Product Description

Although only a small percentage of divorce cases are actually tried to conclusion, successful domestic relations practitioners must be prepared to try cases or successfully negotiate a settlement in the process. This one-day seminar helps you improve your trial techniques by giving you the unique opportunity to observe seasoned domestic relations practitioners in action; the expert faculty try a mock divorce case from start to finish. A real estate broker and forensic accountant testify about the considerations in determining the value of a marital home and how to locate and value assets and small business income. A lawyer experienced 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 unique opportunity to spend a day with litigation experts to gain valuable insight into how to prepare and try a divorce case!

Agenda & Materials

• 9:00am - 9:10am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Donald G. Tye, Esq., Prince Lobel Tye LLP , Boston
  
• 9:10am - 9:35am

  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., Black, LaFrance & Bollinger LLC , Woburn
  
• 9:35am - 9:50am

  Arbitration, Mediation, Collaboration and other ADR alternatives: Working with Lawyers to “Win” for Clients

  Michael L. Leshin, Esq., Goldman & Sidgwick, LLP , South Natick
  
• 9:50am - 10:10am

  Judge’s Comments on What Is Expected at Pre-Trial Hearings, Time Standards, and Other Practice Suggestions

  Hon. Lee M. Peterson, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Canton
  
• 10:10am - 10:30am

  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
  
• 10:30am - 10:50am

  Overview of Business Valuation and Methodology

  Marc D. Bello, CPA/ABV, CVA, MAFF, Willamette Management Associates , Boston
  
• 10:50am - 11:00am

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 11:00am - 11:20am

  Direct Examination of an Expert on Forensic Analysis of Income and Business Valuation

  Mark J. Warner, Esq., Warner, Federico & Ryan LLP , Boston
  
• 11:20am - 11:40am

  Cross Examination of an Expert on Forensic Analysis of Income and Business Valuation

  Steven E. Gurdin, Esq., Fitch Law Partners LLP , Boston
  
• 11:40am - 11:45am

  Lecture: How and Why to Get an Opinion on the Value of the Marital Home from Your Client

  Donald G. Tye, Esq., Prince Lobel Tye LLP , Boston
  
• 11:45am - 12:00pm

  Direct Examination of a Licensed Real Estate Appraiser on the Value of the Marital Home

  Gary O. Todd, Esq., Todd & Weld LLP , Boston
  
• Expert Witness (Licensed Appraiser):
• 12:00pm - 12:15pm

  Cross Examination of a Licensed Real Estate Appraiser on the Value of the Marital Home

  Amanda Vanderhorst, Esq., Kates & Barlow, PC , Boston
  
• 12:15pm - 12:25pm

  Direct Examination of a Real Estate Broker on The Value of a Marital Home

  Mark J. Warner, Esq., Warner, Federico & Ryan LLP , Boston
  
• Expert Witness (Broker):
• 12:25pm - 12:40pm

  Cross Examination of a Real Estate Broker on the Value of a Marital Home

  Linda A. Ouellette, Esq., Ouellette Family Law LLC, , Framingham
  
• 12:40pm - 1:30pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:30pm - 1:45pm

  Lecture: Preparation and Use of Financial Statements

  Wendy O. Hickey, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP , Needham
  
• 1:45pm - 2:00pm

  Direct Examination of Husband on Financial Statement

  James L. Brick, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP , Needham
  
• 2:00pm - 2:15pm

  Cross Examination of Husband on Financial Statement (Use of Discovery and Demonstrative Evidence)

  Linda A. Ouellette, Esq., Ouellette Family Law LLC, , Framingham
  
• Witness (Husband- “Lucky Jones”):

  Jesse J. Gillett, Willamette Management Associates , Boston
  
• 2:15pm - 2:40pm

  Judge’s Comments on What is Expected at Trial

  Hon. Lee M. Peterson, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Canton
  
• 2:40pm - 3:00pm

  Lecture: Tips on Preparation of Your Client as a Witness in a Divorce Trial

  Robert J. Rutecki, Esq., Rutecki Law Office LLC , Milton
  
• 3:00pm - 3:15pm

  Direct Examination of Party Witness on G.L. c. 208, §34 Factors (Use of Demonstrative Aides)
• Wife’s counsel (“Lucy Jones”):

  Amanda Vanderhorst, Esq., Kates & Barlow, PC , Boston
  
• Witness: Wife- “Lucy Jones”

  Hope A. Simas, Esq., Kates & Barlow, PC , Boston
  
• 3:15pm - 3:30pm

  Cross Examination of Party Witness (Lucy) on G.L.c. 208, §34 Factors (Use of depositions, interrogatories and chalks)

  Linda A. Ouellette, Esq., Ouellette Family Law LLC, , Framingham
  
• 3:30pm - 4:00pm

  Closing Arguments and Presentation of a Motion for Attorney’s Fees and Costs (G.L. c. 208 §38)

  Hon. Lee M. Peterson, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Canton
  Barbra I. Black, Esq., Black, LaFrance & Bollinger LLC , Woburn
  James L. Brick, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP , Needham
  
• 4:00pm - 4:30pm

  Judge's Decision and Final Comments

  Hon. Lee M. Peterson, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Canton
  
• 4:30pm - 5:00pm

  Critique and Commentary; “Ask the Experts” Q&A Session

  Panel
  

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. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Chair

Faculty