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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

1. GETTING A DIVORCE CASE OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
   9:00 - 10:30, Angela C. Thuma
   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
   10:45 - 12:00, Deborah S. Maas
   1. Asset Discovery
   2. Factoring in Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
   3. Ways to Identify Assets Acquired before Marriage
   4. Which Assets are Exempt from Distribution?
   5. Tackling Tough Valuation Issues
   6. What are Considered Marital Assets?
   7. Retirement Plans, Pensions and Insurance: How are Long Term Assets Affected?
   8. Dividing Debt – Who is Liable?
   9. Modification and Enforcement of Asset Distribution
3. EXPLORING CUSTODY, VISITATION AND SUPPORT ISSUES
   1:00 - 2:15, Sara L. Busche
   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
   2:30 - 3:30, Sara L. Busche
   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
   3:30 - 4:30, Deborah S. Maas
   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. Appealing the Judgment or Divorce Decree
   5. Tackling Post Divorce Legal Problems

SARA L. BUSCHE is a partner in the law firm of Gitlin, Busche & Stetler. She focuses her practice on family law. Ms. Busche is a member of the American, Illinois State, Chicago and McHenry County bar associations. She earned her B.A. degree from Purdue University and her J.D. degree from John Marshall Law School.

DEBORAH S. MAAS is an attorney with the law firm of Smith Hahn Morrow & Floski, P.C. She has been an attorney for over 10 years and practices in the areas of family law, civil litigation, estate and tax planning, real estate, and non-profit law. Ms. Maas is a member of the Ogle County, Illinois State and American bar associations. She earned her B.S. degree from the University of Illinois, her M.S. degree from the University of Oklahoma, and her J.D. degree from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College.

ANGELA C. THUMA is an attorney in the law firm of Michling Hofmann Vinton Plaza & Wick, P.C. She has been an attorney for over 15 years and focuses her practice on family law. Ms. Thuma is a member of the McHenry County, Illinois State and American bar associations. She earned her B.S. degree from the University of Illinois and her J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from Northern Illinois University College of Law.

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