Total Credits: 7.6 MCLE, 7.5 Kansas Credit-General
7:45-8:15 a.m. | Registration and continental breakfast
8:15-8:30 a.m. | Welcome message from the President of the AAML, Missouri Chapter
Speaker: R. Scott Richart, Albano, Richart, Welch & Bajackson, LLC, Kansas City
8:30-9:30 a.m. | Michael Albano memorial lecture
Speaker: Cary J. Mogerman, Carmody MacDonald PC, St. Louis
9:30-9:40 a.m. | Break
9:40-10:30 a.m. | The Goldilocks dilemma: When 50/50 is just right... or just wrong
Effective August 28, 2023, Missouri law established a rebuttable presumption that equal parenting time is in the best interest of the child. Now, nearly two years into its implementation, a developing body of case law is beginning to clarify how courts interpret, apply, and at times reject this presumption. This session provides a comprehensive analysis of both longstanding custody precedent and emerging post-2023 decisions. Attendees will gain a practical framework for identifying the factual and evidentiary conditions under which the presumption may be rebutted—or strategically embraced—in modern custody litigation.
Speakers: Kristin D. Siegel, Siegel Family Law, Lees Summit; Anita I. Rodarte, Siegel Family Law, Lees Summit
10:30-10:40 a.m. | Break
10:40-11:30 a.m. | Challenges/trial de novo ASL
Speakers: Allison S. Lee, Sandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard, PC, St. Louis; Joseph A. Lambson, Margulis Gelfand, LLC, Clayton
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Lunch (included)
12:30-1:30 p.m. | 10 best practices in my courtroom
Speakers: Hon. Jeffrey P. Medler, St. Louis County Circuit Judge, St. Louis; Hon. Susan S. Jensen, Greene County Circuit Court, Springfield; Hon. Robert E. Gordon, Circuit Court of Jackson County, Independence
Moderators: Michelle J. Spirn, Spirn Family Law, St. Louis; R. Scott Richart, Albano, Richart, Welch & Bajackson, LLC, Kansas City
1:30-1:40 p.m. | Break
1:40-2:40 p.m. | Moving from second chair to first chair
Speakers: Amanda S. Trigg, Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP, Saddle Brook, NJ; Cassandra Chin, Nichols Zauzig, Woodbridge, VA
2:40-2:50 p.m. | Break
2:50-3:40 p.m. | Robots don’t do divorces: Using AI the smart way in family law
Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering the legal profession, and family law is no exception. From drafting assistance to document summarization and trial preparation support, AI tools offer new efficiencies for busy practitioners. At the same time, they raise important ethical and professional responsibility considerations.
This practical program introduces family law attorneys to generative AI in clear, accessible terms and focuses on real-world applications in domestic relations practice. Attendees will learn where AI can save time, where caution is required, and how to use these tools without compromising professional duties.
This session is designed for attorneys with any level of technical familiarity. No prior experience with AI tools is required.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Stephanie L. Jones, Jones Family Law Group, LLC, St. Louis
3:40-3:50 p.m. | Break
3:50-4:40 p.m. | MMPI/PAI testing: what to look for in custody cases
Speaker: Dr. Gabriel Cline, Psych Associates, Springfield
4:40 p.m. | Adjourn
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.
Cassandra has built her career on going beyond 100% for every client. As a result, her busy practice is based on referrals – from former clients, other attorneys, judges, even opposing parties. Many people also find and request her after reading the dozens of detailed reviews that her clients share online.
While devoted to her practice, Cassandra is also committed to developing the family law profession. Early on, she got involved with local and state bar associations. Ultimately, she became the youngest person to serve on the Board of Governors for the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section, later becoming Chair. On a national level, she was one of the youngest fellows when she was accepted into the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), after meeting their stringent membership criteria. She is now a 2nd Vice President serving on the organization’s National Executive Committee, as well as Immediate Past President of the AAML Virginia Chapter. For the Prince William County Bar Association, Cassandra served as Co-Chair of the Family Law Committee from 2007 – 2023. Her service to the family law community earned her the Virginia State Bar Family Law Service Award in 2023.
Dr. Cline is a licensed psychologist who lives and works in Southwest Missouri. He is a published author in child development and licensed in Missouri. He is a Psypact provider, meaning that he can practice telepsychology and conduct temporary in-person, face-to-face practice in PSYPACT states. In 2020, Dr. Cline was appointed to Missouri’s State Committee of Psychologists by Governor Michael Parson. He is also an active member in the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. Before becoming a psychologist, he worked as an individual and family therapist and school counselor.
Robert E. Gordon was appointed Family Court Commissioner for the 16th Judicial Circuit in 2025. A UMKC Law alumnus and military veteran, he previously specialized in family law litigation and mediation. He received the 2024 Hon. Kelly J. Moorhouse Dedication to Children Award for his distinguished service.
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.
Stephanie L. Jones is owns Jones Family Law Group, a St. Louis-based firm specializing in complex domestic relations cases. Stephanie speaks frequently, especially those topics relating to electronic evidence and technology. She has been a Fellow with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers since 2022.
Allison Schreiber Lee, a former child abuse prosecutor, is a seasoned trial attorney who focuses her practice on family law and domestic relations. Allison has extensive experience in representing men and women in high conflict custody and high asset property division matters, including matters involving mental health and addiction concerns.
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 was then elevated to Circuit Court Judge in July 2023 and again retained by St. Louis County voters in 2024. 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.
Cary J. Mogerman (JD 1985) is a shareholder of Carmody MacDonald, PC in St. Louis. He is a Fellow and Immediate Past-President of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a Diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, and a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.
R. Scott Richart is a senior partner and currently the managing partner at Albano, Richart, Welch & Bajackson, LLC (f/k/a Welch, Martin & Albano), where he has practiced since joining the firm in 1997. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from Creighton University School of Law in 1992.
Mr. Richart practices exclusively in the area of Family Law. In that regard, he assists people who are going through a dissolution proceeding or a modification of a prior dissolution action and has extensive experience in advocating for his clients in the courtroom when litigation is necessary.
In addition to his matrimonial work, Mr. Richart has lectured extensively on family law matters to include prenuptial and postnuptial agreements; paternity establishment actions; complex high asset property divisions; the initial establishment and subsequent modifications of maintenance and child support orders; and contested guardianship and adoption actions.
Many of Mr. Richart's professional affiliations reflect his practice area, and they have included being listed as a Super Lawyer in the State of Missouri as well as becoming a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He is also a member of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, where he has served as President of the Family Law Committee, and the Eastern Jackson County Bar Association.
Anita Rodarte is the current President of Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and Past President of the AAML Foundation (2016-2017). She has practiced Family Law in the Kansas City metropolitan area since 1984 and is a frequent lecturer on Missouri Family Law topics.
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.
Michelle J. Spirn has over 25 years of experience in all facets of family law litigation. She is a Fellow and the past-president of the Missouri Chapter 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. In 2025, she was honored to receive the Roger E. Krumm Family Law Award, which honors a family law lawyer who has demonstrated an exceptional degree of competence, skill, integrity, commitment, and dedication toward the improvement and advancement of the practice of family law.
Michelle has been recognized by Best Lawyers In America every year since 2019 and was named Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Family Law in 2021. In 2023, Michelle was elected as one of the attorneys on the Judicial Commission of the 21st Judicial Circuit, which helps fill judicial vacancies in Saint Louis County pursuant to the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan.
Michelle has also been designated a St. Louis “Super Lawyer” since 2014 by Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers. The same publication listed her as a “Top 50 St. Louis Super Lawyer” since 2021, and as one of the “Top 50 Women Lawyers” in Missouri and Kansas in 2015 and 2016, and every year since 2018. 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. She holds the “AV” rating of the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory, the highest rating an attorney can achieve.
Michelle graduated from Washington University School of Law in 1996 and George Washington University in 1992. Michelle loves to read and bake anything from the New York Times cooking section.
Amanda Trigg is a family law attorney with over 30 years of experience representing clients in all phases of family law resolution, litigation, arbitration and mediation. Her clients include entrepreneurs, physicians, lawyers, artists, parents of special needs children, and grandparents and third parties seeking custody. Amanda is recognized as a leader in the family law bar, and is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney.
We have a room block reserved at Hilton St. Louis Frontenac for April 9, 2026 through April 11, 2026 at a special rate of $169 + tax.
The room block expires when filled or on March 19, 2026.
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/stlfhhf-914-ccccb1c3-3e28-4800-a30c-58010b1ea11e/
Click HERE to review the Cancellation Policy.
If you request accommodations addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, email your request at least three weeks prior to the program to mobarcle@mobar.org.
MoBarCLE may take photos and video at this program. By attending, you give The Missouri Bar permission to use images or audio captured at these programs, as well as any written comment on evaluation forms, in any electronic or printed communications by The Missouri Bar and for any educational, advertising, and promotional purposes. You agree to release The Missouri Bar, its employees, agents, and designees from liability for any violation of any personal or proprietary right you may have in connection with such use.
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.
