Are you interested in learning more about being a Category E and/or Category F GAL or considering applying to be a Category E/F GAL? If so, this training is for you.
If you are considering applying to be a Category E/F GAL, you can take this training now and then submit your application package to te.ma.us. Attendance at this training does not guarantee approval of your application, but provides you with the tools you need to prepare for the application and interview process.
Category E and F guardian ad litem evaluators/investigators provide critical information and insights to the Probate and Family Court in the areas of domestic relations, child custody, and parenting time. In this training, you are introduced to the Category E and Category F Standards, and learn how to apply those standards to your evaluations/investigations, including how to prepare for the evaluation/investigation, conduct it, and then write the report. You also learn how to conduct an effective interview, including the nuances involved with interviewing children, confidentiality, privilege, and bias.
If you wish to join the Probate and Family Court's Category E or Category F Fee-Generating Appointment List, you are required to take the training set forth by the Administrative Office of the Probate and Family Court. Attendance at the live webcast, the recorded webcast, or the on-demand webcast of this program and completion of the required prompts, fulfills part of the requirements to be considered for the Category E/F list. Submission of the required application and documentation is also necessary.
If you are considering applying to be a Category E/F GAL, you can take this training now and then submit your application package to te.ma.us. Attendance at this training does not guarantee approval of your application, but provides you with the tools you need to prepare for the application and interview process.
Category E and F guardian ad litem evaluators/investigators provide critical information and insights to the Probate and Family Court in the areas of domestic relations, child custody, and parenting time. In this training, you are introduced to the Category E and Category F Standards, and learn how to apply those standards to your evaluations/investigations, including how to prepare for the evaluation/investigation, conduct it, and then write the report. You also learn how to conduct an effective interview, including the nuances involved with interviewing children, confidentiality, privilege, and bias.
If you wish to join the Probate and Family Court's Category E or Category F Fee-Generating Appointment List, you are required to take the training set forth by the Administrative Office of the Probate and Family Court. Attendance at the live webcast, the recorded webcast, or the on-demand webcast of this program and completion of the required prompts, fulfills part of the requirements to be considered for the Category E/F list. Submission of the required application and documentation is also necessary.
Course Content
Day 1: Thursday, November 3, 20229:00 am - 9:45 am
- Welcome, Logistics of Fee Generating Appointments, Introduction to the Standards
- 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
- Introductory Training for Category E & Category F GALs: Reflection on Bias
- Denise M. Fitzgerald, Esq., Probate and Family Court Administrative Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
- Role of the GAL and Differences Between E and F Appointments
- Thomas D. Ritter, Esq., Atwood & Cherny, PC, Boston
- Break
- Introductory Training for Category E & Category F GALs: Beginning an Investigation/Evaluation
- Talia N. Simonds, Esq., Clapp Family Law LLC, Wellesley Hills
- Introductory Training for Category E & Category F GALs: How to Conduct an Investigation/Evaluation
- Dr. Mira Z. Levitt, Ph.D., Co-Parenting Assessment Center, Natick
- Linda Medeiros, Esq., Law Office of Linda Medeiros, Danvers
- Break
- Introductory Training for Category E & Category F GALs: Post-Report
- Dr. Mira Z. Levitt, Ph.D., Co-Parenting Assessment Center, Natick
- 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
- Break
- Introductory Training for Category E & Category F GALs: Tips from the Bench
- Hon. Claudine T. Wyner, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
- Ask the Experts Q&A Session
- Panel
- Day 2: Friday, November 4, 2022
- Welcome and Introduction Day 2
- 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
- Introductory Training for Category E & Category F GALs: Putting it all together/Report Writing/Writing Tips/Pitfalls to Avoid/Quality over Quantity
- Dr. Mira Z. Levitt, Ph.D., Co-Parenting Assessment Center, Natick
- 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
- Break
- Introductory Training for Category E & Category F GALs: Confidentiality and Privilege
- Linda Medeiros, Esq., Law Office of Linda Medeiros, Danvers
- Break
- Introductory Training for Category E & Category F GALs: Interviewing Parents, Children and Collaterals
- Dr. Stephanie Tabashneck, Esq., Licensed Psychologist, Wellesley Hills
- 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
- Dr. Stephanie Tabashneck, Esq., Licensed Psychologist, Wellesley Hills
- Hon. Claudine T. Wyner, Hampden Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
- 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
