Friday | Jan. 24, 2025
6 – 8 p.m.

Children and Education Advocacy in Family Law

Join us for The Family Law Symposium Friday night seminar.

Few disagreements are as fraught for parents in custody disputes as those involving battles over education. From arguments over school enrollment to payment for extracurricular activities, conflicts over tutoring, homework supervision and special education, it is vital for family lawyers to have a solid understanding of the issues involved.

Join John F. DeBartolo as he moderates a panel of family law and education law attorneys and professionals, along with an esteemed judge, who will present a timely and important program packed with information on education advocacy for the family law lawyer. The speakers will discuss applicable federal and state laws, recent case law, the role of educators and practical ways that family lawyers can help their clients obtain the highest quality education for their pre-K through high school children.

Program Agenda:

(Judge Hoffman will interject the judicial perspective whenever he deems it appropriate)

I. Overview of the Bases for the Right to Education and Parental Obligations – Jessica Weinberg, Esq.

II. Meaning of “Appropriate Education” and the Services Available to Effectuate It – Monica Ahearn, education advocate and parenting coordinator
– “Appropriate education” defined and interpreted
– The role of the child study team
– Individual Education Plan (IEP) – How to determine which students need one, how to obtain one, its components and the services available, including special placement.

III. Children of Separated or Divorced Parents 

• Issues Involving the School Districts – Candice L. Drisgula, Esq. and Lauren A. Miceli, Esq.
  – Public v. private school – case law and considerations
  – What should be contained in consent orders or court orders?
  – Payment of tuition to a school district
  – Drafting of MSA’s
  – “Does PPR for education purposes” have any significance?
  – Third-party custody
• Litigation of Education Disputes – Candice L. Drisgula, Esq.; Ronald G.Lieberman, Esq. and Lauren A. Miceli, Esq.
  – Pre-judgment discovery
  – Important aspects of motion practice
  – The Guardian Ad Litem (GAL)
  • What is the role of the GAL and attorney for child?
  • When does the GAL report to the court and testify?
  • If an attorney for child – what steps to take? Whose wishes does she or he follow?
  • Burden of going forward and burden of proof
  • Appropriate relief to seek from court
  • Unique and specific issues for in-state and out-of-state relocation cases
• All About Expert Witnesses – Monica Ahearn, M.A. and Ronald G. Lieberman, Esq.
  – Types of experts and when and how to employ one
  – Important procedures when using an expert
  – The expert’s report – what you need and what you hope for
  – Proper use of the report in motion practice and trial
• Effective Mediation of Education Issues – Jeffrey Fiorello, Esq., Chair, NJSBA Family Law Section
• Financial Issues when Education Law Intersects with Family Law – Melissa Bollinger, Senior Associate for Forensic and Valuation Services, Smolin, Lupin & Co.
  – Use of 529 accounts for K-12 education
  – “Able accounts” – Tax advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities
  – Eligibility, establishment and funding, control and use
  – Use of trusts for special education, for post-high school education, and tutoring
• Advocacy for Separated or Divorced Parents with Common Interests and Goals for Their Children – Lauren A. Miceli, Esq; Jessica Weinberg, Esq. and Monica Ahearn, M.A.
  – Dealing with the school administration
  – Dealing with the school board or board of education
  – Dealing with the state Board of Education and Commissioner of Education
  – Why, when and how to go to the Administrative Law Courts

Saturday | Jan. 25, 2025
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

2025 Family Law Symposium

Program Agenda:

• 9:00 | Introduction – Jeffrey Fiorello, Esq.
• 9:05 | Top 10 Reported Cases – John P. Paone, Jr., Esq.
• 9:40 | Taxes and Finance
  – Moderators: Robert A. Epstein, Esq. and Megan S. Murray, Esq.
  – Presenters: Hon. Daniel H. Brown, J.S.C.; Kevin J. Baldwin, CPA, ABV; Alexandra M. Freed, Esq.; Jason E. Marx, Esq.; Matheu D. Nunn, Esq.; David Politziner, CPA and Amanda S. Trigg, Esq.
• 10:50 | Break
• 11:10 | Estate Planning: More Than a One Stop Shop – From Prenuptial Agreements to Divorce
  – Moderator: Jenna Shapiro, Esq.
  – Presenters: Kaitlyn A. Lapi, Esq.; Michael A. Saponara, CPA and Seth M. Weintraub, Esq.
• 11:20 | Immigration
  – Moderator: Christine Fitzgerald, Esq.
  – Presenters: Justice Michael Noriega; Hon. Gary Potters, J.S.C.; Gina Berkery, CPA; Eileen S. King English, Esq.; Scott R. Malyk, Esq.; Maritza Rodriguez, Esq.; Sheryl J. Seiden, Esq.; Megha R. Thakkar, Esq. and Amanda M. Yu, Esq.
• 12:10 | Lunch
• 1:00 | Top 10 Unreported Cases
  – Moderator: Stephanie Lomurro, Esq.
  
• 1:35 | Creative Arguments Around Equitable Distribution
  – Moderator: Sheryl J. Seiden, Esq.
  – Presenters: Amanda S. Trigg, Esq.; Jeralyn L. Lawrence, Esq. and Francesca O’Cathain, Esq.
• 1:55 | Bankruptcy
  – Moderator: Cheryl E. Connors, Esq.
  – Presenters: Hon. Hany A. Mawla, P.J.A.D.; Robin C. Bogan, Esq.; Joseph M. Casello, Esq.; LaDonna M. Cousins, Esq.; Jhanice V. Domingo, Esq.; Timothy F. McGoughran, Esq.; Susan Miano, CPA, APV, CFF and George Veitengruber, Esq.
  
• 2:45 | The Obergefell Decision Ten Years Out – How Equal is Equal
• 3:05 | Break
• 3:15 | QDRO’s and Retirement Assets
  – Moderator: Rita M. Aquilio, Esq.
  – Speakers: Judith A. Deer, Esq.; Megan A. Sartor, CPA, ABV, CFF and Emily Urrico, Esq.
• 3:55 | Real Estate
  – Moderator: Cassie Murphy, Esq.
  – Presenters: Hon. Jodi L. Rosenberg, J.S.C.; Thomas DeCataldo, Jr., Esq.; Mercedes Diego, Esq.; Judy Doyle, CPA, APV; Derek M. Freed, Esq.; Michael Klein; Jeralyn L. Lawrence, Esq. and Paul Sobol
• 4:25 | Wrap Up
• 4:30 | Adjourn