Autism and Family Court – The 2024 Update
Date: Sep 18, 2024 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Member Price: $177.00
Non-Member Price: $209.00
Section Price: $157.00
Areas of Law: Family
Earn up to 4.5 credits, including 1.0 in Diversity! (More Information)
Keynote
Moderator
- Hon. Lawrence R. Jones, JSC (Ret.)
- Adjunct Professor, University of New Mexico
Lawrence R. Jones NM LLC
Presenters
- Bianca Coleman, PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D
- Behavior Therapy Associates, Somerset
- Carmen M. Diaz, Esq.
- Chair, Family Law Department
Goodgold West Diaz Bennett & Klein, LLC, Roseland - Joni Jones, RN, PMH-BC
- Autism Educator/Advocate, Mediator, Children With Special Needs
- Francesca O'Cathain, Esq.
- Certified By the Supreme Court of New Jersey As a Matrimonial Attorney
O'Cathain Law Group - S. Paul Prior, Esq.
- Special Education and Needs Attorneys
Hinkle Prior & Fischer PC, Lawrenceville
Presented in cooperation with the NJSBA Family Law Section and the New Jersey State Bar Foundation
According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national rate of identified autism spectrum disorder is 1 in 36 children. New Jersey has one of the highest rates of autism in the nation: 1 in 35 children, or 2.9% of 8-year-old children.
Roughly half of all marriages end in divorce. With the rates of autism on the rise, it is a safe prediction that almost every family law attorney will soon handle at least one case involving a child with autism or other similar developmental disability.
Accordingly, it is important for matrimonial practitioners, judges, mediators, mental health professionals and many parents to familiarize themselves with special issues which arise when parents have a child with autism spectrum disorder. The importance is further heightened when children with autism find themselves in the middle of divorce proceedings. Do you have effective strategies to help make children with autism comfortable when interacting with them in already stressful matrimonial law matters? Are you aware of the unique needs that children with autism have in order to make sure they are reasonably addressed when parents divorce?
Make your plans today to attend this annual program to learn everything you need to know when handling divorces involving children with autism. You’ll pick up relevant information that makes a real difference in the lives of your clients as you work through these complex and often overlooked considerations together.
Program agenda
- 9:00 | Opening comments
- 9:05 | Overview of Family Court and autism spectrum disorder
- 9:15 | A psychologist's view - Bianca Coleman, PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D
- 9:50 | Custody and parenting time - Carmen Diaz, Esq.
- 10:30 | Break
- 10:40 | Child support/alimony/equitable distribution- Francesca O’Cathain, Esq.
- 11:20 | Education issues and transition to adulthood - S. Paul Prior, Esq.
- 12:05 | Roundtable and Q&A on autism diversity and inclusion issues
- 12:55 | Conclusion and closing remarks
- 1:00 | Adjourn
Important Information About Our Events, Meetings, and More:
To secure your spot and receive important updates about our events, meetings, and other gatherings, such as schedule changes, remember to register in advance.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
If you need to cancel your registration and are not transferring to another program or date, please submit a written request to us at least three business days before the event, meeting, or gathering. You will receive a refund minus a $20.00 cancellation fee. No refunds or registration changes will be issued within three business days of the event, meeting, or gathering.
Stay Informed:
Registered participants will be notified of any schedule changes. For updates regarding inclement weather, please check your email or visit NJSBA.com.
Media Consent:
By participating in our events, meetings, or other gatherings, you agree to be photographed and/or recorded. Additionally, all media content captured during these gatherings will become the property of NJSBA. This content, including your image and name, may be used in our future promotional materials without additional consent or compensation.
Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy:
Read our Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy and submit an Application here: https://njsba.com/njicle/cle-programs/scholarship/