CLE: Attorney Education in Child Custody and Visitation Matters in 2012 and Beyond
This two-day program – which takes place in Champaign on November 1-2, 2012 – is designed as an update to the programs that were presented in 2006, 2008 and 2010 to help attorneys who represent children in Illinois courts fulfill the training requirements. Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 906(c), attorneys should receive ten hours of education every two years in child development; roles of guardian ad litem and child representatives; ethics in child custody cases; relevant substantive state, federal, and case law in custody and visitation matters; and family dynamics, including substance abuse, domestic abuse, and mental health issues.
The topics covered throughout this seminar include: legislative and case law updates; evaluations; issues in protecting children; parental custody rights; emergency, interim, and plenary Orders of Protection; understanding how the Confidential Intermediary Service of Illinois helps adopted children obtain information about their biological families; drafting agreements; settlement conferences; preparing children for litigation; establishing the custody rights of parents; scheduling parenting time; jurisdiction issues and removing children from Illinois; and understanding how extra-curricular activities, religion, and social media affect custody and visitation matters. The roles of attorney, child representative and guardian ad litem are also discussed.
The program is presented by the ISBA Bench & Bar Section and co-sponsored by the ISBA Child Law Section and ISBA Family Law Section. It qualifies for 10.0 hours MCLE credit.