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Trying Divorce Cases: Gain Valuable Insight into How to Prepare and Try a Divorce Case

  • Training

  • 7 Hours
  • Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE)
  • ID: 5835523
Although only a small percentage of divorce cases are actually tried to conclusion, the successful domestic relations practitioner must be prepared to try cases or successfully negotiate a settlement in the process. This program helps you improve your trial techniques by giving you the unique opportunity to observe seasoned domestic relations practitioners in action. Throughout the program, experienced domestic relations trial practitioners try a mock divorce case from start to finish. A real estate broker and forensic accountant testify about the considerations in determining value of a marital home and how to locate and value assets and small business income. A lawyer seasoned in alternative dispute resolution provides insight into the use of ADR options as a trial alternative and while preparing for trial. A Probate and Family Court judge presides over the trial, rules on evidentiary objections, provides advice, and critiques each segment as it is presented. Don't miss this opportunity to spend a day with litigation experts to gain valuable insight into how to prepare and try a divorce case!

Course Content

9:00 am - 9:10 am
  • Welcome and Introduction
  • Donald G. Tye, Esq., Prince Lobel Tye LLP, Boston
9:10 am - 9:35 am
  • Negotiation Strategies/and effective use of Pre-Trial Hearings, Status Conference and Case Management Conference (Rule 409), “Four-way Meetings”, Time Standards, and Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Barbra I. Black, Esq., The Black Law Group LLC, Woburn
9:35 am - 9:50 am
  • Arbitration, Mediation, Collaboration and other ADR alternatives: Working with Lawyers to “Win” for Clients
  • Jonathan E. Fields, Esq., Fields and Dennis LLP, Wellesley
9:50 am - 10:10 am
  • Judge’s Comments on What Is Expected at Pre-Trial Hearings, Time Standards, and Other Practice Suggestions
  • Hon. Kimberly Moses, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Canton
10:10 am - 10:30 am
  • Case Evaluation, Discovery, Trial Planning and Preparation (including checklist for “Thirty Days before Trial”)/Requesting an Allowance of Legal Fees, Pendente Lite
  • Donald G. Tye, Esq., Prince Lobel Tye LLP, Boston
10:30 am - 10:50 am
  • Overview of Business Valuation and Methodology and Direct and Cross Examination of an Expert on Forensic Analysis of Income and Business Valuation
  • Marc D. Bello, CPA/ABV, CVA, MAFF, Edelstein & Company LLP, Boston
  • Mark J. Warner, Esq., Warner, Federico & Ryan LLP, Boston
  • Steven E. Gurdin, Esq., Fitch Law Partners LLP, Boston
10:50 am - 11:00 am
  • Break
11:40 am - 11:45 am
  • How and Why to Get an Opinion on the Value of the Marital Home from Your Client and Direct and Cross Examination of a Licensed Real Estate Appraiser on the Value of the Marital Home
  • Donald G. Tye, Esq., Prince Lobel Tye LLP, Boston
  • Gary O. Todd, Esq., Todd & Weld LLP, Boston
  • Amanda Vanderhorst, Esq., Kates & Barlow, PC, Boston
12:15 pm - 12:25 pm
  • Direct and Cross Examination of a Real Estate Broker on The Value of a Marital Home
  • Mark J. Warner, Esq., Warner, Federico & Ryan LLP, Boston
  • Linda A. Ouellette, Esq., Kates & Barlow, PC, Boston
12:40 pm - 1:30 pm
  • Lunch (on your own)
2:40 pm - 3:00 pm
  • Lecture: Tips on Preparation of Your Client as a Witness in a Divorce Trial
  • Robert J. Rutecki, Esq., Rutecki Law Office LLC, Milton
1:30 pm - 1:45 pm
  • Lecture: Preparation and Use of Financial Statements
  • Elaine M. Epstein, Esq., Todd & Weld LLP, Boston
1:45 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Direct and Cross Examination of Husband on Financial Statement
  • James L. Brick, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP, Newton
  • Linda A. Ouellette, Esq., Kates & Barlow, PC, Boston
3:00 pm - 3:15 pm
  • Direct and Cross Examination of Party Witness on G.L. c. 208, §34 Factors (Use of Demonstrative Aides
  • Amanda Vanderhorst, Esq., Kates & Barlow, PC, Boston
  • Alessandra Petruccelli, Esq., Law Office of Alessandra Petruccelli, Boston
  • Linda A. Ouellette, Esq., Kates & Barlow, PC, Boston
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Closing Arguments and Presentation of a Motion for Attorney’s Fees and Costs (G.L. c. 208 §38)
  • Hon. Kimberly Moses, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Canton
  • Barbra I. Black, Esq., The Black Law Group LLC, Woburn
  • James L. Brick, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP, Newton
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
  • Judge's Decision and Final Comments
  • Hon. Kimberly Moses, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Canton
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Critique and Commentary; “Ask the Experts” Q&A Session
  • Please Note
  • MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal.
  • There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only.

Speakers

Chair
  • Donald G. Tye, Esq., Prince Lobel Tye LLP, Boston
Faculty
  • Marc D. Bello, CPA/ABV, CVA, MAFF, Edelstein & Company LLP, Boston
  • Barbra I. Black, Esq., The Black Law Group LLC, Woburn
  • James L. Brick, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP, Newton
  • Elaine M. Epstein, Esq., Todd & Weld LLP, Boston
  • Morgan Fennell, The Appraisers Group, Belmont
  • Jonathan E. Fields, Esq., Fields and Dennis LLP, Wellesley
  • Steven E. Gurdin, Esq., Fitch Law Partners LLP, Boston
  • Hon. Kimberly Moses, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Canton
  • Linda A. Ouellette, Esq., Kates & Barlow, PC, Boston
  • Alessandra Petruccelli, Esq., Law Office of Alessandra Petruccelli, Boston
  • Robert J. Rutecki, Esq., Rutecki Law Office LLC, Milton
  • Gary O. Todd, Esq., Todd & Weld LLP, Boston
  • Laurie R. Tunick, CPA, ABV, CFF, Tunick Financial Services, Danvers
  • Amanda Vanderhorst, Esq., Kates & Barlow, PC, Boston
  • Mark J. Warner, Esq., Warner, Federico & Ryan LLP, Boston