Total Credits: 16.7 MCLE, 4.9 Ethics, 12.4 GAL Credit, 16.5 Kansas Credit-General, 1 Kansas Ethics
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Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center, Branson
2023 Annual Family Law Conference!
Presented by MoBarCLE and the Family Law Section
The Missouri Bar’s Annual Family Law Conference is an environment to gain knowledge and improve skills specific to the practice of family law. Plenary sessions will be offered each day as well as more than 35 breakout session, a Guardian ad Litem track, a basics track, and a paralegal track.
Susan L. Amato is a collaborative lawyer and mediator in Clayton. She was named by U.S. News as a “Best Lawyer” for Collaborative Family Law and Family Law Mediation and holds the Martindale Hubbell “AV” Rating. Susan was the founding President of the Collaborative Family Law Association in St. Louis.
Lundy Bancroft has specialized for 30 years in interventions for abusive men. He wrote the best-seller Why Does He Do That? and the prizewinning professional book The Batterer as Parent. Lundy is the former Training Director of Emerge, the U.S.’s first batterer intervention program. His latest book is In Custody.
A past chair of The Missouri Bar Family Law Section, Ann has served on the conference planning committee. She focuses her practice in the areas of mediation and collaborative law. She was honored with the Roger Krumm award in 2013 and named an Icon by Missouri Lawyers Media in 2024.
Judge Benton obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees from Emory University and her law degree from Vanderbilt University Law School. In 2021, she became an Associate Circuit Judge in Platte County. She became a Circuit Judge in 2023 and currently handles civil, probate, and criminal cases.
Lauren Bower is a practicing family law attorney in the Northwest Missouri region. She launched her firm, Bower Law LLC, in 2021. Bower Law LLC handles dissolutions, paternity actions, modifications, adoptions and guardianships.
Kevin Chafin is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 20 years experience with the Family and Domestic Court systems and the Missouri Children’s Division. He provides mediation and counseling services and has done so for more than 15 years and specializes in individual adults, adolescents, and children; co-parenting counseling; mediation and reunification counseling. Kevin has a Masters in Counseling degree from Webster University in Kansas City. Before becoming a counselor, he worked as a child abuse/neglect investigator for the Missouri Children’s Division, legal assistant to the attorneys at Family Court in Kansas City, and non-profit program director.
Commissioner Lisa M. Dubé was appointed by the judges of the 16th Judicial Circuit as Family Court Commissioner in September 2020. Commissioner Dubé presides over a contested domestic docket, which includes dissolution of marriage actions, paternity actions, modifications, private and State filed contempt actions, and family access motions.
Justin Evans is an Associate Circuit Judge in Webster County. he is founder/former managing partner of Ozarks Family Law and a U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army veteran.
As a Certified Divorce Lending Professional, CDLP®, I focus my practice on helping divorcing homeowners make a more informed decision regarding their home equity solutions and the divorce team identify any potential conflicts between the divorce settlement, the mortgage, and the real property.
Bruce Galloway is a trial and appellate attorney. He tried cases throughout Southern Missouri, from the boot-heel to the Kansas county line. He handled appeals in the Southern District Court of Missouri, the Eastern District, the Missouri Supreme Court and the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. He received the Adelman award for appellate advocacy for his work on a case that changed the law as to criminal contempt.
He lives in Ozark, Missouri with his wife Sarah and his stepdaughter. The both live in the historic center of Ozark. He owns a law practice on the town square. She owns a funeral home on a historic street lined with Ozark's remaining Victorian homes.
Like his wife, Bruce is an active member of the community. In 2020, the Ozark Chamber elected him Citizen of the year. In 2020, he was elected to a third term to city council (Board of Alderpersons). He is a member of Ozark's Rotary. He previously served as President of the Christian County Bar, of which he is a member. He is a former board member of the Ozark Chamber of Commerce. He serves on the chamber legislative committee as a liaison with the city of Ozark. While practicing criminal defense, he served on the Board of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He earned the Robert Duncan award for excellence in appellate advocacy. He is a present member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association and the Association of Missouri Mediators.
Bruce graduated from Drury University magna cum laude with honors, receiving a degree in Religion and Communication. At Drury, he was a member of the prelaw society Phi Alpha Delta, the academic societies of Phi Eta Sigma and Mortar Board, Drury Ambassadors, served as an officer in the Kappa Alpha Order and was elected to the student government.
In 1988, he attended the nationally top ranked Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. There he served as a member of Phi Alpha Delta, elected to student government and served on the school's Academic Committee. He graduated law school in 1991.
He enjoys, hiking, biking, kayaking, the symphony, theater, opera. Mostly he enjoys being with family. He was raised by career military father, William Galloway, and his European mother, Carla Galloway. They taught him the values of ethics, family, diligence and that effective advocacy requires a fair mind
Cynthia is a member of Garnholz | Sparks in Clayton. Her practice is focused primarily on family law, including mediation and collaborative divorce. She frequently lectures in the area of family law, has served as Chair of the BAMSL Family Law Section and currently serves on BAMSL’s Board of Governors.
Allison is a partner at The Center for Family Law in St. Louis. She focuses her practice on complex divorce cases, mediation, and collaborative divorce. She's also a Guardian ad Litem. Allison is a frequent speaker on family law topics for the Missouri Bar and BAMSL.
Barbara Glesner Fines is the Rubey M. Hulen Professor of Law and Dean Emerita of the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law, where she has been a member of the faculty since 1986. She served as Executive Associate Dean from 2008 to 2016 and as Dean from 2017 to 2023. Glesner Fines received her master of law degree from Yale University and her J.D. (cum laude) from the University of Wisconsin Law School.
Professor Glesner Fines is an expert on professional ethics, legal education and the professional identity formation of law students. She has authored numerous articles and books on these subjects and is a fellow in the Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership. She has created several innovative programs at the School of Law. She helped to found the UMKC School of Law Child and Family Law Program, which is currently ranked as one of the top four programs of its kind in the United States. She is also one of the founding faculty members of the School of Law’s Center for Law, Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Glesner Fines currently teaches Professional Responsibility, Client Interviewing, and Family Violence. She also directs the Self-Help Legal Clinic. Students in the clinic provide instruction, referral, brief advice, and limited scope representation to self-represented litigants in a variety of subject areas. Students learn technology skills to build self-help resources and community education skills in pro se classes.
Simone Haberstock has been a family law attorney for 30 years and a mediator for 20 years. She acquired a Masters of Law in Dispute Resolution from University of Missouri School of Law in 2013 where she did IRB approved research on a mediation-arbitration process. Since graduating, she has founded a non-profit mediation service, Confluence Missouri, Inc.; served on the Mediation and Parenting Coordination Oversight Committee in St. Louis County Circuit Court; and worked on a number of court-connected ADR and problem-solving court projects across the state. She recently completed an interview research project of Missouri litigants who used mandatory mediation and has assisted in the production of two videos for the public on ADR processes. She has mediated over 400 cases including family, small business, employment, landlord-tenant, and small claims matters. Ms. Haberstock has spoken and presented on a variety mediation and ADR topics, including the decision- making process, at both national and statewide conferences. She also served on the Board of Governors for the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis for 10 years and is the immediate past-president of the Missouri Chapter of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.
Robert Hamilton practices primarily in the area of family law. He received a communications degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and received his law degree from St. Louis University School of Law. He is regularly appointed as a GAL to represent children, and as a Commissioner to sell real estate.
As an assistant attorney general, Christina Hammers represents the State of Missouri in child support enforcement cases out of the AGO's Springfield, MO, office. She is a three-time graduate of the University of Missouri, earning her Juris Doctorate in 2003.
Anne-Marie Hoecker has been a member of attorney Craig D. Ritchie’s team for over 13 years. She graduated from Missouri Western State University with a BS in Criminal Justice, Legal Studies. As the Senior Paralegal for The Ritchie Law Group, she manages the family law caseload and trains other paralegals.
Ms. Irwin has over 20 years of experience working in the legal field; first as a paralegal, and then as an attorney. Her work history has exposed her to many different areas of law including personal injury, criminal defense, and family law.
As a young attorney, Ms. Irwin was appointed by the Court on behalf of children in custody and juvenile actions in which abuse or neglect was alleged. During this time, she realized how much of a need there was for zealous advocates in family law. This has become her main focus, and Ms. Irwin still serves as a Court-appointed Guardian ad Litem, since helping kids is truly where her passion lies.
Ms. Irwin has handled an appeal in the Western District Court of Appeals, including the oral argument which was held at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) in front of more than 100 audience members.
The Honorable Susan S. Jensen practiced family law in Springfield before being appointed as Family Court Commissioner, Division II, for Greene County in 2016. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Commissioner Jensen graduated from William Jewell College and the University of Iowa College Of Law.
Bob Kirkland is the founding partner of Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP, with offices in Liberty, Missouri, Springfield, Missouri, Clayton, Missouri and Overland Park, Kansas. He works with a variety of individual clients in the areas of gifting techniques, asset protection, charitable planning and business succession planning. He also advises fiduciaries in estate and trust administration matters.
Mr. Kirkland is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (“ACTEC”), is a past Missouri State Chair of ACTEC, and a past member of the ACTEC Board of Regents and ACTEC Executive Committee. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America.of Regents and ACTEC Executive Committee. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America.
Hon. Jason Lamb is the Presiding Judge of the 12th Circuit, comprised of Audrain, Montgomery and Warren counties. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services, the Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney, practiced law with the Seigfreid Law Firm, and clerked for Hon. Duane Benton at the Supreme Court of Missouri. Judge Lamb currently serves on the Criminal Justice Task Force as chair of the Pre-Trial Risk Assessment Tool Working Group; the Presiding Judge Executive Committee; the Combatting Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence Commission; and the Trial Judge Education Committee. He previously served as co-chair of the Missouri Bar Criminal Code Revision Committee, president of the National Association of Prosecutor Coordinators, a member of the Missouri Court Automation Committee, and a board member of the Missouri Association of Treatment Court Professionals. Judge Lamb is a graduate of the University of Missouri (B.A. history, minor East Asian studies), and Tulane School of Law. He resides in his hometown of Mexico, Missouri with his wife, Vanessa and their two sons, Jackson and Brooks, where is active with the First Presbyterian Church, the Mexico Rotary Club, and as a Scout leader.
Micki has been with the CAC since 2000 interviewing nearly 3,000 youth as Forensic Interviewer/Training-Education Director. She's a Peer Review Moderator for Midwest Regional Child Advocacy Center, a long-time ChildFirst faculty and contracts with Zero Abuse Project. In 2021 Micki received the “Champion For Children Award” marking years of dedication.
Judge Julia Pusateri Lasater was appointed associate circuit judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit in 2020. She worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney and also practiced in the areas of civil and family law. Judge Lasater is a graduate of St. Louis University School of Law and Maryville University.
J. Matthew Miller is an attorney and mediator in Springfield. His practice areas include family law, appellate practice (2014 recipient of The Missouri Bar David J. Dixon Appellate Advocacy Award,) and mediation. He is president of the Association of Missouri Mediators.
Commissioner Mark J. Millsap was appointed by the 31st Circuit Court, en Banc, as Family Court Commissioner for Greene County Circuit Court, Family Court Division III, on November 23, 2020, effective February 1, 2021. Prior to taking the bench, Commissioner Millsap was a partner in the Springfield, Missouri law firm of Baird Lightner Millsap, PC., where he practiced family law for over thirty (30) years, in both trial and appellate courts in southwest Missouri. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, magna cum laude, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, with distinction.
Andrea Pate is owner of Law Office of the Ozarks. She is a Family Mediator, qualified Parenting Coordinator and trained Collaborative Law attorney. Andrea recognizes ensuring the best interest of children often requires reducing conflict and learning how to function effectively as a family during and after the legal process.
Craig D. Ritchie has practiced law for over 26 years. His practice is limited almost exclusively to family law matters. He graduated in 1989 from the University of Missouri Law School. In addition to his family law practice, Mr. Ritchie has taught Domestic Relations in the legal studies program at Missouri Western State College. Mr. Ritchie is also a frequent speaker to Continuing Legal Education classes for Missouri lawyers practicing family law. Mr. Ritchie resides in Columbia, Missouri. His interests include sports, children’s activities, church, and historic preservation. Mr. Ritchie serves on the executive committee and is the former Director of the American Legion Missouri Boys State, a program which teaches citizenship and government to high school seniors. For over thirty years, Mr. Ritchie has volunteered his time to this outstanding program.
Commissioner Rosen was appointed in 1994. She helped to draft the adult abuse statute, and argued its constitutionality. She was often appointed as a GAL. She is a member of AAML.
She has given numerous professional presentations. She has been honored by KCMBA and Mo. Lawyer's Weekly for her service.
Pamela was a staff attorney with Legal Aid of Western Missouri (LAWMO) for 14 years. In 2015, she became the managing attorney of the Joplin office, managing a staff of five attorneys, three paralegals and one support staff.
As a staff attorney, Pamela was a member of the domestic unit in the Kansas City office of LAWMO from 2001 to 2007, focusing on the representation of victims of abuse in divorce, paternity, custody, and orders of protection. She also served as Guardian ad Litem in child orders of protection. In 2007, she joined the Joplin office of LAWMO as their VAWA-STOP grant attorney representing victims of abuse in orders of protection. She continues to represent victims of abuse in family law matters and represents many clients in housing, consumer, probate, and income maintenance cases.
Pamela is the current chair of the Family Law Section of The Missouri Bar. She is licensed in Missouri and Kansas.
Pamela received her Juris Doctor in 2001 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She received a B.A. in political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1998.
Circuit Judge Kate Schaefer is the Presiding Judge of the 5th Judicial Circuit. She currently presides over a variety of criminal and civil cases including domestic cases involving custody disputes. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Schaefer was an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney specializing in prosecuting crimes against children.
Andy Scholz is a Springfield, Missouri native. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Drury University in 1994 and attended law school at the University of Missouri-Columbia. During law school, he was honored to be an associate member of the Missouri Environmental Law & Policy Review. He earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 2001. In 2005, he became an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Boone County, Missouri. While there, he prosecuted sexual crimes and people accused of having perpetrated physical abuse against children. In 2010, Andy and his family chose to move back home to Springfield, where he could work to serve fellow Southwest Missourians by focusing his practice as a family law attorney. To continue his desire to assist families, he joined Rooney McBride and Smith in 2019, where he focuses on family law, guardianship law, and civil litigation.
Rick Scott, Ph.D., a clinical psychology graduate of St. Louis University, spent 30 years with the Department of Mental Health, primarily as a forensic examiner. In private practice since 1995, he does court-related evaluations in criminal and family law cases, and he provides training for mental health professionals and attorneys.
Krista Shelton is the president and founder of Focused Forensic Solutions, LLC. With over 13 years of experience as a former IRS special agent, Krista has a distinguished career in uncovering financial fraud and providing litigation support.
Kristin Siegel is a partner at Siegel & Irwin LLC in Lee's Summit, Missouri. With a practice exclusively focused on family law matters, Kristin has dedicated her career to navigating the complexities of divorce, child custody, and other family-related legal issues.
Laurie's spent twenty five years in private practice representing parents in family court in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to private practice, Laurie was an AJO (Attorney for Juvenile Officer) & Assistant Prosecutor. Her bachelor’s degree is from the University of Missouri-Columbia and law degree from University of Missouri, Kansas City.
Kristen Sparks is a partner at The Center for Family Law. Kristen concentrates her practice in the areas of family law, probate, and estate planning. She regularly serves as a Guardian ad litem in St. Louis County. She is also a certified family law Mediator and is trained in Collaborative Divorce.
Michelle J. Spirn has over twenty years of experience in all facets of family law litigation. She is proud to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a national organization whose members are committed to practicing family law at the highest levels of skill, honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Michelle is on the executive committee of the Missouri Chapter and chairs the national Professionalism Committee. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers In America since 2019 and was named Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Family Law in 2021.
Michelle has also been designated a St. Louis “Super Lawyer” since 2014 by Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers, published by Thomson Reuters. Since 2015, the same publication listed her as one of the “Top 50 Women Lawyers” in Missouri and Kansas, and a “Top 50 St. Louis Super Lawyer” in 2021 . She holds the “AV” rating of the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory, the highest rating an attorney can achieve. Between 2016 and 2021, Michelle served the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel on its Region X Disciplinary Committee, which investigates complaints against attorneys by the public.
Michelle graduated from Washington University School of Law in 1996 and George Washington University in 1992.
Larry V. Swall is a family law attorney, licensed in Kansas and Missouri, with offices in Overland Park and Liberty. His private practice is concentrated in areas of family law and domestic mediation. Practicing for over 30 years, Mr. Swall was twice honored by the Missouri Bar.
Alexis graduated from Missouri Western State University in 2017 with a degree in Legal Studies. Alexis has worked as a paralegal for 6 years. Alexis has worked on a variety of cases, including, estate planning, probate and family law. Alexis resides in Kansas with her husband and son.
Lara Underwood is a family and juvenile law attorney in Jefferson City, where she has been practicing since 2007. Lara attended Columbia College and earned a B.A. in Political Science, then attended law school at the University of Missouri- Columbia. After working in a Jefferson City firm for 10 years, she opened my own firm in 2016. Aside from being a member of The Missouri Bar, Lara is a member of the Cole County Bar, the Family Law section, the Family Law Conference planning committee, and the Cole County Prenger Center Advisory Board. She is also a member of the Missouri Association of Family Law Attorneys, a group that works with the Missouri legislature to support or oppose legislation regarding family law matters. Lara has previously served on the Jefferson City Arts Commission and as a board member for the Rape and Abuse Crisis Service.
Hallie has been an attorney with The Center for Family Law since 2016, concentrating her practice in family law, probate, and estate planning. She also serves as a mediator, Guardian ad Litem, and collaborative practitioner. Hallie earned her J.D. from Boston University and her B.A. from Washington University.
Angela A. Vorhees was appointed Family Court Commissioner of the 29th Judicial Circuit in January 2019. In 1997, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University). She graduated from the University of Michigan, School of Law in 2000 and was admitted to the Missouri Bar in September, 2000. While in private practice, Commissioner Vorhees primarily practiced in the areas of family law, juvenile law and child advocacy. She also served as a Family law mediator as well as an adjunct Instructor for Missouri Southern State University. She is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and the Jasper County Bar Association.
Julia F. Weber, JD, MSW, has spent her career developing innovative approaches to solving complex issues facing families, children, and communities. She is a policy consultant, frequent presenter, and serves as an expert witness in domestic violence and family law matters. Working nationally on firearms and domestic violence policies, she has trained judges, attorneys, mental health practitioners and others on developing and implementing violence prevention practices and procedures. Julia has collaborated on drafting and advocating for many key domestic violence and firearms policies including California's SB 320 (effective Jan. 1, 2022), a comprehensive approach to civil firearms relinquishment. For over 25 years, she has worked with organizations and policymakers on a variety of issues including firearm prohibitions, intimate partner violence prevention, best practices for preventing sexual assault on campus, sexual harassment interventions, and child custody and abuse issues; with families forming and transforming through divorce, separation, and adoption; and with judicial officers and court administrators on court reform and improving access to justice. Most recently, Julia served as the first Implementation Director for Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence and subsequently, as the director for the National Center on Gun Violence in Relationships. From 1999-2017, she worked for California's Judicial Council, where she served as co-counsel to the Family and Juvenile Law Advisory Committee and supervised the Access to Justice Unit. She teaches domestic violence law each fall as an adjunct professor with Golden Gate University School of Law and previously taught on race, gender, and law at Washington University in St. Louis where she received her combined degrees in law and social work. Julia resides in San Francisco, California and is a mediator and member of the California Bar.
After growing up in small farming community in Central Illinois, Molly attended Southern Illinois University, Carbondale where she graduated cum laude and received her Bachelor of Science and minor in Spanish. Molly then received her Juris Doctor from University of Missouri School of Law in 2014, and then became a licensed attorney after passing the Missouri Bar that same year. While in law school, Molly committed herself to helping families in need by participating in the Family Violence Clinic, which assisted families in the Columbia area with legal representation. She also served as an Editor of the Journal of Environmental and Sustainability Law.
After graduating law school, Molly moved to Hannibal, Missouri where she practiced family law, juvenile law, estate law and further, served as the city prosecutor. In 2017, Molly moved to Springfield, Missouri where she began representing families in their legal matters throughout Greene, Christian, Lawrence, Webster and Polk County. Molly was proud to join the law firm of Pratt & Grisham in 2019 where she handles divorce, custody, guardianship and adoption cases. She also acts as Guardian ad Litem for children involved in family law cases.
As a licensed foster parent, Molly is an advocate for children outside of work as well. She and her husband enjoy spending time serving their Church and community while raising their adorable children.
Catherine has been with the Missouri Office of State Courts Administrator since 1998 as legal counsel. Her duties have included several diverse areas such as staff for Missouri State Judicial Records Committee, Missouri Court Automation Committee, Family Court Committee, and other Supreme Court committees, working on electronic filing design and rules, reviewing contracts, advising on employment issues, reviewing and tracking legislation and legal research.
Prior to coming to OSCA, Catherine was an administrative hearing officer at DOR for DWI hearing and was a litigation attorney for the Dept. of Social Services. She worked for Legal Services of Eastern Missouri during and after law school.
Catherine received her bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Missouri, Columbia in 1989 and her J.D. from St. Louis University in 1993.
August 2
6-8 p.m. | Registration
August 3
7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Registration
7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Exhibit Hall open
7:30-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast | Ticketed | Versailles/Windsor
8:30-9:45 a.m. | Plenary: What we can do to reduce risk of violence | Versailles/Windsor
Speaker: Julia F. Weber, San Francisco, CA
9:45-10:10 a.m. | Network with exhibitors
10:10-11 a.m. | Breakout session 1
Practical approaches to reducing violence risks | Versailles/Windsor
Speaker: Julia F. Weber
Mysteries of Family Support Division | Vienna/Edinburgh
Speaker: Christina M. Hammers, Missouri Attorney General's Office, Springfield
Uncovering the power of forensic accounting for family law attorneys | Innsbruck
Speaker: Krista Shelton, Focused Forensic Solutions LLC, Maryville
GAL track: Overview of mental health evaluations and interventions in family law cases | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
Speaker: Rick Scott, Ph.D., Scott Psychological Associates, St. Louis
Basics track: Initial consultations and managing client expectations | Munich
Speakers: Allison R. Gerli, The Center for Family Law, St. Louis and Andrea L. Pate, Law Office of the Ozarks, Springfield
11-11:10 a.m. | Break
11:10 a.m.-noon | Judicial panel | Versailles/Windsor
Panelists: Hon. Jason H. Lamb, 12th Judicial Circuit, Mexico; Comm. Susan S. Jensen, Greene County Circuit Court, Springfield; Comm. Sherrill L. Rosen, 16th Judicial Court, Independence
Moderator: Lara M. Underwood, Law Offices of Lara Underwood, LLC, Jefferson City
Noon-1 p.m. | Lunch | Ticketed | Versailles/Windsor
1:10-2 p.m. | Breakout session 2
Bringing and defending grandparent rights actions, part 1 | Vienna/Edinburgh
Speakers: Kristen L. Sparks, Garnholz Sparks, St. Louis; Hallie M. Van Duren, The Center for Family Law, St. Louis
Integrating divorce mortgage planning into your case management | Innsbruck
Speaker: Emile Flowers, USA Mortgage, Glen Carbon, IL
GAL track: Issues in family law matters involving children with non-normative needs and unique considerations | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
Speaker: Jill M. Puertas, The Law Offices of Jill Puertas LLC, St. Louis (joining live virtually)
Basics track: Overview of child custody, support, maintenance, and property division | Munich
Speakers: Cynthia Garnholz, Garnholz Sparks, St. Louis; Susan L. Amato, Amato Family Law LLC, Clayton
2-2:10 p.m. | Break
2:10-3 p.m. | Breakout session 3
QDROs and cocktails: How to handcraft your order for a smooth transfer of assets | Versailles/Windsor
Speaker: Carolyn G. Buschjost, Williams, Robinson, Rigler & Buschjost PC, Rolla
Bringing and defending grandparent rights actions, part 2 | Vienna/Edinburgh
Speaker: Kristen L. Sparks and Hallie M. Van Duren
The various roles and matters that can be handled by the Commissioner, Special Master or Receiver to more effectively resolve issues | Innsbruck
Speaker: Robert N. Hamilton, Reinker, Hamilton & Fenley LLC, St. Louis
GAL track: Hearsay evidence and children's statements, wishes, abuse/neglect | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
Speaker: Allison Clyne Tschannen, Kranitz, Sadoun & Carpenter, PC, St. Joseph
Basics track: Tips for file organization and drafting pleadings | Munich
Speakers: Ann E. Bauer, The Center for Family Law, St. Louis; and Kristin D. Siegel, Leonard Rodarte Siegel LLC, Lee’s Summit
3-3:20 p.m. | Network with exhibitors
3:20-4:10 p.m. | Breakout session 4
Do's, and mainly don'ts, of service by publication in family law cases | Vienna/Edinburgh
Speaker: Bruce H. Galloway, Bruce Galloway LLC Trial Attorneys, Ozark
Military issues in family law | Innsbruck
Speaker: Douglas C. Fredrick, Law Office of Doug Fredrick LLC, Springfield
GAL track: Judicial panel: What to expect from a GAL | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
Panelists: Comm. Mark J. Millsap, Greene County Family Court, Springfield; Hon. Kate H. Schaefer, 5th Judicial Circuit, St. Joseph; Comm. Angela A. Vorhees, Jasper County Family Court Division, Carthage
4:10-4:20 p.m. | Break
4:20-5:30 p.m. | Popcorn plenary: Children navigating divorce | Versailles/Windsor
Speaker: Barbara A. Glesner Fines, Dean, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Kansas City
5:30-7 p.m. | Networking reception | Ticketed | Versailles/Windsor
August 4
7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Registration
7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Exhibit Hall open
7:30-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast | Ticketed | Versailles/Windsor
8:30-10:10 a.m. | Plenary: The domestic batterer as parent | Versailles/Windsor
Speaker: Lundy Bancroft, author, Northampton, MA
10:10-10:30 a.m. | Network with exhibitors
10:30-11:20 a.m. | Breakout session 5
Effective orders for mental health interventions in parenting plans | Vienna/Edinburgh
Speakers: Simone A. Haberstock, The Law Offices of Simone A. Haberstock LLC, St. Louis; Kevin J. Chafin, Kevin Chafin LPC Inc., Kansas City
Duty to become self-supporting, what does that mean? | Innsbruck
Speaker: Michelle J. Spirn, Spirn Family Law LLC, St. Louis
GAL track: Injury and recovery in children exposed to domestic violence | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
Speaker: Lundy Bancroft
The Exceptional Paralegal: A course for lawyers and paralegals, part 1 | Munich
Speakers: Craig D. Ritchie, The Ritchie Law Group, St. Joseph; Lauren D. Bower, Bower Law LLC, Parkville; Anne-Marie Hoecker, paralegal, St. Joseph; Alexis Thompson, paralegal, Parkville
11:20 a.m.-12:50 p.m. | Lunch | Ticketed | Roger Krumm Award presentation | Versailles/Windsor
1-1:50 p.m. | Breakout session 6
College child support: General developments and the specific challenge of vocational education | Vienna/Edinburgh
Speaker: Hon. Megan B. Benton, Associate Circuit Judge, Platte City
Hearsay law, problems and strategies | Innsbruck
Speaker: J. Matthew Miller, J. Matthew Miller, Attorney at Law LLC, Springfield
GAL track: Language matters - Learning proper questioning of children and teens | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
Speaker: Micki Lane, Child Advocacy Center, Springfield
The Exceptional Paralegal: A course for lawyers and paralegals, part 2 | Munich
Speakers: Craig D. Ritchie; Lauren D. Bower; Anne-Marie Hoecker; Alexis Thompson
1:50-2 p.m. | Break
2-2:50 p.m. | Breakout session 7
Judicial panel: Child support issues | Vienna/Edinburgh
Panelists: Hon. Julia Pusateri Lasater, 21st Judicial Circuit, St. Louis; Comm. Lisa M. Dubé, 16th Judicial Circuit, Kansas City; Hon. Justin M. Evans, Associate Circuit Judge, Marshfield
Paternity presumptions | Innsbruck
Speaker: Larry V. Swall II, Gates Shields Ferguson Swall Hammond PA, Liberty
GAL track: Drug testing | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
Speaker: Rebecca Gorham, Hassle Free Testing LLC, Joplin
The Exceptional Paralegal: A course for lawyers and paralegals, part 3 | Munich
Speakers: Craig D. Ritchie; Lauren D. Bower; Anne-Marie Hoecker; Alexis Thompson
2:50-3:10 p.m. | Network with exhibitors
3:10-4 p.m. | Breakout session 8
Still on the fence: The Missouri Arbitration Act and parenting coordination | Vienna/Edinburgh
Speaker: Simone A. Haberstock
Remote public access, part 1 | Versailles/Windsor
Speakers: Pamela Roychaudhury, Legal Aid of Western Missouri, Joplin; Molly R. Wilson, Pratt & Grisham LLC, Springfield; Catherine N. Zacharias, Office of State Courts Administrator, Jefferson City
GAL track: Drug treatment/abuse post-legalization of marijuana and ideas for parenting plans | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
Speakers: Abey Douglass; Amanda Burkdoll
The Exceptional Paralegal: A course for lawyers and paralegals, part 4 | Munich
Speakers: Craig D. Ritchie; Lauren D. Bower; Anne-Marie Hoecker; Alexis Thompson
Quicksand! The perils of ignoring estate planning implications for your divorce client | Innsbruck
Speakers: Robert K. Kirkland, Kirkland Woods & Martinsen LLP, Liberty; Ashley N. Irwin, Siegel & Irwin LLC, Lee's Summit
4-4:10 p.m. | Break
4:10-5 p.m. | Breakout session 9
Tackling the tough cases in family court | Vienna/Edinburgh
Speaker: Laurie V. Snell, Attorney at Law, Kansas City
Remote public access, part 2 | Versailles/Windsor
Speakers: Pamela Roychaudhury; Molly R. Wilson; Catherine N. Zacharias
GAL track: Permanency planning | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
Speaker: Mary Kay O'Malley, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Kansas City
August 5
7:30-10:30 a.m. | Registration
7:30-9 a.m. | Breakfast | Ticketed | Versailles/Windsor
9-10:30 a.m. | Plenary: Case law update | Versailles/Windsor
Speaker: Andrew C. Scholz, Rooney McBride and Smith, LLC, Springfield
Standard Pass
Section Member Early: $360* | Regular: $415
Standard Pass
Non-Section Member Early: $400* | Regular: $455
Recording add-on for in-person participants: $60
Virtual Pass
Section Member: $360* | Non-Member: $400
Law Student/Paralegal/Legal Aid Attorney or Paralegal/State Public Defender/Prosecutor/MO Protection & Advocacy Services
In-person Pass | $230
Law Student/Paralegal/Legal Aid Attorney or Paralegal/State Public Defender/Prosecutor/MO Protection & Advocacy Services
Virtual Pass | $230
* Early rates end 7/7/23
Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center
415 North State Highway 265 | Branson, MO
Rates are per night, plus tax, and resort fee:
King or Double Queen $155
Click on this link to reserve your sleeping room: http://bookings.ihotelier.com/bookings.jsp?groupID=3567974&hotelID=11529
Those wishing to make reservations by phone should call 1-888-333-5253 and use group code: “082022BAR” or mention “The Missouri Bar”.
Conference lodging rates end July 7, 2023, or when the block is filled, whichever occurs first.
Additional meal ticket pricing:
All meals for children 5 and under are free.
Thursday breakfast - child 6-12 years - $15
Thursday breakfast - adult 13 and over - $30
Thursday lunch - child 6-12 years - $15
Thursday lunch - adult 13 and over - $30
Thursday reception - $25 per person (all ages)
Friday breakfast - child 6-12 years - $15
Friday breakfast - adult 13 and over - $30
Friday lunch - child 6-12 years - $15
Friday lunch - adult 13 and over - $30
Saturday breakfast - child 6-12 years - $15
Saturday breakfast - adult 13 and over - $30
If you would like to purchase additional meal tickets at a later date once you have completed the registration process, login to your MoBarCLE account, locate the 2023 Annual Family Law Conference, and click on the blue "Buy the Add-On" button.
If any of your additional meal tickets require dietary restrictions, please contact us at mobarcle@mobar.org.
Membership dues for the Family Law Section are $20 per year.
If you are not a current Family Law Section and would like to join, you may do so HERE. If you choose to submit payment by check, your membership will not be valid until payment is received.
2023 Family Law Conference Registration Cancellation & Refund Policy
The Missouri Bar takes the safety and well-being of its members, the public, and its employees very seriously. We continue to monitor the latest public health updates. We will inform you of any changes to events that affect you. This includes any cancellation notices or changes to venue, format, or safety guidelines.
We encourage all attendees of Missouri Bar events to be aware of and follow public health guidelines for large gatherings. Help us keep everyone in attendance safe by not attending an event if you are ill or believe you may be contagious. Be respectful of the personal comfort level of other attendees when it comes to physical distancing, including shaking hands or other gestures common in networking environments.
By registering for and attending a Missouri Bar event, you agree to take reasonable health and safety precautions and to abide by The Missouri Bar’s posted meeting guidelines.
Please also be advised that, pursuant to RSMo. 537.1005, effective Aug. 28, 2021, “under Missouri law, any individual entering the premises or engaging the services of the business waives all civil liability against the individual or entity for any damages based on inherent risks associated with an exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19, except for recklessness or willful misconduct.”
Please contact The Missouri Bar with any questions or concerns.
| Availability | Module Title | Speaker | Credits | Course Type | Duration | Course Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 08:30 AM (CDT) |
Plenary: What we can do to reduce risk of violence (qualifies for 1.5 ethics hour)
|
Julia Weber
|
Total Credits: 1.5 MCLE | Webcast | 1 Hour 15 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout session 1 | Practical approaches to reducing violence risks (qualifies for 1.0 ethics hour)
|
Julia Weber
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout session 1 | Mysteries of Family Support Division
|
Christina Hammers
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout session 1 | Uncovering the power of forensic accounting for family law attorneys
|
Krista Shelton
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout session 1 | GAL track: Overview of mental health evaluations and interventions in family law cases (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Rick Scott
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout session 1 | Basics track: Initial consultations and managing client expectations (qualifies for 1.0 ethics hour)
|
Allison Gerli
Andrea Pate
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 11:10 AM (CDT) |
Judicial panel
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 01:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 2 | Bringing and defending grandparent rights actions, part 1
|
Kristen Sparks
Hallie Van Duren
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 01:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 2 | Integrating divorce mortgage planning into your case management
|
Emile Flowers
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 01:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 2 | GAL track: Issues in family law matters involving children with non-normative needs and unique considerations (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Jill Puertas
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 01:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 2 | Basics track: Overview of child custody, support, maintenance, and property division
|
Susan Amato
Cynthia Garnholz
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 02:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 3 | QDROs and cocktails: How to handcraft your order for a smooth transfer of assets
|
Carolyn Buschjost
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 02:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 3 | Bringing and defending grandparent rights actions, part 2
|
Kristen Sparks
Hallie Van Duren
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 02:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 3 | The various roles and matters that can be handled by the Commissioner, Special Master or Receiver to more effectively resolve issues
|
Robert Hamilton
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 02:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 3 | GAL track: Hearsay evidence and children's statements, wishes, abuse/neglect (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Allison Tschannen
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 02:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 3 | Basics track: Tips for file organization and drafting pleadings
|
Ann Bauer
Kristin Siegel
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 03:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 4 | Military issues in family law
|
Douglas Fredrick
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 03:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 4 | Do's, and mainly don'ts, of service by publication in family law cases
|
Bruce Galloway
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 03:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 4 | GAL track: Judicial panel - What to expect from a GAL (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Hon. Mark Millsap
Hon. Kate Schaefer
Commissioner Angela Vorhees
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 03, 2023 @ 04:20 PM (CDT) |
Popcorn plenary | Children navigating divorce (qualifies for 1.4 ethics hours and 1.4 GAL hour)
|
Dean Barbara Glesner Fines
|
Total Credits: 1.4 MCLE | Webcast | 1 Hour 10 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 08:30 AM (CDT) |
Plenary: The domestic batterer as parent (qualifies for 2.0 GAL hours)
|
Lundy Bancroft
|
Total Credits: 2.0 MCLE | Webcast | 1 Hour 40 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 10:30 AM (CDT) |
Breakout session 5 | Effective orders for mental health interventions in parenting plans (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Kevin Chafin
Simone Haberstock
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 10:30 AM (CDT) |
Breakout session 5 | Duty to become self-supporting, what does that mean?
|
Michelle Spirn
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 10:30 AM (CDT) |
Breakout session 5 | GAL track: Injury and recovery in children exposed to domestic violence (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Lundy Bancroft
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 10:30 AM (CDT) |
Breakout session 5 | The exceptional paralegal track, part 1
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 01:00 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 6 | College child support: General developments and the specific challenge of vocational education
|
Hon. Megan Benton
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 01:00 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 6 | Hearsay law, problems and strategies
|
James Miller
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 01:00 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 6 | GAL track: Language matters - Learning proper questioning of children and teens (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Micki Lane
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 01:00 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 6 | The exceptional paralegal track, part 2
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 02:00 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 7 | Judicial panel: Child support issues
|
Comm. Lisa Dube
Hon. Justin Evans
Hon. Julia Lasater
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 02:00 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 7 | Paternity presumptions
|
Larry Swall
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 02:00 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 7 | GAL track: Drug testing (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Rebecca Gorham
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 02:00 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 7 | The exceptional paralegal track, part 3
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 03:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 8 | Still on the fence: The Missouri Arbitration Act and parenting coordination
|
Simone Haberstock
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 03:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 8 | Remote public access (qualifies for 1.0 ethics hour)
|
Pamela Roychaudhury
Molly Wilson
Catherine Zacharias
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 03:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 8 | GAL track: Drug treatment/abuse post-legalization of marijuana and ideas for parenting plans (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Amanda Burkdoll
Abey Douglass
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 03:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 8 | The exceptional paralegal track, part 4
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 03:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 8: Quicksand! The perils of ignoring estate planning implications for your divorce client
|
Ashley Irwin
Robert Kirkland
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 04:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 9 | Tackling the tough cases in family court
|
Laurie Snell
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 04:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 9 | Remote public access (repeat of Breakout session 8 session) (qualifies for 1.0 ethics hour)
|
Pamela Roychaudhury
Molly Wilson
Catherine Zacharias
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 04, 2023 @ 04:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout session 9 | GAL track: Permanency planning (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Mary O'Malley
Pamela Behle
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 05, 2023 @ 09:00 AM (CDT) |
Plenary | Case law update
|
Andrew Scholz
|
Total Credits: 1.8 MCLE | Webcast | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | More info » |
