Agenda / Content Covered

10:00 am - 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time
Presenters: Rebecca Terry and Regina Wells

1. Case Initiation, Motions and Discovery Tools
   10:00 -11:00, Rebecca Terry and Regina Wells
   
   1. Initial Client Interview (w/Sample Intake Forms)
   2. Case Filing and Service of Process (w/Sample Pleadings)
      1. Divorces
      2. Custody/Support Modifications
      3. Paternity Cases
      4. Domestic Violence Cases
      5. Guardianships
   3. Tips for Completing Case Information Statements
   4. Drafting Preliminary Motions (w/Checklists and Samples)
   5. Scheduling Orders and Meeting the Deadlines
   6. Drafting Discovery Requests (w/Sample Forms)
   7. Responding to Discovery Requests
   8. Assisting with Depositions
   9. Preparing Discovery Motions: Motions to Compel, Quash, etc.
2. Analyzing Financial Information: Review of Sample Documents
   11:00 - 12:00, Rebecca Terry and Regina Wells
   
   1. Key Provisions of Prenups/Postnups
   2. Tax Returns
   3. Payroll Statements, Paystubs, Overtime and Bonus Records
   4. Pension/Retirement Plans
   5. Bank and Investments Statements
   6. Life and Health Insurance Policies
   7. Property Records
   8. Debt-Related Records (Mortgages, Loans, etc.)
   9. Business Financial Records and Valuations
   10. Financial Affidavits
   11. Preparing Property Division Spreadsheets and Settlement Agreements (w/Samples)
   12. Tools and Tricks: Tracing Undisclosed or Hidden Assets
3. Handling Custody Issues
   12:15 - 1:00, Rebecca Terry and Regina Wells
   
   1. Custody Options, Procedures and Forms
   2. Completing Child Custody Worksheets
   3. Calculating Time-Sharing - Tips and Tools
   4. Relocation Matters and Factors Required
   5. Drafting Parenting Plans (w/Samples and Checklists)
4. Child and Spousal Support Calculation Issues
   1:30 - 2:10, Rebecca Terry and Regina Wells
   
   1. Different Types of Pay and How Each Calculates Income
   2. Child Support Worksheet: How-to's and Tips
   3. Child Support Arrearage Calculations
   4. Special Income Issues: Pre-Tax, Post-Tax, Lump Sum, Overtime, Bonuses, etc.
   5. Imputing Income
   6. Maintenance/Alimony Calculation
5. Preparing for Hearings and Trial
   2:10 - 3:00, Rebecca Terry and Regina Wells
   
   1. Applying Key Rules of Evidence
   2. Preparing Briefs, Trial Exhibits and Notebooks (w/Samples)
   3. Managing Experts and Lay Witnesses
   4. Best Practices and Pointers: Assisting at Hearings and Trial
   5. Preparing the Final Decree, Support Order and Permanent Orders (w/Samples)
   6. Troubleshooting Post-Decree Issues
6. Case and Office Management for the Family Law Paralegal: Tips and Tricks
   3:15 - 4:00, Rebecca Terry and Regina Wells
   
   1. Calendaring Key Dates and Proactively Managing the Calendar
   2. Organizing and Maintaining Client Files
   3. Electronic and Non-Electronic Filing Tools/Tips
   4. Reviewing, Drafting and Documenting Correspondence
   5. Managing Discovery Production/Financial Information
   6. Mediation/Arbitration Management
7. Ethics and UPL
   4:00 - 5:00, Rebecca Terry and Regina Wells
   
   1. Avoiding UPL Landmines
   2. Email Communication: Ethical Do's and Don'ts
   3. What to Do if You Suspect a Client is Lying
   4. Dealing with an Emotionally Upset Client
   5. Confidentiality Issues

Accreditation Details:

REBECCA TERRY has been studying and working in the legal field for more than 15 years. She has a thirst for legal knowledge. Ms. Terry completed the Legal Assistant Training Program from the Legal Studies Department at the University of Illinois at Springfield. She also earned her B.A. degree in legal studies and political studies, as well as her master's degree in legal studies from the same institution. Ms. Terry began working for Stange Law Firm, P.C., in April of 2008 as a legal assistant working directly for partners Kirk C. Stange and Paola Arzu Stange. In 2012, she was promoted to full-time office administrator, and is currently the director of administration whereupon she assists the partners in the managing of the offices. Ms. Terry is a frequent speaker for NBI on various paralegal topics, including ethics.

REGINA WELLS is a senior associate at Stange Law Firm, P.C., in the Ellisville, Missouri, office. She focuses on family law and devotes 100% of her practice to litigation, including trial and appellate practice. Ms. Wells earned her J.D. degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law after graduating from Washington University in St. Louis.