This program presents an essential analysis and in-depth discussion of the many components inherent in Category E & F guardian ad litem appointments and their practical applications for guardians ad litem and attorneys, including how to interpret the order of appointment; what type of intake/questionnaire forms could or should be used; how bias can play a role throughout a GAL appointment; what makes a useful GAL report; and waiver of privilege from the view of the guardian and the view of the Category E/F GAL. Practice tips are offered by seasoned Category E and F GALs and Probate and Family Court Judges and staff. A representative from the Administrative Office of the Probate and Family Court (AOPFC) will answer the most frequently asked questions from guardians ad litem.
Course Content
9:30 am - 10:00 am- Logistics of Fee Generating Appointments in the Probate and Family Court
- Denise M. Fitzgerald, Esq., Probate and Family Court Administrative Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
- The Use of Intake/Questionnaire Forms in GAL Evaluations and Investigations
- How to interpret the Order of Appointment • Intake/Questionnaire Forms
- Linda Medeiros, Esq., Law Office of Linda Medeiros, Danvers
- Thomas D. Ritter, Esq., Atwood & Cherny, PC, Boston
- Talia N. Simonds, Esq., Clapp Family Law LLC, Wellesley Hills
- Break
- How to Write a Useful GAL report
- What makes a useful GAL report? • Does your report show hidden biases?
- Kelly Flynn Zawistowski, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Springfield
- Dr. Robert A. Zibbell, Ph.D., Robert A. Zibbell, Ph.D., Monument Beach
- Probate & Family Court Category E & Category F Training: Nuances of Privilege
- Guardian to assert or waive appointment • Importance of understanding privilege in a GAL evaluation/investigation
- Dr. Mira Z. Levitt, Ph.D., Co-Parenting Assessment Center, Natick
- Linda Medeiros, Esq., Law Office of Linda Medeiros, Danvers
- Thomas D. Ritter, Esq., Atwood & Cherny, PC, Boston
- 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
Cochairs- Diane J. Beswick, Esq., Probate and Family Court Administrative Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
- Denise M. Fitzgerald, Esq., Probate and Family Court Administrative Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
- Dr. Mira Z. Levitt, Ph.D., Co-Parenting Assessment Center, Natick
- Linda Medeiros, Esq., Law Office of Linda Medeiros, Danvers
- Thomas D. Ritter, Esq., Atwood & Cherny, PC, Boston
- Talia N. Simonds, Esq., Clapp Family Law LLC, Wellesley Hills
- Kelly Flynn Zawistowski, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Springfield
- Dr. Robert A. Zibbell, Ph.D., Robert A. Zibbell, Ph.D., Monument Beach
