Agenda / Content Covered

All times are shown in Central time

1. INITIAL INTERVIEWS AND PLEADINGS
   9:00 - 9:45, Robin W. Klein
   
   1. Effective Screening and Conflict Checking Processes
   2. Initial Interview and Fact Gathering
   3. Assisting With Initial Pleadings and Motions
2. DISCOVERY GUIDELINES
   9:45 - 10:30, Taylor Imel
   
   1. Formal and Informal Discovery Methods
   2. Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents
   3. Answering Discovery Requests
   4. Analysis and Summary of Documents
3. CASE MANAGEMENT TIPS
   10:45 - 12:00, Taylor Imel
   
   1. Creating a Comprehensive Divorce Checklist
   2. Calendaring and Follow-Up Systems
   3. Organizing, Indexing and Tracking Client Documents
   4. Document Management Strategies for Produced Materials
   5. Tips and Techniques for Effective Time and Task Management
4. KEYS TO MANAGING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   1:00 - 1:45, Kristy Blurton
   
   1. What Documents are Important?
   2. Finding "Hidden" Information
   3. Characterizing Assets and Liabilities
   4. Financial Analysis and Balance Sheet Preparation
      1. Real Property
      2. Personal Property
      3. Debts and Liabilities
      4. Retirement Plans/Pensions
      5. Investments
      6. Business Interests
      7. Other Key Assets and Liabilities
   5. Working With Financial Experts
   6. Drafting the Financial Disclosure Statement
5. CHILD SUPPORT AND CUSTODY ISSUES
   1:45 - 2:30, Susan E. Oehl
   
   1. Determining and Calculating Child Support
   2. Preparing Child Support Worksheets
   3. Arrearage Calculations and Wage Assignments
   4. Working With Child Custody Experts
   5. Drafting of Parenting Plans, Agreements and Schedules
6. YOUR ROLE DURING SETTLEMENT AND TRIAL
   2:45 - 3:30, Amanda Y. Tucker
   
   1. Initial Drafting of Legal Documents
   2. Preparation of Trial Exhibits and Notebooks
   3. Management of Experts and Lay Witnesses
7. ETHICAL QUESTIONS
   3:30 - 4:30, Aaron M. Reimer
   
   1. Avoiding Situations That May Expose You to UPL
   2. Evaluating Conflicts of Interest
   3. Managing Issues of Privilege

Accreditation Details:

KRISTY BLURTON is an attorney with Holmes, Diggs & Sadler where she has dedicated her career to children and families caught up in the legal system. She practices in the areas of family law cases, including child support matters, enforcements, divorce, and child custody. Prior to working with Holmes, Diggs & Sadler, Ms. Blurton worked at Waco's Children's Advocacy Center and Harris County's Office of the District Attorney, Child Abuse Division, where she worked closely with district attorneys, forensic interviewers, CPS and law enforcement to address important and sensitive matters regarding the well-being of child victims and their families. She earned her J.D. degree, summa cum laude, from Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

TAYLOR IMEL is an attorney with KoonsFuller, P.C., in Houston, Texas, where she focuses her practice in divorce and family law. Ms. Imel is a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas; member of the State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section; member of the Houston Bar Association, Family Law Section; member of the Houston Young Lawyer Association; and member of the Assocation of the Burta Rhoads Raborn Family Law American Inn of Court. She earned her B.A. degree in Spanish and communication from Wake Forest University, and her J.D. degree from SMU Dedman School of Law.

ROBIN W. KLEIN is senior counsel with Skillern Firm in Houston, Texas. She is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Ms. Klein's main area of practice is family law. Her practice also includes probate, wills, and guardianship administration and she is certified to serve as a court-appointed attorney in guardianship proceedings. She is licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas. Ms. Klein is a member of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, the Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists, the Houston Bar Association (Family and Collaborative Law sections), the State Bar of Texas (Family Law Section), the College of the State Bar of Texas, and Burta Rhoads Raborn Family Law Inn of Court. She earned her law degree from South Texas College of Law.

SUSAN E. OEHL is a partner with Short Jenkins Kamin LLP, where she is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Ms. Oehl practices in the areas of divorce, complex marital property issues, child custody, visitation and parentage, pre-and post-marital agreements, collaborative law, and also mediation and arbitration. She earned her B.A. degree from Baylor University and her J.D.degree from South Texas College of Law. Ms. Oehl is a member of the Family Law and Collaborative Law sections of the State Bar of Texas, and the local Houston Bar Association. She is also a member of Houston Young Lawyers Association, Texas Family Law Foundation, Burta Rhoads Raborn American Inn of Court, and is a life fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. She is admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States of America.

AARON M. REIMER is a partner with Short Jenkins Kamin LLP, where he is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He practices in the areas of family law and appellate law. Mr. Reimer earned his undergraduate degree from Dallas Christian College, cum laude, with a double major in theology and psychology, and he earned his J.D. degree from South Texas College of Law. After law school, Mr. Reiomer earned his LL.M. degree from the University of Houston Law Center. Mr. Reimer is admitted to practice law in Texas.

AMANDA Y. TUCKER is the owner of Tucker Family Law, PLLC, where she practices in the areas of family and divorce law. Ms. Tucker earned her B.A. degree from The University of Texas at Austin, her teaching certification from The University of New Mexico and her J.D. degree from Texas Southern University. She is a member of the Houston Bar Association.