Agenda / Content Covered

Morning Session - 9:00 - 12:00
Panelists: Hon. Michele G. Bononi, Hon. Kim Berkeley Clark, Hon. Scott O. Mears Jr. and Hon. Daniel D. Regan
Moderator: Jay A. Blechman

1. Recent Changes in Family Law: What Attorneys MUST Know
2. Navigating Local Family Court Procedures: Rules, Unwritten Etiquette and More
3. Ex Parte Motions, Pleadings and Briefs - What Judges are Looking for
4. Admissibility of Evidence and Exhibits: Judicial Pointers
5. Smart Phone, Social Media, Text and Email Evidence: How Judges Determine What can be Admitted Into Evidence
6. Distribution of Assets and Debt in Divorce: Judges' Views
7. How Judges Approach Child Support and Spousal Maintenance

Afternoon Session - 1:00 - 4:30
Panelists: Hon. Michele G. Bononi, Hon. Kim Berkeley Clark, Hon. Scott O. Mears Jr. and Hon. Daniel D. Regan
Moderator: Jay A. Blechman

8. Spousal Support Under the New Tax Laws: A View From the Bench
9. Custody, Visitation and Parenting Time: Criteria Judges Consider
10. Parental Alienation and Abuse Allegations: Determining the Best Interest of the Child
11. Family Court Expert Witness Selection and Testimony: What Works and What Doesn't
12. Trial in Family Court: Judges' Insights on Objections, Post-Decree Modifications and More
13. Legal Ethics (3:15 - 4:15)
    1. The Meaning of "Justice" and the Role of the Judges and Attorneys in Upholding it
    2. Candor Toward Tribunal
    3. The Duty of Zealous Representation in the Courtroom Setting
    4. How Judges and Lawyers can Work Together to Improve the Justice System
    5. Awarding Attorney Fees
14. How to Confuse Judges: Top Mistakes Attorneys Make

Accreditation Details:

HON. MICHELE G. BONONI is a Judge in the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas.

HON. KIM BERKELEY CLARK is the President Judge in the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County.

HON. SCOTT O. MEARS JR. is a Judge in the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas.

HON. DANIEL D REGAN is a Judge in the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County.

JAY A. BLECHMAN is an attorney with the Pittsburgh firm of Steiner & Blechman LLC, where his areas of practice include divorce, alimony, asset distribution, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, domestic violence, appellate practice and planning, and tax matters related to divorce. He earned his B.S. degree from DePaul University and his J.D. degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Mr. Blechman is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association (past president), the Pennsylvania Bar Association (past chair, Family Law Section), past-chair of the Continuing Legal Education Program Committee (PBA and ACBA), and a member of the American Bar Association (Family Law Section).