This comprehensive program goes in-depth into the information Illinois attorneys need to take a divorce case from start to finish. Experienced family law attorneys share practical tips, numerous forms, and step-by-step guidance to assist you in advising clients every step of the way.
Credits: 1.25 General, 0 Diversity/Inclusion PR, 0 MH/SA PR, 4.75 Other PR
Program Moderators: Gloria Block, Hoffenberg and Block LLC, Chicago
Anna Markley Bush, Law Offices of Bush & Brady, LLC, Barrington
First & Next Steps – Getting Started – Initial Client Intake Tips – Petition, Answer and Other Common Pleadings
(0.75 Professional Responsibility)
Gain valuable information and tips on how to start your case with a beneficial initial consultation. Learn about red flags to watch for. Expedite your client’s case through the use of effective pleadings. Included in this session are samples for just about everything.
Anna Markley Bush, Law Offices of Bush & Brady, LLC, Barrington
Understanding and Utilizing Financial Affidavits
(0.75 Professional Responsibility)
The financial affidavit is the divorce lawyer’s greatest tool. Learn how to prepare the affidavit with your client and how to avoid pitfalls and sanctionable offenses. Understand how to effectively disclose and discover income, assets, expenses and debts.
Candace Meyers, Beermann LLP, Bannockburn
10:30 – 10:45 Break
Allocation Judgment/Parenting Time
(0.75 Professional Responsibility)
Learn the nuts and bolts of drafting a comprehensive parenting allocation judgment. Recognize common drafting pitfalls and how to avoid them. Discuss sample parenting time and holiday schedules. Get pointers on preparing your client for mediation.
Gloria Block, Hoffenberg and Block LLC, Chicago
Child Support & Maintenance
(1.0 Professional Responsibility)
Identify best practices in calculating child support under the income shares model. Understand best practices in calculating maintenance. Learn how to successfully argue for and against deviations.
Bridget Storrs Davis, Berger Schatz, Chicago
12:15 – 1:00 Lunch Break
Discovery Toolbox
(0.50 Professional Responsibility)
Discovery is key to effective representation. Know what document production is required at the initial stages of a case and the evidentiary value of recorded conversations, text messages, Facebook messages, emails and other communications.
Rebecca L. Zeilenga, Law Offices of Rebecca L. Zeilenga, Rolling Meadows
Marital Settlement Agreements
(0.75 Professional Responsibility)
Once a divorce is settled its important to craft an agreement that addresses every single aspect of the settlement, both financial and in terms of who does what when. Walk through the nuances of exactly what to include during this session.
Gloria Block, Hoffenberg and Block LLC, Chicago
2:15 – 2:30 Break
Post-Decree and Attorneys’ Fees
(0.50 Professional Responsibility)
The case is not over once the judgment is entered. Learn how to close your case, prepare for an appeal, and enforce or modify an order post-decree. Setting and collecting attorneys’ fees will also be discussed.
Allen Gabe, Allen Gabe Law, P.C., Schaumburg
Hearing and Trial: How Do I…What Do I…When Do I?
(0.50 Professional Responsibility)
Get practice tips to help you most effectively and efficiently prepare for and conduct hearings and trials.
Miriam Cooper, Cooper Trachtenberg Law Group, LLC, Rolling Meadows
