Total Credits: 15.8 MCLE, 7.5 Ethics, 1.0 Elimination of Bias
Join us virtually or in-person at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach for the
2024 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 three judicial panels, more than 35 breakout sessions, a Guardian ad Litem track, a basics track, and a paralegal track.
Tuesday, July 30
Conference registration open | 4-6 p.m.
Wednesday, July 31
Registration open | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall open | 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Breakfast | 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Paradise B
Plenary | 8:30-9:45 a.m. | Generative AI and the law | Paradise A
Speaker: Michael P. Downey, Downey Law Group, St. Louis
Network with exhibitors | Windgate 62/63/64 | 9:45-10:10 a.m.
Breakout 1 | 10:10-11 a.m.
Discovery and depositions for family lawyers | Paradise A
Speakers: Kristin D. Siegel and Ashley N. Irwin, Siegel & Irwin LLC, Lee’s Summit
CANRB Process | Windward 70/71
Speaker: Sarah Devlin, Department of Social Services, Jefferson City
GAL | Working with survivors of child abuse: Process of disclosure | Nautical Wheeler
Speaker: Rachel Murdock, Beyond the Storm Behavioral Health, Blue Springs
My love/hate relationship with email: How to make sure it’s not a toxic relationship | Parasol II
Speaker: N. Carol Hutcheson, Carol Hutcheson Law Office, Springfield
Basics Track | Navigating the Form 14 and children's expenses | Windgate 60/61
Speaker: Allison R. Gerli, The Center for Family Law, St. Louis
Break | 11-11:15 a.m.
Breakout 2 | 11:15 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
Getting to solutions: Effectively selecting a neutral to solve the problem | Paradise A
Speaker: Simone A. Haberstock, Law Offices of Simone A. Haberstock, LLC, St. Louis
Orders of protection: Recent changes and updates | Windward 70/71
Speaker: Katie Wessling, Crime Victim Center, St. Louis
GAL | Working with survivors of child abuse: Treatment methods | Nautical Wheeler
Speaker: Rachel Murdock, Beyond the Storm Behavioral Health, Blue Springs
Tracing investment and brokerage accounts | Parasol II
Speaker: Christina Solomon, Wipfli, Clayton
Basics Track | Client management | Windgate 60/61
Speaker: Molly Wilson, Pratt & Grisham, LLC, Springfield
Lunch | 12:05-1:15 p.m. | Paradise B
Breakout 3 | 1:15-2:05 p.m.
Privacy of medical records: what you need to know | Paradise A
Speakers Maureen Brady, McShane & Brady, LLC, Kansas City
How to follow the money: Paypal, Venmo, and other non-traditional ways to hide monetary transactions | Windward 70/71
Speaker: Krista Shelton, Focused Forensic Solutions, LLC, Maryville
GAL | Guardian ad Litem standards and best practices | Nautical Wheeler
Speakers: Austin E. Williamson, Rooney McBride & Smith, PLLC, Springfield; Brittnee L. Hill, Douglas, Haun & Heidemann, Bolivar
Substance abuse testing: What is available, what does it tell us, and what do we do with the information | Parasol II
Speaker: Cynthia L. Albin, Todt, Cody, Albin & Fuchs, LLC, St. Louis
Basics Track | Property division and maintenance: Family law’s sink-or-swim primer | Windgate 60/61
Speaker: Kristin D. Siegel and Ashley N. Irwin, Siegel & Irwin LLC, Lee’s Summit
Break | 2:05-2:25 p.m.
Breakout 4 | 2:25-3:15 p.m.
Advanced trial preparation | Paradise A
Speaker: Ann L. Mills, Courtney & Mills LLC, Springfield
Support of a child beyond emancipation | Windward 70/71
Speaker: Tamara Veit, McElligott, Ewan & Hall, PC, Independence
GAL | How to use supervised visitation in effective step-up plans | Windgate 60/61
Speakers: Kristen Buzzeli and Alicia Grindstaff, Summit Families First, LLC, Lee’s Summit
Network with exhibitors | 3:15-3:35 p.m.
Breakout 5 | 3:35-4:25 p.m.
Judicial Panel | How to succeed at a court status or settlement conference | Paradise A
Panelists: Commissioner Lisa M. Dube, Jackson County Circuit Court; Hon. Julia P. Lasater, 21st Judicial Circuit Court, St. Louis County; Hon. Jeffery P. Medler, 21st Judicial Circuit Court, St. Louis County; Commissioner Gretchen L. Yancey, 13th Judicial Circuit Court, Boone and Callaway Counties
Moderator: Simone A. Haberstock, Law Offices of Simone A. Haberstock, LLC, St. Louis
Relocation: In-depth research and case law | Windward 70/71
Speaker: Anne Kern, Van Matre, Jefferson City
Mediation and settlement | Windgate 60/61
Speakers: Hon. Doug Beach, JAMS, Chesterfield; Jonathan Marks, The Marks Law Firm, LLC, Creve Coeur
Break | 4:25-4:45 p.m.
Popcorn Plenary | 4:45-6:00 p.m. | Paradise A
Speaker: Prof. Barbara A. Glesner Fines, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Kansas City
Thursday, August 1
Registration open | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Exhibit Hall open | 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Breakfast | 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Paradise B
Plenary: Wellness issues for family law practitioners | 8:30-10:10 a.m. | Paradise A
Speaker: Katie Wessling, Crime Victim Center, St. Louis
Network with exhibitors | Windgate 62/63/64 | 10:10-10:30 a.m.
Breakout 6 | 10:30-11:20 a.m.
Post-adoption contact agreements: What you need to know | Windward 70/71
Speaker: Amy R. Johnson, Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal, St. Louis
Trial tips | Paradise A
Speaker: Hon. Sherrill Rosen, 16th Judicial Circuit, Jackson County
GAL | Dealing with empowered older children: How to help a family when a child refuses to see a parent | Nautical Wheeler
Speakers: Erika Ottolini, Artemis Counseling Services LLC, St. Louis; Kevin Chafin, Kevin Chafin LPC Inc., Kansas City
Maintenance modifications | Parasol II
Speaker: Jason Clough, Clough Law Firm LLC, Springfield
The Exceptional Paralegal | Gathering and organizing documents from your client | Windgate 60/61
Speakers: Craig Ritchie and Jay Lemanski, The Ritchie Law Group, St. Joseph; Lauren Bower and Alexis Thompson, Bower Law LLC, Kansas City
Lunch | Roger Krumm Award presentation | 11:20 a.m.-12:50 p.m. | Paradise B
Breakout 7 | 1-1:50 p.m.
Military issues in family law | Paradise A
Speaker: Doug Fredrick, Law Office of Doug Fredrick, LLC, Springfield
Guardianship, third party custody, and grandparent visitation | Windward 70/71
Speakers: Hallie Van Duren and Kristen Sparks, The Center for Family Law, St. Louis
GAL | Square peg round hole | Nautical Wheeler
Speaker: Hon. Sue Crane, 13th Judicial Circuit, Boone and Callaway Counties
What happened to civility in family court? How to be a civil (and ethical) family law lawyer | Parasol II
Speaker: Hon. Susan Jensen, Greene County Circuit Court, Springfield
The Exceptional Paralegal | Obtaining and organizing documents obtained from opposing party via discovery | Windgate 60/61
Speakers: Craig Ritchie and Jay Lemanski, The Ritchie Law Group, St. Joseph; Lauren Bower and Alexis Thompson, Bower Law LLC, Kansas City
Break | 1:50-2:10 p.m.
Breakout 8 | 2:10-3:00 p.m.
Judicial panel | Property division and maintenance | Paradise A
Panelists: Hon. Mark Millsap, Greene County Family Court; Hon. Sue Crane, 13th Judicial Circuit, Boone and Callaway Counties; Hon. Sherrill Rosen, 16th Judicial Circuit, Jackson County; Hon. Justin Evans, 30th Judicial Circuit, Webster County
Moderator: Anne Kern, Van Matre, Jefferson City
Separating never married people | Windward 70/71
Speaker: Larry V. Swall II, Gates Shields Ferguson Swall Hammond PA, Liberty
GAL | Child development considerations for Guardians ad Litem | Nautical Wheeler
Speaker: Andrea Pate, Law Office of the Ozarks, Springfield
Up your drafting game: Preparing separation agreements your clients will understand | Parasol II
Speaker: Alan Freed, Paule Camazine & Blumenthal, PC, St. Louis
The Exceptional Paralegal | Assisting your attorney to present voluminous documents into evidence in an organized and efficient manner | Windgate 60/61
Speakers: Craig Ritchie and Jay Lemanski, The Ritchie Law Group, St. Joseph; Lauren Bower and Alexis Thompson, Bower Law LLC, Kansas City
Network with exhibitors | 3-3:20 p.m.
Breakout 9 | 3:20-4:10 p.m.
Judicial Panel: Perspectives on the impact of domestic violence on custody orders | Paradise A
Panelists: Hon. Susan Jensen, Greene County Circuit Court, Springfield; Hon. Trisha McCulloch, St. Charles County Circuit Court; Hon. Angela Vorhees, 29th Judicial Circuit, Jasper County
Moderator: Amy Diemer, St. Francis Community Services, St. Louis
Prenuptial agreements: I do… or do I? | Windward 70/71
Speakers: Allison Schreiber Lee and Lauren A. Geisz, Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard, P.C., St. Louis
GAL | Cultural compass: enhancing GAL effectiveness through cultural competency | Nautical Wheeler
Speaker: Danielle Dodd, University of Missouri, Columbia
Creating a dream team: Collaborative law | Parasol II
Speakers: Ann Bauer, The Center for Family Law, St. Louis; Sue Amato, Amato Family Law LLC, St. Louis
The Exceptional Paralegal | Hot tips to make you more valuable to your law firm | Nautical Wheeler
Speakers: Craig Ritchie and Jay Lemanski, The Ritchie Law Group, St. Joseph; Lauren Bower and Alexis Thompson, Bower Law LLC, Kansas City
Reception | 4:30-7 p.m. | Sponsored by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers | Paradise B
Friday, August 2
Registration open | 7:30-10:30 a.m.
Breakfast | 8-9 a.m. | Paradise A
Plenary: Case law update | 9-10:30 a.m. | Paradise A
Speaker: Andrew C. Scholz, Rooney McBride and Smith, LLC, Springfield
Adjourn | 10:30 a.m.
Schedule as of 7/23/24
Opinions and positions stated by presenters of MoBarCLE programs are those of the presenters and not necessarily those of The Missouri Bar. This program is intended as information for lawyers in Missouri, in conjunction with other research they deem necessary, in the exercise of their independent judgment.
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.
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 Douglas R. Beach was appointed Associate Circuit Court Judge for St. Louis County Missouri in 2005 and appointed to the Circuit Court by Governor Jay Nixon in 2010. Judge Beach was assigned to the Family Court since he was appointed to the bench in 2005. He was elected Presiding Judge 2017. He was an incorporator of the City of Chesterfield in 1988 and served as the City Attorney for 17½ years before his appointment to the bench. Judge Beach received his law degree from New England School of Law (Cum Laude) in 1973. He retired from the United States Marine Corps Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel where he served as Judge Advocate.
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.
Maureen is a partner in the personal injury firm of McShane & Brady in Kansas City. Her practice includes work on class cases involving wrongful disclosure of medical and personal data. Her work in class litigation now includes several national class and MDL cases
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.
Jason Clough is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and the University of Richmond, School of Law. He has received the Equal Access to Justice Award, the Pro Bono Award, and was named a Super Lawyer's Rising Star from 2010-2017 and a Super Lawyer in 2023 and 2024.
Amy, CLAM Director of Legal Services, received her law degree from SLU and practices family law/GAL. She was MO-AFCC Board Member, is co-chair BAMSL Pro Bono Committee, Herb Eastman Clinical Fund, member CAFC; 2023 recipient of the Missouri Lawyers Media Women's Justice AWard for Public Service.
Danielle Dodd is the director of the MU Child & Family Justice Clinic. Prior to joining Mizzou Law, she was legal counsel for the Department of Social Services (DSS). As legal counsel, she advised Children’s Division and MO HealthNet. This included litigating termination of parental rights and adult guardianships.
Michael P. Downey is a legal ethics lawyer and founder of Downey Law Group LLC, a St. Louis law firm devoted to legal ethics, lawyer discipline defense, and the law of lawyering. Michael regularly advises lawyers at law firms and legal departments regarding legal ethics and risk management issues. Michael also assists lawyers responding to disciplinary complaints, and has defended lawyers in civil litigation and disciplinary cases in both Missouri and Illinois. Michael has taught legal ethics at Washington University and St. Louis University, published 180 articles, and presented more than 700 times on legal ethics. Learn more about Michael and his practice at www.DowneyLawGroup.com, or contact him at (314) 961-6644 or mdowney@DowneyLawGroup.com.
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.
Mr. Fredrick received both his Bachelors in Business Administration and Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Before entering private practice, Mr. Fredrick had the opportunity to clerk for the Honorable Cheryl Rosen in Independence, Missouri. In his second year of practice, he had the distinct opportunity to argue before the Southern District Court of Appeals and the Missouri Supreme Court. In 2005 he accepted a commission in the Army Reserves as a JAG officer and graduated from the United States Army Judge Advocate General School in Charlottesville, Virginia later that year. After practicing with Fredrick, Rogers, & Vaughn, P.C. in Springfield, Missouri for five years, Mr. Fredrick started a solo practice in 2008.
Alan Freed has practiced of family law for over 40 years. He has been named a St. Louis Lawyer of the Year six times since 2013 and in 2016 received the Roger P. Krumm Family Law Award from the Missouri Bar. Freed is co-author of the book "Divorce in Missouri."
Lauren A. Geisz is a second-year associate at Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard, P.C. and a graduate of St. Louis University School of Law. Lauren brings her clients peace of mind while guiding them through family law matters with compassion.
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.
Brittnee is a family law attorney in Bolivar, Missouri. Brittnee currently serves as a Guardian ad Litem for Dallas, Greene, Hickory, Polk, and Webster counties in dissolution, paternity, adoption, guardianship, and protection order cases.
Carol has been a solo practitioner since 1997 in Springfield, Missouri. Her practice focuses in the areas of juvenile law (abuse and neglect), adoption, guardianship, GAL, mediation and criminal defense.
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.
Ms. Johnson practices family law: divorce, child custody, paternity and adoption. Prior to joining Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal, P.C., Ms. Johnson ran a successful solo law practice after graduating from Saint Louis University School of Law. It was during her solo practice that she recognized that assisting clients through the difficult times of family law cases drove her passion for the practice of law. When not practicing law, Ms. Johnson enjoys yoga, being active, cooking, spending time with her husband (and their dog and cat) and planning her next travel adventure.
Anne E. Kern has been practicing family law in mid-Missouri since 2005. She represents clients in complex divorce cases and has experience with all aspects of high-asset divorce.
Anne also represents clients in divorce cases, custody cases, modification cases, paternity cases, child support cases, maintenance cases, adoption and prenuptial agreements.
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.
Allison Schreiber Lee is a seasoned and skilled trial attorney who focuses her practice on all aspects of family law. Allison has represented individuals in high conflict custody and high asset property division matters, as well as working on matters involving issues of addiction, and psychological considerations including personality disorders.
Jay has been a pastor in the Lutheran Church in Cleveland, Ohio, a professor of history at Missouri Western State University, and received a certificate in Legal Studies in 2022. He joined Craig Ritchie’s team as a legal assistant in 2022 and was promoted to paralegal in 2023. His experience as a pastor has prepared him to work with clients from a sympathetic perspective. As a professor he is experienced in analyzing and crafting logical arguments which he applies to the drafting of pleadings and communications. Jay continues to pursue his interest in medieval and ancient history.
Jonathan focuses his practice on a broad spectrum of family law litigation matters in both state and federal courts. He handles trials and appeals in cases involving divorce, high-asset divorce, child custody and visitation, support, property division and other matters. Having litigated numerous family law cases on behalf of individuals in the St. Louis and St. Charles communities, Mr. Marks is a Fellow of the Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), is a Board Certified, Family Law Trial Advocate, By the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA), and is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL). Jonathan has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2016 and was named Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Family Law in 2023. He has also been designated a St. Louis “Super Lawyer” since 2008 by Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers, published by Thomson Reuters. Since 2019, the same publication has listed him as one of the “Top 100 Lawyers” in Missouri and Kansas, and a “Top 50 St. Louis Super Lawyer”.
Judge McCulloch engaged in private practice prior to taking the bench in 2022. Her primary area of practice was family law.
She was a contracted Guardian ad Litem for St. Charles County Juvenile Office for ten years before taking the bench. She is currently assigned to a family law docket.
Hon. Jeffrey P. Medler was appointed Associate Circuit Court Judge in October, 2020 by Governor Michael Parson. He was retained by St. Louis County voters in 2022
He received his B.A. in Economics and Philosophy from Boston College in 1991 and his law degree from St. Louis University School of Law in 1994.
Before his appointment to the bench, Judge Medler was the founding partner of his law firm, Medler & Roither, LLC, then Medler, Karsten & Bridges LLC. His firm handled many different areas of the law including domestic, criminal, civil litigation and estate planning. He was frequently appointed by the Court to be a Guardian ad Litem representing children in domestic/family law matters.
He was awarded the Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year in 2004 by the St. Louis County Bar Association.
Judge Medler lives in St. Louis County with his family.
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.
Rachel Murdock, MS, LPC, LCPC is the owner/clinician of Beyond the Storm Behavioral Health, LLC, providing mental health counseling in private practice. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Kansas. Her practice specializes in mental health counseling for first responders and individuals experiencing anxiety, mood disorders, or post-traumatic stress, and survivors of abuse.
Rachel is an adjunct faculty member with Missouri State University’s Department of Psychology, where she created a course, Psychology of Child Abuse and Exploitation, and co-authored a textbook regarding issues of compliant victimization, dynamics of child abuse, process of disclosure, and other topics related to child abuse. Rachel has taught this course for sixteen years. Prior to January 2023, Rachel was a Supervisory Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer (SCAFI) with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Victim Services Division, Child Victim Services Unit. During her career as a forensic interviewer, Rachel conducted almost 3,000 forensic interviews of alleged victims of/or witnesses to an incident. Rachel has studied forensic interviewing, children’s memory and suggestibility, process of disclosure, and trauma responses of victims for over 20 years.
Rachel has published on topics such as definitions of child abuse and neglect, the disclosure process in child abuse victims/witnesses, forensic child psychology, dynamics of compliant victimization, internet exploitation, suggestibility and trauma. Rachel has testified in state and federal hearings and trials during her career as a fact and/or expert witness.
Erika Ottolini, M.A.T., M.Ed, LPC, is a family therapist in St. Louis. Her practice, Artemis Counseling, focuses on adolescent health and includes court-involved cases of family adjustment to dissolution, parent coaching, resist/refuse dynamics & Collaborative divorce coaching and child specialist work. She is a member of IACP, CFLA, & AFCC.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tamara A. Veit received her J.D. from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 2004. In 2004, she began working for McElligott Ewan & Hall. She practices primarily in family law and guardianships/conservatorships of adults and minors. She is also a Guardian Ad Litem.
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.
Katherine Wessling is Managing Attorney at Crime Victim Center, St. Louis. For 27 years she has represented domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking survivors. Her work with traumatized clients makes her a firm believer that all attorneys should be cognizant of secondary trauma and how it may impact their practice.
Austin is a Member at Rooney McBride & Smith, LLC. He is admitted to practice in Missouri and Arkansas. He is/has been a certified Guardian Ad Litem in Missouri and Attorney Ad Litem in Arkansas and has served on numerous cases as an advocate for minor children and the elderly.
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.
Commissioner Gretchen Yancey was appointed in Family Court Commissioner in the 13th Judicial Circuit in 2024 and primarily presides over dissolutions, motions to modify, and paternity cases. She had over twenty years of experience in family law litigation, mediation, and guardian ad litem work in mid-Missouri prior to her appointment.
Early Standard Pass*
Section Member: $360 | Non-Section Member: $400
* Early rates end 7/1/2024
Standard Pass*
Section Member: $415 | Non-Section Member: $455
* After 7/2/2024
Virtual Pass
Section Member: $360 | Non-Section 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
Margaritaville Lake Resort
494 Tan Tar A Drive | Osage Beach, MO
Resort & Estate Complex Rates
Guest Room $207
1 Bedroom Suite $357*
2 Bedroom Suite $482*
Rates are per night, plus tax.
*Suites can only be reserved by phone.
Resort Complex guest rooms and suites are in interconnected buildings within walking distance of meeting rooms, resort dining and recreation.
Estates Complex guest rooms and suites are approximately 10 minutes away from the Resort Complex; a free shuttle is available.
Click on the following link to reserve your sleeping room with the code FLAW: https://irm.margaritavilleresortlakeoftheozarks.com/irmng/index.html?g=FLAW
Or by calling 1-800-826-8272 and providing the agent with group code FLAW or mentioning that you are attending the Annual Family Law Conference.
Conference lodging rates end July 1, 2024, or when the block is filled, whichever occurs first.
Group rate is available two days before and after the conference dates, subject to availability.
2024 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 08:30 AM (CDT) |
Plenary 1| Generative AI and the law (qualifies for 1.5 ethics hours)
|
Michael Downey
|
Total Credits: 1.5 MCLE | Webcast | 1 Hour 15 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 1 | Discovery and depositions for family lawyers
|
Kristin Siegel
Ashley Irwin
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 1 | CANRB Process
|
Sarah Devlin
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 1 | GAL-Working with survivors of child abuse: Process of disclosure (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Rachel Murdock
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 1 | My love/hate relationship with email: How to make sure it's not a toxic relationship (qualifies for 1.0 ethics hour)
|
N. Hutcheson
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 1 | Basics - Navigating the Form 14 and children's expenses
|
Allison Gerli
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 11:15 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 2 | Getting to solutions: Effectively selecting a neutral to solve the problem
|
Simone Haberstock
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 11:15 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 2 | Orders of protection: Recent changes and updates
|
Katherine Wessling
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 11:15 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 2 | GAL - Working with survivors of child abuse: Treatment methods (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Rachel Murdock
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 11:15 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 2 | Tracing investment and brokerage accounts
|
Christina Solomon, CPA
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 11:15 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 2 | Basics Track - Client Management
|
Molly Wilson
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 01:15 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 3 | Privacy of medical records: What you need to know (qualifies for 1.0 ethics hour)
|
Maureen Brady
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 01:15 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 3 | How to follow the money: Paypal, Venmo and other non-traditional ways to hide monetary transactions
|
Krista Shelton
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 01:15 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 3 | GAL - Guardian ad Litem standards and best practices (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Austin Williamson
Brittnee Hill
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 01:15 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 3 | Substance abuse testing: What is available, what does it tell us, and what do we do with the information
|
Cynthia Albin
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 01:15 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 3 | Basics-Property division and maintenance: Family law's sink-or-swim primer
|
Kristin Siegel
Ashley Irwin
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 02:25 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 4 | Advanced trial prep
|
Ann Mills
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 02:25 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 4 | Support of a child beyond emancipation
|
Tamara Veit
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 02:25 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 4 | GAL - How to use supervised visitation in effective step-up plans
|
Kristen Buzzelli
Alicia Grindstaff
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 03:35 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 5 | Judicial panel - How to succeed at a court status or settlement conference
|
Comm. Lisa Dube
Hon. Julia Lasater
Hon. Jeffrey Medler
Comm. Gretchen Yancey
Simone Haberstock
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 03:35 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 5 | Relocation: In-depth research and case law
|
Anne Kern
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 03:35 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 5 | Mediation and settlement
|
Hon. Douglas Beach
Jonathan Marks
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Jul 31, 2024 @ 04:45 PM (CDT) |
Plenary 2 | Popcorn Plenary
|
Prof. Barbara Glesner Fines
|
Total Credits: 1.5 MCLE | Webcast | 1 Hour 15 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 08:30 AM (CDT) |
Plenary 3 | Wellness issues for family law practitioners (qualifies for 2.0 ethics hours)
|
Katherine Wessling
|
Total Credits: 2.0 MCLE | Webcast | 1 Hour 40 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 10:30 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 6 | Post adoption contact agreements: What you need to know
|
Amy Johnson
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 10:30 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 6 | Trial tips
|
Commissioner Sherrill Rosen
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 10:30 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 6 | GAL - Dealing with empowered older children: How to help a family when a child refuses to see a parent (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Erika Ottolini, LPC
Kevin Chafin
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 10:30 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 6 | Maintenance modifications
|
Jason Clough
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 10:30 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 6 | The Exceptional Paralegal - Gathering and organizing documents from your client
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 01:00 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 7 | Military issues in family law
|
Douglas Fredrick
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 01:00 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 7 | Guardianship, third party custody, and grandparent visitation
|
Hallie Van Duren
Kristen Sparks
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 01:00 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 7 | GAL - Square peg round hole (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Sue Crane
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 01:00 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 7 | What happened to civility in family court? How to be a civil (and ethical) family law lawyer (qualifies for 1.0 ethics hour)
|
Commissioner Susan Jensen
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 01:00 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 7 | The Exceptional Paralegal - Obtaining and organizing documents obtained from opposing party via discovery
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 02:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 8 | Judicial Panel | Property division and maintenance
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 02:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 8 | Separating never married people
|
Larry Swall
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 02:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 8 | GAL - Child development considerations for GALs (qualifies for 1.0 GAL hour)
|
Andrea Pate
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 02:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 8 | Up your drafting game: Preparing separation agreements your clients will understand
|
Alan Freed
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 02:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 8 | The Exceptional Paralegal - Assisting your attorney to present voluminous documents into evidence in an organized and efficient manner
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 03:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 9 | Judicial Panel - Perspectives on the impact of domestic violence on custody orders
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 03:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 9 | Prenuptial agreements: I do... or do I?
|
Allison Lee
Lauren Geisz
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 03:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 9 | Cultural compass: Enhancing GAL effectiveness through cultural competency (qualifies for 1.0 ethics, 1.0 bias, and 1.0 GAL hours)
|
Danielle Dodd
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 03:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 9 | Creating a dream team: Collaborative law (qualifies for 1.0 ethics hour)
|
Ann Bauer
Susan Amato
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 01, 2024 @ 03:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 9 | The Exceptional Paralegal - Hot tips to make you more valuable to your law firm
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 02, 2024 @ 09:00 AM (CDT) |
Plenary 4 | Case law update
|
Andrew Scholz
|
Total Credits: 1.8 MCLE | Webcast | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | More info » |
