Divorce doesn’t end a family—it changes it. How it changes depends on the support and guidance parents receive during these critical moments. As a first responder to divorce, you’re in a unique position to do more than help parents “get through it”—you can guide them toward redefining their family in a way that strengthens connection and helps their children feel grounded in a time of uncertainty.
This hands-on, interactive workshop will equip you with the tools to navigate the emotional complexities of divorce. You’ll learn how grief, stress, and overwhelm influence co-parenting dynamics and shape decision-making. Through practical strategies, real-world resources, and engaging exercises, you’ll gain actionable skills to help parents reduce conflict, make skillful choices, and stay focused on what truly matters—their children’s well-being.
Key takeaways:
Examine the complex emotional impact of divorce on families
● Explore how grief, stress, and loss shape co-parenting behaviors, decision-making, and parent-child relationships.
Learn how to implement new tools that help co-parents redefine their roles
● Discover innovative techniques you can use to guide parents from conflict to collaboration, fostering healthier co-parenting dynamics and developing a shared focus on children’s needs.
Enhance your ability to facilitate difficult conversations with co-parents while leveraging educational support skills
● Develop skills that to help parents navigate emotionally charged discussions, address differences, and create solutions while gaining critical skills.
Gain practical, ready-to-use resources for every experience level
● Receive materials designed to enhance your work, empower co-parents, and safeguard children’s emotional well-being, offering value for both new and seasoned practitioners.
PLENARY: Our Ecosystem: How Courts and Divorce Mediators Can Work Together to Help Families in Transition
Speakers: Daniel Kos, Statewide ADR Coordinator and Bridget O’Connell, Esq. MSW, Court Attorney-Referee and Regional ADR Coordinator for Districts 5, 6, 7, 8
Moderator: Lara Traum, Esq.
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 8:15 am to 9:45 am
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
How to Market and Build Your Practice
Speakers: Kevin Clark, Esq., and Nicolas Crocitto, Co-chairs of Public Awareness Committee,
Liz Vaz, Esq., and Alex Clark
Moderator: Renee O. LaPoint, M.S.
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 10:15 am to 11:45 am
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Fair Shares & Tax Flares: Navigating Equitable Distribution, Tax Impacts and Compensation in Divorce
Speakers: Steve Kaplan, CPA/ABV; Donna LaScala, CDFA®; and Jay Mota, CFP®, CDFA®, WMCP®, ChFC®, CQS®, MAFF®
Moderator: Mark Josephson, Esq., CPA, CFP, CFE, CGMA
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 10:15 am to 11:45 am
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Improving Outcomes for Families with Structured Co-Parenting Communication
Speaker: Lindsay Morris, Our Family Wizard, Platinum Sponsor
Moderator:
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 10:15 am to 11:15 am
(1 CEs Pending)
Annual Meeting
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 12 pm to 1:30 pm
President's Report, Treasurer's Report, Election Results, Member Town Hall
Business Valuation: Dispelling Common Myths
Speakers: Rosalia Labate CPA/CDFA/CVA/MAFF and Sheryl-Anne Sastow, Esq.
Moderator: Donna LaScala, CDFA®
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 1:30 pm to 3 pm
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Protecting Your Practice & Reputation from Cyber Threats
Speaker: Mike Mooney, Senior Vice President of USI Affinity
Moderator: Kristen G. Lyndaker, Esq.
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 1:30 pm to 3 pm
(1.5 CLEs, CEs Pending)
Update on the Law
Speakers: Helene Bernstein, Esq., Hon. Celeste Bailey, Esq., and Katie Martin, Esq.
Moderator: Connie Fraser
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 3:15 PM to 5:15 pm
(2 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Surrogacy: What Mediators Need to Know
Speakers: Rebecca L. Mendel, Esq. and Denise E. Seidelman, Esq.
Moderator: Carmen M. Rodriguez, Esq.
Saturday, April 26, 2025 ~ 8:30 am to 10 am
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Closing Real Estate Loopholes in Mediation
Speakers: Alla Roytberg, Esq., and Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFA®, CES™
Moderator: Jill Sanders-DeMott, Esq.
Saturday, April 26, 2025 ~ 8:30 am to 10 am
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Navigating Mental Health and Family Dynamics During Mediation
Speakers: Jihee Cho, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and Talaiya Safdar, Esq.
Moderator: Rachel Ji-Young Yoo, Esq.
Saturday, April 26, 2025 ~ 8:30 am to 10 am
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
The Spousal Maintenance Guidelines: 10 Years After
Speakers: Dan Burns, Esq.
Moderator: Ada L. Hasloecher
Saturday, April 26, 2025 ~ 10:30 am to 12 pm
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Addressing Addiction in Mediation: Balancing Compassion and Safety
Speakers: Micki McWade, LMSW, and Kenneth J. Novenstern, Esq.
Moderator: Steven M. Kaplan, CPA/ABV, MBA
Saturday, April 26, 2025 ~ 10:30 am to 12 pm
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
You Asked For It! Casual Lunch to Reconnect, Recap & Reinvigorate!
Saturday, April 26, 2025 ~ 12 pm to 1 pm (Or hang out longer if you like!)
REGISTER TODAY!
RATES & HOTEL INFO