Divorce can be a complicated field that has emotional and financial implications for all parties involved. Gain the tips, techniques and strategies you need to help clients reach the settlement they deserve. Use this practical overview to guide you through the divorce process from initial case assessment to the final divorce decree. Order today!

1. Tips and Techniques for Case Assessment and Vital First Steps
2. Filing for Divorce and Pretrial Motions
3. Strategies for Effective Use of Discovery
4. Child Custody and Visitation
5. Child Support and Spousal Maintenance
6. Valuation of Assets and Division of Property
7. Mediation, Arbitration, Negotiation and Trial

1. TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FOR CASE ASSESSMENT AND VITAL FIRST STEPS
   9:00 - 9:45, Kevin W. Shepherd
   1. Interviewing and Screening Clients
   2. Annulment, Divorce or Separation: Helping Clients Understand Their Options
   3. Organizing the Client File
   4. Fee Agreements
   5. Using a Divorce Law Checklist as Your Guide
   6. Impact of Current Legislation and Case Law
2. FILING FOR DIVORCE AND PRETRIAL MOTIONS
   9:45 - 10:45, Kevin W. Shepherd
   1. Preparing and Filing Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
   2. Responding to Petitions for Dissolution of Marriage
   3. Ex Parte, Temporary and Restraining Orders
   4. Handling Domestic Violence Issues
   5. Common Pretrial Motions
3. STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE USE OF DISCOVERY
   11:00 - 12:00, Camellia S. Saunders
   1. Disclosure Requirements
   2. Formal and Informal Discovery Methods
   3. Use of Interrogatories, Depositions and Subpoenas
   4. Requests for Admission of Evidence
   5. Motions to Exclude
4. CHILD CUSTODY AND VISITATION
   1:00 - 1:45, Robert J. Turner
   1. Understanding the Pros and Cons of Joint Custody
   2. Handling Visitation Issues for Non-Custodial Parents
   3. Dealing With Third-Party Visitation Rights
   4. Establishing and Challenging Paternity
   5. Termination of Parental Rights
   6. Custody Hearings
   7. Modification of Custody and Visitation Agreements
5. CHILD SUPPORT AND SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE
   1:45 - 2:30, Robert J. Turner
   1. Current Child and Spousal Support Guidelines
   2. Calculating Child Support
   3. How and Why Spousal Maintenance is Ordered
   4. Determining Spousal Support
   5. Tips for Fighting for Your Client's Financial Objectives
   6. Understanding How Future Financial Success or Failure Could Impact Your Client
   7. Common Health Insurance Issues
   8. Modification of Child Support Agreements
   9. Termination and Modification of Spousal Maintenance
6. VALUATION OF ASSETS AND DIVISION OF PROPERTY
   2:45 - 3:30, Camellia S. Saunders
   1. Working With Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
   2. How to Use Your Expert Witness to Identify and Value Property
   3. Techniques for Determining a Reasonable Property Value
   4. Valuation of Business Interests
   5. Uncovering Hidden Assets
   6. Dividing Debt
   7. Managing Retirement Benefits
   8. What to do When a Party Files for Bankruptcy
7. MEDIATION, ARBITRATION, NEGOTIATION AND TRIAL
   3:30 - 4:30, Dennis B. Francis
   1. Making Mediation and Arbitration Work for You
   2. Negotiating a Reasonable and Equitable Settlement
   3. Direct and Cross-Examination of Witnesses
   4. Special Considerations for Children as Witnesses
   5. Obtaining the Final Judgment or Decree
   6. Appealing Judgments and Divorce Decrees

DENNIS B. FRANCIS is of counsel to the law firm of Lockridge and Valone, P.L.L.C., where he practices in the areas of family law, mediation and federal criminal defense. He is a Rule 31 mediator in family law through the Tennessee Supreme Court. Mr. Francis also is an approved federal mediator for the U.S. Eastern District. He has lectured for the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association on family law. Mr. Francis earned his B.S. degree from Indiana State University and his J.D. degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

CAMELLIA S. SAUNDERS is an attorney with the law firm of Banks & Jones Attorney. She has 13 years experience as a trial attorney in family law. Ms. Saunders' practice has diversified and expanded over last two years to include probate, wills, business litigation, criminal law, personal injury and general civil practice. She writes articles for Dicta as a member of their writing committee. Ms. Saunders also serves on the committee for the unmet legal needs of children and is a member of the KBA Family Law Section. She earned her B.A. degree from Hofstra University and her J.D. degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Ms. Saunders loves the diversity in the practice of law but is most passionate about child advocacy.

KEVIN W. SHEPHERD has more than 20 years of experience and is currently in sole practice with an office located in Maryville, Tennessee. He practices in the areas of family law, divorce, personal injury, criminal defense, appellate practice and general practice. Mr. Shepherd earned his B.S. degree from LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas and his J.D. degree from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He is a member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association and is a well received speaker at legal seminars. Mr. Shepherd is a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Family Law mediator.

ROBERT J. TURNER is principal with Robert J. Turner & Associates, P.C., where he practices in the areas of family law, criminal law and plaintiff's personal injury. His certifications include civil trial specialist and criminal trial specialist. Mr. Turner previously has lectured to the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers on motion practice and DUIs. He also published the case document "Dockins v. Balboa Ins. Co.: Has the Tennessee Supreme Court Misinterpreted the Legislative Intent of the Uninsured Motorist Statute?" Mem. St. L. Re. 683 (1990). Mr. Turner earned his B.S. degree from Vanderbilt University and his J.D. degree from the University of Memphis. He is a member of the Nashville and Tennessee bar associations, the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the American Trial Lawyers Association.

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