousal and child support obligations and property division, including business interests, pension and profit-sharing entitlements, trusts and investments. She is an active member of the San Antonio Bar Association Family Law Section Executive Board and the Texas Family Law Foundation, and she is a San Antonio Bar Association fellow. Ms. Butler received her B.S. degree from the University of Texas in Austin and her J.D. degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio.

Rebecca Carrillo

Law Office of Rebecca J. Carrillo

Law Office of Rebecca J. Carrillo in San AntonioMs. Carrillo is a Texas board certified attorney in family law. Board certification is a mark of excellence, one that roughly 10 percent of Texas attorneys can claim. Only board certified attorneys in Texas can publicly represent themselves as a specialist in their area of law. As a board certified attorney, Ms. Carrillo has set herself apart as being an attorney with the highest public commitment to the practice of family law in Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Sociology and from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Ms. Carrillo has been practicing family law since November 2009.

David Emory

Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht L.L.P.

Partner with Higdon, Hardy & Zuflacht L.L.P. in San AntonioMr. Emory is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His areas of concentration include family law, debt collection and probate. He is a member of the Texas State Bar Association, the State Bar College, and the San Antonio Bar Association’s Family Law Section. Mr. Emory received his undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Administration of Justice from The American University in Washington, D.C. and his J.D. degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio.

Agatha Rode

The Law Office of Agatha L. Rode, PLLC

Owner/Attorney with The Law Office of Agatha L. Rode, PLLC, in San AntonioMs. Rode’s practice is dedicated exclusively to family law. Her representative areas of practice include divorce, child support, child custody, adoption, military divorce, high-asset complex division, property, parents and grandparent’s rights, uncontested divorces, same-sex divorces, collaborative law, protective orders and restraining orders, modifications of prior orders, and probate law. Mrs. Rode is a member of the Aggie Bar Association, the San Antonio Bar Association, and the San Antonio Bar Association Family Law Division. She earned her B.A. degree from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, her J.D. degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, and her MBA degree from St. Mary’s University.