When addressing custody disputes, attorneys and litigants often search for ways to present the child’s voice in the proceedings. The two primary ways to present the child’s viewpoint are through a Guardian ad Litem investigation and through an attorney representing the child (ARC counsel). However, there is always a challenge in discerning whether it is truly the voice of the child or that of one of the parents being presented to the Court.
In this program, experienced domestic relations experts, including an ARC attorney and a Guardian Ad Litem discuss the primary questions family lawyers must ask when the voice of a child is relevant to proceedings in the Probate and Family Court. When is the child’s voice appropriate in custody proceedings? How should you prepare your client for the GAL investigation? When is it appropriate to seek the appointment of an attorney for the child? How can you address the situation when you believe a parent is unduly influencing the child?
In this program, experienced domestic relations experts, including an ARC attorney and a Guardian Ad Litem discuss the primary questions family lawyers must ask when the voice of a child is relevant to proceedings in the Probate and Family Court. When is the child’s voice appropriate in custody proceedings? How should you prepare your client for the GAL investigation? When is it appropriate to seek the appointment of an attorney for the child? How can you address the situation when you believe a parent is unduly influencing the child?
Course Content
2:00 p.m. - 2:05 p.m.Welcome and Introduction
Jennifer C. Roman, Esq.,
Tracey, Roman & Ramos, PC, Wellesley Hills
2:05 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.
Practitioners’ Perspective
Jennifer C. Roman, Esq.,
Tracey, Roman & Ramos, PC, Wellesley Hills
2:50 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Break
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
ARC Perspective
Jeffrey C. Melick, Esq.,
Kajko, Weisman & Colasanti LLP, Lexington
4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
GAL’s Perspective
Kathleen A. Rice,, Woburn
4:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Top Take Aways and Q&A
Panel
Please Note
This webcast is delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal.
There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only.
They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.
Speakers
ChairJennifer C. Roman, Esq.,
Tracey, Roman & Ramos, PC, Wellesley Hills
Faculty
Jeffrey C. Melick, Esq.,
Kajko, Weisman & Colasanti LLP, Lexington
Kathleen A. Rice,
Woburn
