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1. Getting a Divorce Case Off on the Right Foot
2. Dividing Assets and Debts Equitably
3. Exploring Custody, Visitation and Support Issues
4. Ethical Perils in Divorce Practice
5. Completing the Divorce

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

1. GETTING A DIVORCE CASE OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
   9:00 - 10:15, Thomas J. Griggs
   1. Tactics for Thoroughly Interviewing the Client
   2. Review of Fundamental Documents in the Divorce Case
   3. Drafting an Inclusive Separation Agreement
   4. Conducting Effective Discovery
   5. Separating Joint Accounts
   6. Can You Establish Grounds for Divorce?
   7. Does Your Client Need a Protective Order?
   8. What Types of Divorce Procedures are Available?
   9. Using a Divorce Checklist to Make Sure Your Bases are Covered
   10. Taking the First Steps in Starting the Divorce Action
       1. Drafting Initial Divorce Proceedings
       2. What the Response Should Look Like
       3. Properly Serving Papers
   11. Negotiation, Mediation or Litigation – Making the Right Choice
   12. Potential Pitfalls that May be Encountered
2. DIVIDING ASSETS AND DEBTS EQUITABLY
   10:30 - 11:45, Thomas J. Griggs
   1. Factoring in Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
   2. Ways to Identify Assets Acquired Before Marriage
   3. Which Assets are Exempt from Distribution?
   4. Tackling Tough Valuation Issues
   5. What are Considered Marital Assets?
   6. Retirement Plans, Pensions and Insurance: How are Long Term Assets Affected?
   7. Dividing Debt – Who is Liable?
   8. Modification and Enforcement of Asset Distribution
3. EXPLORING CUSTODY, VISITATION AND SUPPORT ISSUES
   12:45 - 2:00, Dr. Faren R. Akins
   1. The Scope of Child Custody Jurisdiction and How it Will Affect You
   2. Types of Custody Arrangements
   3. Establishing and Enforcing Visitation
   4. Modification of Custody and Visitation Terms
   5. Review of Sample Custody Agreements
   6. Child Support Calculations and Modifications
   7. Determining Spousal Maintenance and Alimony
   8. Medical and Healthcare Considerations
   9. Dealing with the Relocation of a Child
4. ETHICAL PERILS IN DIVORCE PRACTICE
   2:00 - 2:30 and 2:45 - 3:15, Monica Donaldson
   1. Controlling Client Relations and Recognizing Dishonesty
   2. When Withdrawal of Counsel is Appropriate
   3. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
   4. Confidentiality and Disclosure Issues
   5. Calculating Fair Attorneys' Fees
5. COMPLETING THE DIVORCE
   3:15 - 4:30, William D. Bishop
   1. Drafting and Review of the Marital Settlement Agreement
      1. Key Components of the Successful Settlement Agreement
      2. Incorporating Necessary Standard Clauses
      3. Practical Considerations
   2. Final Divorce Wrap-Up Checklist
   3. Final Judgment or Decree of Divorce
   4. Appeals and Special Actions

FAREN R. AKINS is an attorney and psychologist licensed in Arizona and California. He practices family law mediation and ADR as a partner in The Akins Law Firm located in Scottsdale, Arizona. He also practices as of counsel with the Phoenix law firm of Renaud Cook Drury Mesaros, P.A. in the areas of administrative law and professional licensing. As a psychologist, his forensic work is focused on family and juvenile law. Dr. Akins earned his B.A. degree from the University of Tulsa, his master's and doctorate degrees in psychology from the University of Arizona, and his J.D. degree from Santa Clara University. He is a frequent speaker and published writer on family law and juvenile law issues for various business and professional organizations. He has served as adjunct professor at Santa Clara University, San Jose State University, the University of Arizona, Pima Community College and various other junior colleges. Dr. Akins is a member of the Maricopa County Bar Association, the State Bar of Arizona, the Santa Clara County Bar Association, and the State Bar of California. He also is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and the Santa Clara County Psychological Association, where he serves as co-chair of the Forensic Committee and liaison to the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners. Dr. Akins is a member of the Maricopa County Superior (Family) Court's Domestic Relations Mental Health Committee.

WILLIAM D. BISHOP is the managing partner for the law firm of Bishop & Martin Law Office, P.C. and is AV rated through Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Bishop is a certified family law specialist, Arizona Board of Legal Specialization.  He is listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Register of Preeminent Lawyers. Mr. Bishop is a former chairperson of the Maricopa County Bar Association Family Law Section and has been a speaker at numerous family law seminars sponsored by the State Bar of Arizona, the Maricopa County Bar Association and National Business Institute. Mr. Bishop earned his B.S. degree, with honors, from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon in 1984, and his J.D. degree from Arizona State University College of Law in 1989.

MONICA DONALDSON is the managing partner of the law firm of Donaldson Stuart PC, where she practices in all aspects of family law. She also serves as a judge pro tem for the Maricopa County Superior Court, conducting settlement conferences in family law matters. Ms. Donaldson received her B.S. degree, summa cum laude, and her J.D. degree from Arizona State University. She is a member of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Arizona. Ms. Donaldson served as the president of the East Valley Bar Association in 2008 and 2009, and currently serves as the treasurer of that organization. Ms. Donaldson also currently serves on the Board of Legal Specialization.

THOMAS J. GRIGGS is an attorney with The Law Firm of M. Paul Fischer, P.C., where he practices in the area of complex family law matters. Mr. Griggs is a certified specialist in family law by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Mr. Griggs has been designated as a Southwest Super Lawyer for Family Law in Arizona for 2008 and 2009, and is a frequent lecturer on family and divorce issues. He is a member of the East Valley and Maricopa County (member, Family Law Section) bar associations, the State Bar of Arizona (member, Family Law Section) and a member of the Board of Legal Specialization for the State Bar of Arizona. Mr. Griggs has been the chair of the Board of Legal Specialization for the State Bar of Arizona since 2005. He also is a member of the Family Law Practice and Procedure Committee for the State Bar of Arizona. Mr. Griggs earned his B.A. degree from Simpson College and his J.D. degree from William Mitchell College of Law.

Please refer to Continuing Education Credit FAQ for general information about seeking credit for your participation in one of our continuing education programs.

Additionally, our team of credit specialists are here to answer your specific credit-related questions weekdays 7am - 5pm Central:

Phone: 866-240-1890

Email: credit@nbi-sems.com