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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 - 10:15, Thomas J. Kasper
   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 - 12:00, Thomas J. Kasper
   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
   1:00 - 2:00, Paulette M. Gray
   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 - 3:00, Paulette M. Gray
   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, Paul E. Adami
   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

PAUL E. ADAMI is a partner in the Springfield law firm of Mohan, Alewelt, Prillaman & Adami. Mr. Adami has been an attorney for more than 34 years, and practices in the areas of personal injury, commercial law, construction litigation, matrimonial law and probate litigation. He is a member of the Sangamon County, Illinois State and American bar associations and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Adami earned his B.S. degree, summa cum laude, and J.D. degree from the University of Illinois.

PAULETTE M. GRAY is an attorney in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Her published writings include a chapter for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education titled, "2006 Supplement to Child Custody Litigation" (which she co-authored), "Ethical Issues for Family Lawyers Under the New Rules of Professional Conduct " Illinois Bar Journal (January 2010) and "Attorney Fees in Domestic Relations Cases: The 2009 Amendments to 'Leveling the Playing Field'," for the Illinois Bar Journal (March 2010). Ms. Gray is a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and currently serves on the Illinois Chapter's Board of Managers. She is a member of the American Bar Association (Family Law Section), the Illinois Appellate Lawyers Association, the Illinois State Bar Association (Family Law Section), and the McHenry County Bar Association (Family Law Section, immediate past president). Ms. Gray has been a member of the Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Section Council since 2000, and has served on several subcommittees throughout her tenure as a member of the council. She served as chair of the Family Law Section Council for the 2008-09 membership year, and previously served as the vice-chair (2007-08) and secretary (2006-07) of the Council. She has lectured on family law on numerous occasions for the National Business Institute and surrounding bar associations. Ms. Gray earned her B.A. degree from the University of Minnesota Minneapolis and her J.D. degree from The John Marshall Law School.

THOMAS J. KASPER is a partner and owner with the law firm of Buxton & Kasper. His main areas of focus are family law matters, including business valuation, complex property issues, child custody and visitation matters, child support, maintenance and orders of protection. Mr. Kasper is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He also is the vice president of the McHenry County Bar Association and 2010 Law Day chairman. Mr. Kasper's publications include "The Impact of Order of Protection Remedies on Divorce," Illinois Bar Journal (June 2008); "Obtaining and Defending Against an Order of Protection," Illinois Bar Journal (June 2005); and "Marital Property Acquired Before Marriage: "In Contemplation of Marriage" Rule," Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Newsletter (April 2003). He has lectured on numerous family law issues for National Business Institute and the Illinois State Bar Association. Mr. Kasper earned his B.A. degree from Loyola University of Chicago and his J.D. degree from The John Marshall Law School.

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