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Juggling Conflicts,Crises and Clients

in Family Court


in Family Court

4 3 R D A N N U A L C O N F E R E N C E

May 31-June 3, 2006

Westin Innisbrook Resort

Tampa Bay, Florida

AFCC is an interdisciplinary and international association of professionals dedicated toimproving the lives of children and families through the resolution of family conflict.

Learn the Latest Innovations■ Special issues in military divorces

■ Advanced issues for parenting coordinators

■ Innovative dispute resolution processes

■ Child abduction prevention

■ Collaborative divorce

■ Differentiating domestic abuse

■ Assessing religious disputes

Build Your Practice Skills■ Mediation skills and techniques

■ New frontiers in negotiation

■ Ethical challenges for family lawyers

■ Psychological testing

■ Dealing with difficult clients

■ Expert testimony

■ Settling financial disputes

Relax, Refresh and Recharge!The Westin Innisbrook Resort is nestled in 900 acres ofrolling hills surrounded by pine and cypress trees on Florida’sGulf Coast and is a spectacular getaway for the entire family.

Six swimming pools, including waterslides,a poolside grill and complimentary

beach shuttle.

Four championship golf courses,11 tennis courts and six miles of nature, biking and jogging trails.

A fitness center and children’s recreation center. Day trips to

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Walt Disney World are 30-90

minutes away.

Rooms begin at $128 per night; suites with kitchenettes begin at $148 per night.

AFCC 43rd Annual Conference

Juggling Conflicts, Crises and Clients in Family CourtMay 31 – June 3, 2006

WHY ATTEND THIS CONFERENCE?The AFCC Annual Conference brings together innovators, thinkers and reformers. You’ll interact with leading judges, mediators, lawyers, parenting coordinators, custody evaluators, researchers and others.

Annual Conference program, January 2006, Vol 43, No. 1Published annually by the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

6525 Grand Teton Plaza, Madison, WI 53719

AND CONCILIATION COURTSASSOCIATION OF FAMILY

Continuing Education for psychologists, lawyers, mediators and mental health professionalsAFCC is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing educa-tion for psychologists. AFCC maintains responsibility for the program. Sessions are eligiblefor continuing education units through the Association for Conflict Resolution and CMEhours for mediators in Florida. Application has been made for continuing education formental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers and lawyers inFlorida. Please see page 27 of this program for further details.

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Featured Presenters

Professor Martin F. GuggenheimAuthor, What’s Wrong with Children’s Rights

Pauline H. Tesler, J.D.Co-author, Collaborative Divorce

Dr. Isolina RicciAuthor, Mom’s House,Dad’s House for Kids

Professor Andrew SchepardAuthor, Children, Courts

and Custody

Hon. Susan B. CarbonVice President, National Council

of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

Forrest S. Mosten, J.D.Author, The Complete Guide

to Mediation

Erica Ariel Fox, J.D.Harvard Negotiation

Insight Initiative

Hon. Hugh E. StarnesAFCC President

Dr. Marsha Kline PruettYale School of Medicine

Hon. Denise McColleyFamily Court of

Henry County, Ohio

Professor Linda ElrodEditor, Family Law Quarterly

Sharon B. Press, J.D.Director, Florida Dispute

Resolution Center

Hon. R. James WilliamsSupreme Court of Nova Scotia

Hon. Peter Boshier Principal Family Court Judge of New Zealand

Chief Justice Diana BryantFamily Court of Australia

Christine A. Coates, M.Ed., J.D.Co-author, Learning

from Divorce

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AFCC Board of DirectorsPresidentHon. Hugh E. Starnes, Fort Myers, FL

President ElectMary Ferriter, J.D., M.P.A., Boston, MA

Vice President/SecretaryHon. William C. Fee, Angola, IN

TreasurerRobert M. Smith, M.Div., J.D., Fort Collins, CO

Past PresidentLeslye Hunter, M.A., Metairie, LA

Richard Altman, J.D., Napoleon, OH

Wendy Bryans, LL.B., Ottawa, ON

Annette T. Burns, J.D., Phoenix, AZ

Hon. George Czutrin, Hamilton, ON

Hon. Linda M. Dessau, Melbourne, Australia

Robin M. Deutsch, Ph.D., Boston, MA

Cori Erickson, M.S., Sheridan, WY

Linda B. Fieldstone, M.Ed., Miami, FL

Stephen Grant, M.A., Wethersfield, CT

Hon. Emile Kruzick, Orangeville, ON

C. Eileen Pruett, Columbus, OH

Arnold Shienvold, Ph.D., Harrisburg, PA

Philip M. Stahl, Ph.D., West Palm Beach, FL

Janet Walker, Ph.D., Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Conference Program CommitteeLeslye Hunter, M.A., Co-chairHon. Denise McColley, Co-chairHon. George CzutrinMary Ferriter, J.D., M.P.A.Dianna Gould-Saltman, J.D.Rebecca T. Magruder, M.S.W., J.D.Marsha Kline Pruett, Ph.D., M.S.L.Hon. Hugh E. Starnes

AFCC StaffExecutive DirectorPeter Salem, M.A.

Program DirectorCandace Walker, CMP, CMM

Marketing and Development ManagerDavid Vigliotta, B.S.

Registrar/Office ManagerDawn Holmes

Program AssistantNola Risse-Connolly, B.A.

Administrative AssistantMarlys Landsee, B.A.

AFCC6525 Grand Teton PlazaMadison, WI 53719Phone: (608) 664-3750 • Fax: (608) 664-3751Email: [email protected] • Web: www.afccnet.org

Conference SponsorsComplete Equity Markets, Inc.

Freedom 22 Foundation

Collaborating OrganizationsAssociation of Family and Conciliation Courts FloridaChapter

American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution

American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law

American Psychological Association

Association for Conflict Resolution Family Section

Florida Dispute Resolution Center

International Association of Collaborative Professionals

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

National Association of Council for Children

University of South Florida Conflict ResolutionCollaborative

Table of Contents

Conference at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Pre-conference Institutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Conference Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Important Conference Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Travel and Lodging Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Registration Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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Conference at a GlanceTUESDAY, MAY 30, 2006

6:00pm-8:00pm Conference Registration

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2006

7:30am-6:30pm Conference Registration

8:00am-5:00pm Exhibitor Forum

8:00am-9:00am Coffee and Rolls for Institute Registrants

9:00am-4:30pm Pre-conference Institutes

12:30pm-4:30pm AFCC Board of Directors Meeting

5:00pm-6:00pm Conference Orientation and Networking

6:30pm-7:30pm Welcome Reception and Exhibitor Forum

9:00pm-12:00am AFCC Hospitality Suite

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2006



7:30am-8:30am Coffee and Rolls

8:30am-10:00am Opening Session

10:00am-10:30am Break and Exhibitor Forum

10:30am-12:00pm Workshops 1-8

12:00pm-1:30pm AFCC Awards Luncheon

1:45pm-3:15pm Workshops 9-16

3:15pm-3:30pm Break and Exhibitor Forum


3:30pm-6:00pm Workshop 24 JudicialOfficers Forum

5:00pm-6:00pm Researcher’s Wine andCheese Forum

5:00pm-6:00pm FLAFCC Membership Meeting

Evening Taste of Florida


FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2006




8:30am-10:00am Plenary Session


10:30am-12:00pm Plenary Session

12:00pm-1:30pm Lunch on your own andExhibitor Forum

12:00pm-1:30pm Family Court Review Editorial Board Meeting




5:30pm-7:00pm Silent Auction andReception

7:00pm-9:00pm AFCC Annual Banquet


SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2006




8:00am-9:00am AFCC Membership Meeting

9:15am-10:45am Workshops 41-48



Afternoon Optional Golf and Recreational Activities


9:00am-4:30pm Pre-conference Institutes

1. The Thinning Vision of Self-Determination inDivorce and Family Mediation

The wide range of mediation styles has generated much discussionabout ethical, appropriate and effective interventions, especiallywhen it comes to mediators providing information to the parties.Some mediators balk at the slightest hint of a suggestion while oth-ers have no problem proposing, encouraging or pressuring partiesto accept specific settlement terms. What happens when mediatorsbecome the source of solutions? Is there a bright line between infor-mation and advice? When, if ever, does it cross over to malpractice?This institute will first examine the ethical dimensions of thesethorny issues, and then focus on skills for mediators to assist par-ties in issue identification, problem-solving and information gath-ering in a way that is both effective and ethical.

Sharon B. Press, J.D., Director, Florida Dispute Resolution Center,Tallahassee, FL

Melvin A. Rubin, J.D., Mediation Services, Inc., Coral Gables, FL

Arnold Shienvold, Ph.D., Riegler, Shienvold & Associates,Harrisburg, PA

2. Advanced Institute on Parenting CoordinationParenting coordination requires the most advanced psycho-legalskills of any role in the family court. This institute will address chal-lenges parenting coordinators face when working with families toimplement parenting plans and custody orders. Presenters willdiscuss the art of integrating multiple roles—the mediative, edu-cational, arbitrative and strategic family systems—into oneprocess. Issues including domestic violence, child alienation, childabuse and chronic litigants will be addressed. Participants will havethe opportunity to share their own parenting coordination chal-lenges for feedback and consultation.

Christine A. Coates, M.Ed., J.D., Co-author, Learning fromDivorce, Boulder, CO

Barbara Jo Fidler, Ph.D., Family Solutions, Toronto, ON

Matthew J. Sullivan, Ph.D., Palo Alto, CA

3. Controversial Issues in Child CustodyEvaluations

The challenges of conducting child custody evaluations are exac-erbated by multiple philosophies and approaches, many of whichhave been debated during the development of AFCC’s Model Stan-dards of Practice on Child Custody Evaluations. This institute willexamine controversies including: (1) whether evaluators can effec-tively assist the families they are evaluating; (2) whether the courtor the family should be conceptualized as the primary recipient ofthe report; and (3) if and when evaluators should depart from rec-ognized procedures. The use of testing instruments and limitationsof methods and opinions will also be discussed in this interactiveinstitute. Participants will have the opportunities to raise their owncontroversial issues for discussion.

William G. Austin, Ph.D., Steamboat Springs, CO

Lorraine Martin, M.S.W., Coordinator of Social Work, Office ofthe Children’s Lawyer, Toronto, ON

David A. Martindale, Ph.D., Morristown, NJ

Nancy Olesen, Ph.D., San Rafael, CA

4. “The Research Says…”Effective Use of Social Science Research in Family Law Cases

While many family law professionals liberally cite “the research,”such references are often inaccurate. How can professionals ensureappropriate and effective use of social science research? What stan-dards should be used to assess the quality and admissibility ofresearch and how can these be applied by professionals withoutresearch training? This practice-oriented institute will examine therelevance of social science research in deciding cases and develop-ing law. This program is designed for judges, lawyers, mental healthprofessionals and others who are interested in gaining a betterunderstanding of the effective use and limitations of social scienceresearch in family law cases.

Janet R. Johnston, Ph.D., San Jose State University, San Jose, CA

Hon. Amy Karan, 11th Judicial Circuit, Miami, FL

Robert F. Kelly, Ph.D., Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY

Sarah H. Ramsey, J.D., LL.M., Syracuse University College of Law,Syracuse, NY

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Pre-conference Institutes(Separate registration fee required. Please see conference registration information on page 28)

“AFCC conferences make you realize that what we do is part of a much bigger picture.”

Hon. Jann P. DuBois, Fourth Judicial District, CO

5. Negotiation 2006: New FrontiersThe art and practice of negotiation has changed dramatically overthe last quarter-century. This interactive institute will introducenew approaches to negotiation. The morning session will providean opportunity to practice concrete strategies that enable immedi-ate application of interest-based negotiation to intractable conflictsthat appear to call for hardball bargaining tactics. The afternoonpresentation will share some of the most recent thinking emergingfrom the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, the insti-tution that gave birth to Getting to Yes. The presenter and audiencewill explore the essential role of the human spirit in effective nego-tiation, mediation and conflict resolution, including practicalapplication.

Erica Ariel Fox, J.D., Director, Harvard Negotiation InsightInitiative, Lecturer, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA

Forrest S. Mosten, J.D., Trainer and Author, The Complete Guideto Mediation, Los Angeles, CA

6. Domestic Violence: What’s a Neutral to Do?The presence of domestic violence in parenting disputes presentssignificant challenges for judges, parenting coordinators, mediators,custody evaluators and lawyers representing children. Should alldomestic violence be treated similarly or are there differences inseverity and chronicity that should be considered? What shouldneutrals do when there are conflicting allegations? Are there safeand effective ways to preserve parenting relationships with a per-petrator? This hands-on institute will provide participants withspecific strategies and techniques to address the challenging ques-tions for neutrals who work with parenting disputes in cases involv-ing domestic violence.

Deborah O. Day, Psy.D., Psychological Affiliates, Inc.,Winter Park, FL

Hon. William G. Jones (ret.), Charlotte, NC

Kelly Browe Olson, J.D., LL.M., University of Arkansas,Little Rock, AR

Hon. Alice Blackwell White, Orlando, FL

What is AFCC?AFCC is an interdisciplinary and international associationof professionals dedicated to the resolution of familyconflict. AFCC brings together members of multipledisciplines in the public, private and nonprofit sectorsfrom all over the world. As a nonprofit professional asso-ciation, AFCC is unique because members do not sharea common profession. Instead, AFCC members sharea strong commitment to education, innovation andcollaboration in order to benefit communities, empowerfamilies and promote a health future for children.

MissionTo improve the lives of children and families throughthe resolution of family conflict.

VisionA justice system in which all professionals workcollaboratively through education, support, and accessto services to achieve the best possible outcome forchildren and families.

Values■ Collaboration and respect among professions and

disciplines

■ Learning through inquiry, discussion and debate

■ Innovation in addressing the needs of families andchildren in conflict

■ Empowering families to resolve conflict and makedecisions about their future

Join Today!(See page 28 to find out how)

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Pre-conference Institutes


7:30am-6:30pm Conference Registration8:00am-5:00pm Exhibitor Forum8:00am-9:00am Coffee and Rolls for

Institute Registrants9:00am-4:30pm Pre-conference Institutes12:30pm-4:30pm AFCC Board of Directors

Meeting5:00pm-6:00pm Conference Orientation

and Networking6:30pm-7:30pm Welcome Reception and

Exhibitor Forum9:00pm-12:00am AFCC Hospitality Suite

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2006

7:30am-5:00pm Conference Registration7:30am-5:00pm Exhibitor Forum7:30am-8:30am Coffee and Rolls8:30am-10:00am Opening SessionWelcome: Hon. Hugh E. Starnes, President, Association of

Family and Conciliation Courts, Fort Myers, FL

In Whose Best Interests? Juggling the Rights,Needs and Interests of Children, Parents and FamiliesThe tension between parents’ rights and what is in the best inter-ests of children often collide head-on in parenting plan disputes.How can professionals ensure a balance between individual rightsto parent children and the needs of the entire family? Are the needsof children of divorce and separation more important than therights of their parents? What ethical and practice challenges con-front the judge, lawyer, custody evaluator and mediator? This inter-disciplinary panel will examine these critical questions and discussthis precarious juggling act.

Hon. Susan B. Carbon, Vice President, National Council ofJuvenile and Family Court Judges, Plymouth, NH

David Hoffman, J.D., Immediate Past-Chair, ABA Section ofDispute Resolution, Boston, MA

Isolina Ricci, Ph.D., Author, Mom’s House, Dad’s House forKids, Tiburon, CA

Moderator: Professor Nancy Ver Steegh, M.S.W., J.D., WilliamMitchell College of Law, St. Paul, MN



1. Special Needs of Military Families for theFamily Law Practitioner

Failure to identify and meaningfully address unique issues relatedto custody, financial support and access in separation agreementsand parenting plans may result in needless disputes and uncer-tainty for families undergoing military mobilization, deployment,and family separation. This in turn often inflicts needless emo-tional upset, household instability, and conflict on the families andcreates exigent circumstances requiring emergency court actionthat might otherwise be avoided. This workshop will provideattorneys, court administrators and others with information toenable them to better meet the needs of separating and divorcingmilitary families.

Gerald D. Laver, J.D., Executive Legal Director, Henry CountyChild Support Enforcement Agency, Napoleon, OH

Fred Matthews, J.D., Bowling Green, OH

2. Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover:Successful Mediator Interventions

Divorce mediation is a highly complex process of moving a com-bination of issues and emotions to a conclusion sought by the par-ties. This workshop will provide examples of numerousinterventions used successfully over more than a quarter century ofdivorce mediation. This session will involve a large group presen-tation and small group discussion. This is a perfect workshop forthose looking to add some tools to their mediator’s toolkit.

Stephen Erickson, J.D., Erickson Mediation Institute,Bloomington, MN

Marilyn McKnight, M.A., Erickson Mediation Institute,Bloomington, MN

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AFCC 43rd Annual ConferenceJuggling Conflicts, Crises and Clients in Family Court

AND CONCILIATION COURTSASSOCIATION OF FAMILY

“Participating in an AFCC conference is a terrificopportunity for anyone who works with families.AFCC is unique in its interdisciplinary nature.

Whether you’re a judge, mediator, custody evaluatoror court administrator, don’t miss the opportunity

to attend this valuable conference.”

Sharon Press, Director,Florida Dispute Resolution Center

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T H U R S D AY, J U N E 1 , 2 0 0 6

3. Judges are from Mars, Everyone Else is from Venus

When judges speak, do people understand? This session will involvea discussion about how Family and Juvenile Courts communicatewith parents, children, attorneys and service providers. The sessionwill explore messages communicated to the “customers” of thecourts from the time they walk in the front door until they leave.Does the language of the courts express a gender, racial or ethnicbias? Does the use of legalese fog over the message? How can weensure that the users of our Family and Juvenile Courts are not leftbewitched, bothered and bewildered?

Joy Ashton, LL.B., Director, Juvenile and Family Law Department,National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Reno, NV

Hon. W. Dennis Duggan, Albany County Family Court,Albany, NY

4. How Courts View Intimate Relationships:Implications for Families and Practice

Societal notions of marriage, relationships and families are chang-ing rapidly and the positions of politicians and policy makers areimpacting mental health and legal practice. This interactive work-shop examines two competing views of intimate ties. The “Conju-gal” view of relationships holds that marriage is a child-centeredsexual union contract between a husband and wife. The “CloseRelationship” model holds that family law must reflect new socialrealities of families, viewing any intimate relationship between twopeople as equally worthy of legal rights and responsibilities. Pre-senters will examine these views and discuss the impact on fami-lies and professionals.

Allan Barsky, J.D., Ph.D., Florida Atlantic University, FortLauderdale, FL

Robin M. Deutsch, Ph.D., Co-Director, Children and the LawProgram, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

Marsha Kline Pruett, Ph.D., M.S.L., Yale University School ofMedicine, New Haven, CT

5. Smokescreen or Fire? Allegations of SexualAbuse in the Context of Parental Separation

Many child abuse allegations in the context of parental separationare true; however, a significant portion are unfounded. Someuntrue allegations are due to fabrication, but more commonly falseallegations occur when accusers have an honest but erroneousbelief in the allegations. This workshop will consider how parentalseparation affects the making of child sexual abuse allegations, withsuggestions for how to distinguish true from false allegations. It willinclude a discussion of how judges and other professionals can dealwith cases where there is uncertainty about whether abuseoccurred.

Professor Nicholas Bala, LL.B., LL.M., Faculty of Law, QueensUniversity, Kingston, ON

Mindy F. Mitnick, M.Ed., Licensed Psychologist, Minneapolis, MN

6. Preventing Abduction in Child Custody Disputes

Of the 200,000 annual child abductions in the U.S., 78% are fam-ily abductions and families involved in custody disputes are at high-est risk. In 2004, the National Conference of Commissioners onUniform State Laws (NCCUSL) appointed a drafting committee toprepare a uniform law on the prevention of child abduction byfamily members. The Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Actwill be up for its second reading in July 2006. The proposed uni-form law builds on research conducted on the risk factors for childabduction. This workshop will feature the Reporter for theNCCUSL Child Abduction Prevention Act and a leading researcheron risk factors for child abduction to discuss prevention of childabduction in child custody disputes.

Linda Elrod, J.D., Reporter, Uniform Child Abduction PreventionAct, Topeka, KS

Janet R. Johnston, Ph.D., San Jose State University, San Jose, CA

7. Don’t Regress Under Stress: Ways to Thrive as a Custody Evaluator

Long hours, stress and isolation working as a custody evaluator canmake it difficult to maintain a feeling of mastery. In this workshop,participants will discover ways to maintain their sanity and use thestress to thrive. Presenters will provide the tools and techniques forachieving greater work satisfaction, more effectiveness, productiv-ity, and a higher quality of work. Don’t miss this fun and usefulworkshop.

Debra Taylor-McGee, Ed.D., Indianapolis, IN

Christy Wise, Psy.D., Solano Beach, CA

8. Split Custody: Family Circumstances for Implementation

Split custody—different legal or physical custody arrangements forindividual children within the same family—is often consideredinappropriate. However, many family circumstances warrant con-sideration of split custody. This workshop will examine assump-tions about siblings in custody disputes, including legal matters andchild development in the context of the sibling sub-system. Pre-senters will discuss the arguments against split custody and cir-cumstances that may warrant such arrangements, including thoserelated to parental functioning, child needs and family dynamics.Legal and procedural issues will be considered.

Sarah S. Pleban, J.D., St. Louis, MO

Richard Scott, Ph.D., St. Louis, MO

12:00pm-1:30pm AFCC Awards Luncheon

Presiding: Hon. Hugh E. Starnes, AFCC President,Fort Myers, FL

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9. Ethical Challenges for Lawyers: When ZealousAdvocacy and Best Interests Collide

The obligation of a lawyer to zealously advocate for a client canpresent an ethical challenge when the best interests of a child areinvolved. What should a lawyer do when a client wants to vigor-ously advocate for a position that the lawyer feels will underminethe best interests of children? How are best practices and ethicalrules applied? This workshop will examine these questions andconsider the UN Convention on the Rights of Children, the AAMLBounds of Advocacy and the Best Practice Guidelines for LawyersDoing Family Law Work by the Australian Government Family LawCounsel.

Hon. Diana Bryant, Chief Justice, Family Court of Australia,Melbourne, Australia

R. John Harper, LL.B., Harper Jaskot, Hamilton, ON

William J. Howe, III, J.D., Gevurtz, Menashe, Larson & Howe,Portland, OR

10. Differentiating Types of Domestic ViolenceChild custody determinations are often based on the belief thatfamilies with a history of domestic violence are all alike. However,researchers, scholars and practitioners increasingly agree that fami-lies experience different types of domestic violence involving dis-tinctly different phenomena. A one-size-fits-all approach mayresult in unsafe or inappropriate referrals or services, while somewho could benefit from those very procedures and services are dis-couraged from using them. This session will examine child custodydeterminations through the lens of a domestic violence typology.

Kelly Browe Olson, J.D., LL.M., University of Arkansas, LittleRock, AR

Nancy Ver Steegh, J.D., M.S.W., William Mitchell College of Law,St. Paul, MN

11. Attorneys and Parenting Coordinators:Alignment and Accountability

Attorneys and parenting coordinators face many challenges inattempts to perform their respective roles without underminingeach other. The attorney must advocate for the client, which maylead to alignment. The parenting coordinator has a duty to helpparties recognize their actions and behaviors that contribute toongoing problems. What happens when an attorney counsels aclient to take a position that fuels the conflict between the couple?This workshop will explore the tension in the relationship betweenthe attorney and the parenting coordinator and open a dialogue toidentify the common interests and pitfalls.

Richard Gersten, J.D., Ph.D., Naples, FL

Siri Gottlieb, M.S.W., J.D., Ann Arbor, MI

12. How Attachment Relationships InformCustody Evaluators

Attachment relationships are crucial for the infant and child’s sur-vival. Custody evaluators are increasingly including attachmentnotions in their reports describing the relationships between par-ents and children. This session will focus on clear definition ofattachment and how custody evaluators can meaningfully applynotions of attachment in their analyses of family relationships. Pre-senters will examine the use and misuse of attachment notions inspecific evaluations and particular families.

Ginger C. Calloway, Ph.D., Raleigh, NC

Nancy Grace, J.D., Raleigh, NC

S. Margaret Lee, Ph.D., Greenbrae, CA

13. Avoiding Crises for Non-Residential Parents: Helping Them Juggle

There is increasing emphasis on the role of non-residential parents(particularly fathers) after separation and divorce, with policy-makers and practitioners encouraging shared parental responsi-bilities and active participation by non-residential parents.However, maintaining close involvement with children presentsmajor challenges for these parents. This workshop brings togetherresearchers to provide an international perspective on how the co-parental role of non-residential parents can be better understood,and how it can be supported through the conflicts and crises in thelife of a separated family.

Professor Janet Walker, Newcastle Centre for Family Studies,Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Dr. Bruce Smyth, Australian Institute for Family Studies,Melbourne, Australia

Dr. Graeme Wilson, Newcastle Centre for Family Studies,Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

14. Dealing with Challenging ClientsThe dynamics of dispute resolution become more complex whenone of the parties is “challenging.” The insertion of certain per-sonality traits into the negotiation arena escalates the difficulty inreaching a settlement and may, if not adequately handled, derail theprocess altogether. Thus, the ability to recognize the difficult per-sonalities, understand the underlying reasons for his/her behaviorand employment of tools to guide the party in a positive directionare invaluable. This workshop will assist the participants in identi-fying the various types of difficult personalities, understanding theunderlying causes for the behavior exhibited by such persons andthe strategies that can be employed to maintain control of the con-flict resolution process.

Gay G. Cox, J.D., Dallas, TX

Deborah Johnson, CHFC, CDFA, Littleton, CO

Robert J. Matlock, J.D., McKinney, TX

Patrick A. Savage, MA, LPC, DAPA, Dallas, TX

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15. The Changing Role of the Mediator in theFamily Court of Australia

The Family Court of Australia is piloting a new approach to childdisputes in response to government initiatives that will extendcommunity services for separating families across Australia. Thenew role includes a more expert role for mediators, who will bereferred to as family and child specialists. All interventions may bereported to the judge if the matter proceeds to trial and feedbackloops to parents and legal representatives will provide settlementopportunities. This presentation will explore the changing role ofthe mediator.

Dianne Gibson, Principal Mediator, Family Court of Australia,Sydney, Australia

16. One is the Loneliest NumberWhether in a large metro area, a midsize jurisdiction or rural area,being the only court resource is a challenge. A court program of oneperson requires juggling of local political issues, limiting what canand cannot be provided, simplicity in bureaucracy, quality in serv-ice delivery, developing traction in the court and legal community,and creativity when the grants run out. This workshop will provideinsights on how small programs can address the ever increasingchallenges of court services.

Richard Altman, J.D., Magistrate, Napoleon, OH

Phil Bushard, D.P.A., Director, Family Mediation Program,Reno, NV



17. A National Survey of Psychologists TestingPractices in Custody Evaluations

The use of testing and the interpretation of test data in child cus-tody evaluations have come under increased scrutiny. Psychologistsmust be prepared to explain their rationale for choice and admin-istration of a test and their interpretation of results. This workshopwill review the findings from a national survey of psychologistsengaged in child custody evaluations and examine: (1) the ration-ale for testing; (2) the choice of tests, techniques, and inventories;and (3) the procedures used in administering, scoring, and inter-preting the MMPI-2 and MCMI-II/III. Presenters will discuss waysto improve testing practices and to reduce evaluator vulnerabilityto legal challenges.

James N. Bow, Ph.D., Director of Psychology, Hawthorne Center,Northville, MI

James R. Flens, Psy.D., Brandon, FL

Jonathan W. Gould, Ph.D., Author, Conducting ScientificallyCrafted Child Custody Evaluations, Charlotte, NC

18. Impact of Domestic Violence in FirstGeneration Hispanics in Mediation

This session will examine the growth of the Hispanic populationin the United States and the incidence of divorce and domestic vio-lence within this population. Presenters will discuss power imbal-ances caused by cultural barriers, explore challenges caused bylanguage issues, machismo mentality issues, immigration issuesand look at other factors that cause severe power imbalances inmediation. Strategies to overcome potentially dangerous imbal-ances will be examined, including practical tips on how to adaptscreening and intake, pre-mediation sessions, mediation structures,caucuses and technology.

Kathy Elton, Director, Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution,Salt Lake City, UT

Velvet Rodriguez-Poston, J.D., Park City, UT

19. Assessing and Resolving Religion Conflicts inChild Custody Disputes

Disputes over children’s religious upbringing are frequentlyencountered in contentious divorces. What are the legal proscrip-tions about making decisions that may impact a parent’s religiousbeliefs? Do personal beliefs and practices affect our impartiality asprofessionals when attempting to resolve the religious disputes ofothers? Can we assess whether religion is the real issue or is beingused by one parent as an instrument of control or to distance a childfrom the other parent? This workshop will address these and otherchallenging issues.

Steven Demby, Ph.D., Brooklyn, NY

Elayne E. Greenberg, J.D., Great Neck, NY

20. If All Else Fails… Trial Preparationfor Lawyers

This workshop will focus on organizational and practice skills forlawyers. The presenter will provide written materials that can beused or adapted as trial preparation and presentation aids to facil-itate the process, make the lawyer’s work more cost effective, achievehigher client satisfaction, reduce stress, present evidence effectivelyand make judges, clients and even opposing counsel happier.

Judith N. Stimson, M.S., J.D., Broyles, Kight & Ricafort,Indianapolis, IN

21. Custody Evaluation and Parenting Plans forRelocation: Risk Assessment for HighConflict or Partner Violence

This workshop will examine the complexities in child custody eval-uation for the relocation case when there is a history of high con-flict and/or partner violence. Risk assessment models for bothrelocation and partner violence will be integrated. They will thenbe applied to the relocation issue for a number of different subtypesof partner violence and fact patterns. The arguments for andagainst relocation will be examined when there is a history of vio-lence in the family and/or ongoing inter-parental conflict.

William G. Austin, Ph.D., Steamboat Springs, CO

Leslie M. Drozd, Ph.D., Newport Beach, CA

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22. Helping Children Survive Family ConflictParental loss, relocation, family violence and just being stuck in themiddle are often issues for children when their parents separate.Resilience, the ability to bounce back from difficult experiences, canbe learned. This session will provide attendees with information onwhat resilience is and how to build it in children and adolescents,as well as how they can develop their own resilience skills. Theworkshop will focus on teaching adults, including parents, advo-cates and other professionals, how to help children and adolescentsbuild their resilience skills in order to be better able to movethrough the high conflict that often results in custody and divorcesituations.

Ronald S. Palomares, Ph.D., American Psychological Association,Washington, D.C.

23. Strategic and Artful Thinking:A Collaboration or Oxymoron

It is no secret that separating and divorcing clients are often on anemotional roller coaster that makes rational thinking difficult atbest. A strict logical approach to negotiation from the mediator canthreaten the process. A strategic approach combined with artistrycan help clients effectively manage their emotions, thereby enablingthem to make good decisions that truly meet their needs. Join theseexperienced presenters for an interactive dialogue as they sharenumerous case studies to demonstrate how to balance strategic andartful thinking to enhance a client-centered mediation process.

Sue Bronson, M.S., Milwaukee, WI

Rebecca T. Magruder, J.D., M.S.W., St. Louis, MO

3:30pm-6:00pm Workshop 24

24. Judicial Officers ForumNew programs, innovative initiatives and major family law reformsrarely get off the ground without effective leadership from thebench. The first part of this session provides an opportunity forjudicial officers from around the world to share their experiences,successes and frustration in leadership efforts in their own com-munities and beyond. The second part provides a networkingopportunity for judicial officers.

Hon. Peter Boshier, Principal Family Court Judge, Family Courtof New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand

Hon. William C. Fee, AFCC Vice President, Angola, IN

Hon. William G. Jones, Charlotte, NC

5:00pm-6:00pm Researcher’s Wine andCheese Forum

5:00pm-6:00pm FLAFCC Membership Meeting

Evening Taste of FloridaSee page 27 for details.


FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2006




8:30am-10:00am Plenary Session

Welcome: Mary Ferriter, J.D., M.P.A., AFCC President Elect,Boston, MA

Juggling for Judges: It’s Not Just DecisionMaking AnymoreThe role of the Family Court Judge has expanded dramatically inthe past decade. The growing number of court services and expan-sion of Unified Family Courts has resulted in judges who are notonly adjudicators but also function as case managers, facilitators ofmyriad dispute resolution processes and dispute systems designers.This session will examine the impact of these new roles on the fam-ily court systems and the changes in how not only judges, butlawyers, mediators, mental health professionals and others functionon a day-to-day basis.

Barbara Babb, J.D., M.S., University of Baltimore School of Law,Baltimore, MD

Hon. Denise McColley, Family Court of Henry County,Napoleon, OH

Hon. R. James Williams, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia,Halifax, NS

Moderator: Hon. Emile Kruzick, Superior Court of Justice,Orangeville, ON


10:30am-12:00pm Plenary Session

What’s Wrong with Children’s Rights?The tension between the rights and interests of children, their par-ents and the state is extremely complex. Do children’s rights reallymeet the interests of adults? How are parents and family systemsimpacted by claims of children’s rights? Is the best interests of thechild a meaningful standard for court decisions and policiesaffecting children? Who should ultimately be responsible for pro-tecting the well being of children: parents, the family unit, the childor state? Should children have independent legal counsel? This ses-sion examines different perspectives on how children’s rights andwell-being can best be preserved in a contemporary society.

Martin Guggenheim, J.D., Author, What’s Wrong with Children’sRights?, New York University School of Law, New York, NY

Linda Elrod, J.D., Editor, Family Law Quarterly, Topeka, KS

Marsha Kline Pruett, Ph.D., Yale School of Medicine,New Haven, CT

Moderator: Andrew Schepard, J.D., Director, Hofstra Law SchoolCenter on Children, Families and the Law, Hempstead, NY

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12:00pm-1:30pm Lunch on your ownand Exhibitor Forum

12:00pm-1:30pm Family Court Review Editorial Board Meeting


25. PC Plagues, Problems and PropheciesThe rapid growth of parenting coordination raises numerous chal-lenges as the use of the process increases, court programs are devel-oped and an increasing number of professionals are trained. Thisworkshop provides participants with the opportunity to discusscontroversies and ethical issues, including limitations of theprocess, dual roles, fee collection and immunity. Participants areinvited to bring battlefield stories to review with colleagues andreturn to the trenches better equipped to handle these volatile cases.

Debra Carter, Ph.D., Carter Psychology Center, Bradenton, FL

Linda B. Fieldstone, M.Ed., Supervisor, Family Court Services,Miami, FL

Hon. Hugh E. Starnes, AFCC President, Fort Myers, FL

26. Views from the Eye of the StormThis workshop examines critical themes that are emerging fromMediate.com’s interviews with many of the most experienced fam-ily and divorce mediators in the world. What has emerged is a com-pelling commentary on creative vision, frustration and criticalissues for the future. The presenters will show selected excerptsfrom these interviews and facilitate discussion on such themes as:(1) how the mediation field has changed; (2) issues of style, quali-fications and competence; and (3) how these leaders approach theirday-to-day work and visions for the future.

Robert D. Benjamin, M.S.W., J.D., Portland, OR

James C. Melamed, J.D., CEO, Mediate.com, Eugene, OR

27. Children’s Treatment in Family Law CasesChildren of court-involved families are often referred for individ-ual or family treatment. Issues and tensions may arise regardingtherapeutic effectiveness, the parties’ rights or the needs of profes-sionals for information to use in the legal process. Therapists mayalso face pressure to expand their roles and opinions inappropri-ately. This panel will examine children’s treatment in a forensic con-text, models for treatment and approaches to decision makingregarding children’s treatment.

Robert Galatzer-Levy, M.D., Chicago, IL

Lyn R. Greenberg, Ph.D., Los Angeles, CA

Gregg M. Herman, J.D., Loeb & Herman, Milwaukee, WI

H.D. Kirkpatrick, Ph.D., Charlotte, NC

28. Expert Testimony and the Admissibility of Psychological Testing

This workshop will consist of a presentation and mock trial exer-cise focusing on the use of psychological testing in high conflict cus-tody evaluations. Presenters will review Daubert and its progeny,with attention to specific factors detailed by the court to establishscientifically reliable expert testimony. Presenters will discuss keyfactors identified in Daubert and the meaning of scientific reliabil-ity illustrated by discussion of the validity and reliability of theRorschach Inkblot Test. Live expert testimony in the form of amock trial exercise will further illustrate the use of psychologicaltesting in the courts.

Hon. William C. Fee, AFCC Vice President, Angola, IN

Linda Fidnick, J.D., President, AFCC Massachusetts Chapter,Amherst, MA

Dianna Gould-Saltman, J.D., Los Angeles, CA

David Medoff, Ph.D., Co-director, Children and the Law Program,Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

29. Connecting Unwed Nonresidential Parents with their Children

Nearly 1.3 million children are born to unwed parents every yearand unmarried, non-residential parents (usually fathers) are leastlikely to be referred to or receive court-connected or community-based services to help gain parenting time. However, states admin-istering the Federal Grants to States for Access and Visitationprogram serve more unmarried parents than divorced or separatedparents. This workshop will highlight the disconnects inherent inthe court and human service systems that serve primarily divorcedor separated parents. Participants will be provided with viableoptions that courts and community-based agencies can implementto improve outreach to unwed parents and increase the chances thatboth parents stay involved in the lives of their children.

Debra Pontisso, Program Manager, Federal Office of ChildSupport Enforcement, Washington, D.C.

30. Reforming Family Law EducationThe Family Law Education Reform Project, cosponsored by AFCCand Hofstra Law School, has spent the last two years gatheringinformation from family law faculty, judges, lawyers, mediators,custody evaluators, researchers and others to examine how to bestclose the gap between the teaching and practice of family law. In thisworkshop the project reporters will discuss their findings and theimplications for the future of family law teaching and practice.

J. Herbie DiFonzo, J.D., Ph.D., Co-reporter, Family LawEducation Reform Project, Hempstead, NY

Gregory P. Lampe, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor, University ofWisconsin Colleges, Madison, WI

Mary E. O’Connell, J.D., Co-reporter, Family Law EducationReform Project, Boston, MA

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31. Innovations in Court ServicesWhen caseloads are increasing faster than budgets, couples aremore conflictive and services often appear inadequate for manyreferrals, what’s a program to do? This workshop will provide areview of four innovative Arizona court programs designed to pro-vide improved services and address the growing demand. Theseinclude: (1) The Attorney Case Manager program; (2) The PostDecree Child Support program; (3) The Decree on Demand pro-gram; and (4) The Dispute Resolution and Assessment Program.

Clarence Cramer, M.A., Director, Family Services of theConciliation Court, Coolidge, AZ

Diana Hegyi, M.Ed., Special Projects Administrator for the TrialCourts-Maricopa County, Phoenix, AZ

32. International Mediation in Transfrontier Children’s Conflicts

This workshop will report on experiences of the presenters in inter-national mediation projects in cross-border matters involving cus-tody, access and child abduction. Following discussion between thepresenters and participants, the workshop will address the extentof the development of rules and standards for cross-border medi-ation.

Hon. Eberhard Carl, Court of Appeal, Frankfurt/Main, Germany

Lis Ripke, Chair, Heidelberg Mediation Training Institute,Heidelberg, Germany



33. Implementing Family Law Education ReformThe Family Law Education Reform Project (FLER) has made sev-eral important recommendations to bring family law teaching inline with current practice and the needs of clients. A particularfocus of the recommendations is raising awareness among law stu-dents of problem solving and collaboration in representing familylaw clients and the variety of dispute resolution options available.This workshop will discuss concrete strategies for implementing theFLER recommendations in your state and community. Presenterswill discuss possible collaborations between law schools, other dis-ciplines and stakeholders in the family law system, and workingwith courts, legislators and regulatory authorities to improve theteaching of family law.

Gregory P. Lampe, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor, University ofWisconsin Colleges, Madison, WI

Forrest S. Mosten, J.D., Los Angeles, CA

Jennifer Rosato, J.D., Brooklyn Law School, Brooklyn, NY

Andrew Schepard, J.D., Co-chair, Family Law Education ReformProject, Hempstead, NY

34. Who is Ready for Mediation? Assessmentand Intervention for Client Readiness

Loss inevitably affects an individual’s ability to participate in thenegotiation process where important issues of money and childcustody are decided. Observed mediator responses to emotionsexpressed in mediation range from silent ignoring of client grief tovocal denial to benevolent attempts to “fix” it. Research on effec-tiveness of mediator interventions reveals that when the mediatorresponds appropriately to client grief, clients are empowered andresolution is promoted. This workshop will examine signals ofgrief, the impact of mediator interventions and use case studies toassess grief and choice of mediator interventions.

Roberta Eisen, M.Ed., L.P.C., Pittsburgh, PA

Lynn MacBeth, J.D., Pittsburgh, PA

35. Criteria for Psychopathy or DangerousnessThe use of criteria for risk is important for separating and divorc-ing families. At a time when emotions are high, there are risk fac-tors that appear in the literature that reflect a close correlation withrisk for violence. The use of three Canadian assessments, usedworld wide, reflect their utility in custody assessments, where sim-ilar threat to safety is of concern. This workshop will examine theuse of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist (PCL), HCR 20 and theSpousal Assessment Risk Assessment in the context of separationand divorce.

Larry Fong, Ph.D., Fong & Associates, Ltd., Calgary, AB

Arnold Sheinvold, Ph.D., Riegler, Shienvold & Associates,Harrisburg, PA

36. The Challenges When Child LegalRepresentatives and Mental HealthProfessionals Practice Together

Child legal representation is an evolving concept and there aremany roles that the child’s lawyer may undertake. Yet little, if any,literature examines whether child legal representation is helpful,whether it delays matters and whether lawyers have sufficientknowledge in mental health to represent children in custody andaccess disputes. This workshop explores how lawyers and mentalhealth professionals can collaborate to represent children before thecourt. Presenters will discuss the challenges that have arisen in theareas of confidentiality, professional learning differences, ethicalobligations and reporting responsibilities.

Rachel Birnbaum, Ph.D., University of Western Ontario,London, ON

Dena Moyal, LL.B., Office of the Children’s Lawyer, Toronto, ON

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37. Preventing the Impact of Family Violence inthe Lives of Children

This workshop will address roots and consequences of violence inthe lives of children and the role of parents and other adults in pro-tecting them from family violence. The session will incorporatematerials drawn from the ACT Against Violence National TrainingProgram developed by American Psychological Association toaddress violence prevention in the early years. The program con-tains research-based information on early violence prevention suchas child development, development of aggression, and conse-quences of violence and early violence prevention skills.

Julia Silva, American Psychological Association, Director, ACTAgainst Violence Training Program, Washington, D.C.

38. Institutionalizing Parenting Coordination: An Open Dialogue

As courts increasingly use the parenting coordination process thereis growing interest in establishing programs. This workshop callsparticipants to explore the potential for future programmatic andethical challenges in the process. A structured dialogue will provideparticipants with an opportunity to look beyond current thinkingand explore key issues including procedural justice, dangers ofinstitutionalization, impact of parents’ trust or distrust of the judi-cial system, and whether “too little” parenting coordination serv-ices creates additional danger for children.

Hon. Amy Davenport, Superior Court Judge, Montpelier, VT

Susan Fay, Director, Vermont Family Court Mediation Program,Montpelier, VT

Susanne Terry, Woodbury College, Montpelier, VT

39. Ethical Challenges in Family and Dependency Mediation

Mediators often confront a multitude of ethical challenges in fam-ily and dependency mediations. This workshop will consider chal-lenging situations mediators face that involve suitability of cases formediation, impartiality and neutrality of the mediator, confiden-tiality of mediation communications, full disclosure, empower-ment, self-determination and more. The workshop will look atModel Standards of Practice for Family and Divorce Mediation, theModel Standards adopted by the ACR and ABA, and other ethicalstandards and how these standards apply to practical situa-tions. Practical strategies for ethically mediating in difficult cir-cumstances will be offered.

Gregory Firestone, Ph.D., University of South Florida ConflictResolution Collaborative, Tampa, FL

40. The Passive-Aggressive Parent and DivorcePassive-aggressive parents generally camouflage themselves with acloak of niceness when in public. At home the picture is quite dif-ferent. The process of separation and divorce is particularly diffi-cult for the passive-aggressive person. As loss of control increases,passive-aggressive behaviors escalate. This interactive workshop willdescribe the behavior pattern of passive-aggressive parents who areinvolved in the process of separation and divorce and discuss strate-gies for helping them work out a parenting plan and resolve otherissues, without inciting bottled up rage.

Emily M. Brown, LCSW, Key Bridge Therapy & MediationCenter, Arlington, VA

5:30pm-7:00pm Silent Auction andReception

Join us for the 2006 AFCC Silent Auction and bid on one-of-a-kind items, sports memorabilia, AFCC Chapter donations,fine wines and much more! All proceeds support specialAFCC projects and programs.

7:00pm-9:00pm AFCC Annual Banquet


SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2006




8:00am-9:00am AFCC Membership MeetingOpen to members and prospectivemembers of AFCC.

9:15am-10:45am Workshops 41-48

41. How to Break Impasse in Custody DisputesThis workshop looks at the most common forms of custody dis-putes when the primary issue is the weekly schedule and, in par-ticular, the issue of whether children should have more than onehome to sleep at during the school week. The session will offer astep-by-step approach on how to bring a couple that is headingtoward impasse to a mediated settlement in as little as one session.Sample parenting schedules will be used to demonstrate how tomove any parenting dispute from impasse to settlement. In addi-tion, techniques for creating unique parenting schedules will bepresented.

Kenneth Neumann, J.D., New York, NY

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42. Burnout, Compassion, Fatigue and Vicarious Traumatization in Working with Families in Conflict

This workshop is an interdisciplinary exploration of the triggersand stressors for burnout, compassion, fatigue and vicarioustraumatization that are activated by our personal life histories, thefamilies in conflict with whom we work, the adversarial court sys-tem, and personal pressures and conflicts. Participants will gain anunderstanding of how to fully understand, identify and addressthese challenges.

Hon. Mary Lou Benotto, Toronto, ON

J. Herbie DiFonzo, J.D., Ph.D., Hofstra Law School, Hempstead, NY

Linda Gunsberg, Ph.D., New York, NY

Barbara Wasylenki, M.S.W., Albuquerque, NM

43. Collaborative Divorce: Working Beyond theShadow of the Law

The growth of collaborative models of legal representation hassparked discussion about the most effective ways to assist separat-ing and divorcing families. This workshop examines the collabo-rative divorce process, an interdisciplinary model incorporating ateam approach of legal, mental health and financial professionalsto assist in fully exploring and realizing the needs of their restruc-tured families. Presenters will discuss how this approach employsthe resources to transform divorce from a legal process to one of lifetransitions and breaks out of the traditional legal framework forresolution.

Pauline H. Tesler, J.D., Co-author, Collaborative Divorce,Mill Valley, CA

Peggy Thompson, Ph.D., Co-author, Collaborative Divorce,Orinda, CA

44. Innovations in Family Court Dispute Resolution

This workshop will highlight two alternative interventions to a for-mal custody evaluation: the Parenting Court Tribunal Panel andthe Brief Focused Custody Evaluation. The Tribunal provides par-ties and attorneys to present their issues in a condensed format toa panel including a judge, lawyer and clinical therapist. The BriefFocused Custody Evaluation is a team assessment of the partiesand children, costing about $1,500 and taking approximately onemonth. The purpose is not to decide the primary issue of custodybut particular problems and issues, which are typically the focusof the dispute. Presenters will provide details about how each inter-vention functions and offer suggestions for implementation.

Sheldon E. Finman, J.D., Fort Myers, FL

Mary Ellen Frazier, Psy.D., Naples, FL

Deborah C. Silver, Psy.D., Fort Myers, FL

Hon. Hugh E. Starnes, AFCC President, Fort Myers, FL

45. Calm Clients, Positive Outcomes: DivorceProfessionals as Affect Management Team

The heightened emotional states that accompany the divorceprocess include irrational behavior, escalating conflicts and difficultlitigants. This may lengthen the process, harm families, producestress and increase risk and burnout among professionals. Thisworkshop will present strategies and techniques for working withclients to contain their affect and focus on outcomes. Participantswill learn how mental health professionals can help lawyers andjudges manage clients or litigants while carrying out their primarylegal responsibilities.

Gregg M. Herman, J.D., Loeb & Herman, Milwaukee, WI

Sanford M. Portnoy, Ph.D., Author, The Family Lawyers Guideto Building Successful Client Relationships, Newton, MA

Hon. Eileen Shaevel (ret.), Boston, MA

46. Lawyers with Clients in Mediation: Problem Solvers or the Problem?

Mediators often shudder at the thought of lawyers participating inthe process, fearing that they will become adversarial and disrup-tive. In fact, when mediation is structured appropriately, lawyersmore often add significant value to the mediation process. Thisworkshop will examine how to structure the mediation to includeeffective participation by legal counsel including specific protocolsfor involvement in the process and the proposed agreement.

Aza Howard Butler, Butler & Jacobs Mediation Services,Towson, MD

Richard B. Jacobs, Butler & Jacobs Mediation Services,Towson, MD

47. Listening to Voices of Children of Separation and Divorce

Children have historically been excluded from the separationprocess to protect them from having to take sides or make deci-sions. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that achild shall be provided the opportunity to be heard in any judicialand administrative proceeding affecting the child, either directly orthrough a representative. Traditional practice of family law in NorthAmerica not only fails to comply with Article 12, it fails to protectchildren from the impact of separation or from adversarial atti-tudes. This workshop will highlight recent child-focused develop-ments in family law that address the need for children to be heard,and drawing on the collective knowledge of the group, will gener-ate a variety of innovative child-centered proposals.

Sandra R. Demson, Toronto, ON

Deborah L. Graham, Graham & Road, Toronto, ON

Judith Huddart, LL.B., Dranoff and Huddart, Toronto, ON

Hayley Mac Phail, M.Ed., Toronto, ON

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48. Who’s Afraid of Financial Planning?Financial settlement is a critical factor in shaping the well-being ofthe parties and their children following separation and divorce. Toooften, planning is haphazard or misses critical points. Discussionsof finances can be extremely contentious, sometimes unnecessar-ily so. This workshop will identify and demystify critical aspects offinancial and tax planning for divorce. It will demonstrate how totake some of the contentiousness out of the discussion and helpboth parties focus on financial practicalities. Attendees will learn torecognize and address the key financial planning issues; and helpthe parties reach a settlement that embraces the current and futureneeds of both parties with a reduced level of contention.

Daniel Caine, J.D., Family Law Software, Newton, MA

Matthew Bernstein, Certified Financial Planner, Atlanta, GA



49. Developing Skills for Parallel ParentingThis session will focus on Higher Ground, an interactive and inter-disciplinary court-based educational program for high conflict par-ents that teaches simple and effective skills to manage emotions,streamline communication and negotiate parenting decisions.Presenters will identify specific actions and behaviors that parentscan be taught and explore how the program can be applied in othercommunities.

Christina Jordan, Program Coordinator, Olathe KS

Gary Kretchmer, Director, Domestic Court Services, Olathe, KS

50. Out of the Mouths of Babes: Children’s Voices Informing Change

Since mid-2001, the Family Court of Western Australia has intro-duced a number of innovative programs designed to achieve bet-ter outcomes for separating parents and their children. Thisworkshop will track the evolution of these initiatives and demon-strate the impact of practice-based research that has facilitated theinclusion of children’s perspectives and views into planning anddeveloping these various court processes. Presenters will examineAustralian academic research concerning children’s experiences ofthe Family Court system and present a short overview of the FCWAresearch program. The latest initiative, the Children’s Cases Pro-gram, and research findings to date will be outlined.

Hon. Carolyn Martin, Family Court of Western Australia,Perth, Western Australia

Paul Murphy, Ph.D., Edith Cowan University, Perth, WesternAustralia

Lisbeth T. Pike, Ph.D., Edith Cowan University, Perth, WesternAustralia

51. Writing for the ReviewFamily Court Review is AFCC’s academic and research journal pro-vided to all AFCC members. This workshop is an opportunity forthose interested in contributing to the Review to learn about thesubmission process and get feedback on ideas for articles.

Janet R. Johnston, Ph.D., Associate Editor, Family Court Review,San Jose, CA

Andrew Schepard, J.D., Editor, Family Court Review,Hempstead, NY

52. High Conflict Divorce and Child Adjustment:Conceptualization and Intervention froma Vicarious Trauma Perspective

The adverse emotional, academic and social consequences ofdivorce are well documented, especially for children of high con-flict divorce. Many have characterized the divorce process as a formof “trauma,” for both children and adults, and preliminary evidencesuggests life events and prolonged periods of exposure to stressproduce symptoms consistent with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.This workshop will propose a new conceptual framework for think-ing about the impact of high conflict divorce on children, inte-grating the general victimization, divorce, and domesticviolence/conflict literature. An intervention specifically designedfor children and parents involved in moderate to high conflictdivorce will be presented. Preliminary program evaluation anddescriptive data will be discussed.

Gerald E. Harris, Ph.D., University of Houston Center for ForensicPsychology, Houston, TX

Tonya N. Inman, Ph.D., University of Houston Center for ForensicPsychology, Houston, TX

Ehrin Lovria, M.A., University of Houston Center for ForensicPsychology, Houston, TX

Adrienne Tinder, M.A., University of Houston Center for ForensicPsychology, Houston, TX

53. Family Restructuring Therapy for HighConflict Families and Estranged Children

Family Restructuring Therapy is an active, directive process withfamilies in conflict to modify maladaptive interactions. This ther-apy is highly effective in teaching parents to co-parent, in reunit-ing parents with “alienated” children and in developing concrete,practical parenting plans. This session will describe the variety ofindividual and team therapeutic interventions that can be usedbetween parents, between parents and a child or with entire fam-ily systems.

Stephen Carter, Ph.D., Edmonton, AB

Bonnie Haave, Ph.D., Edmonton, AB

Shirley Vandersteen, Ph.D., Edmonton, AB

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54. Mediating with the Angry Client“Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words can never hurtyou.”Not true for mediation clients! Attend this experiential sessionto watch live role plays that demonstrate the importance of a “del-icate and manipulative” choice of words—an especially importantskill when dealing with an angry client.

Diane Neumann, J.D., Divorce Mediation Services, Newton, MA

55. Topography of Style and the Myth ofObjectivity: Influences on the CustodyEvaluation Process

Evaluators strive toward objectivity in every phase of custody eval-uations—data collection, report writing and testimony. However,the powerful effects of gender and philosophical model influenceeach phase, but often outside of the awareness of the evaluator.Gender, professional philosophy, client characteristics and contextall combine to create results that can hardly be considered objec-tive. The need to consider these issues in custody work is examinedvia case example and video demonstration. Strategies to diminishthe subjective effects produced by each factor are presented.

Matthew Davies, Ph.D., Murray, UT

Jill Sanders, Ph.D., Murray, UT

Afternoon Optional Golf andRecreational Activities

Four championship golf courses are on property at the WestinInnisbrook, including Copperhead, home of the PGA Tour’sChrysler Championship. AFCC will arrange tee times for aSaturday afternoon golf outing, depending upon theresponse. If you are interested, please contact CandaceWalker by March 10 or earlier to reserve a spot. For moreinformation on golf options, approximate costs and a regis-tration form for the Saturday afternoon of golf, contact Can-dace Walker at AFCC, (608) 664-3750 or [email protected].

If you’re not a golfer, you’ll be amazed at all the other activi-ties the resort offers. Simply relax by the waterfalls of the LochNess Monster Pool or dive into the action.

Sporting options include golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball,biking, jogging, hiking, fishing and miniature golf.

The fitness facility offers weight and aerobic conditioningequipment and fitness classes. Finish your workout with mas-sage treatments to melt away every ounce of stress.

Beach activities are only a few miles away. The resort offers acomplimentary beach shuttle daily to Honeymoon Island StatePark. From there you can take a ferry to Caladesi Island, oneof the last remaining undisturbed barrier islands on the GulfCoast.

Information on activities in the Tampa Bay area is available atwww.visittampabay.com. The St. Petersburg/Clearwater AreaConvention & Visitors Bureau also has a great Web site atwww.floridasbeach.com for information on the Gulf Coastbeach area.

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JOIN AFCC TODAYAND SAVE!

AFCC membership is an investment in professional excel-lence. Register at the AFCC member rate and save up to $135!Your membership will provide you with the latest informa-tion and most knowledgeable resources, saving you valuabletime and money.

New Member Benefits:■ Family Court Review Online: Access to the entire

collection of AFCC’s quarterly journal, Family CourtReview, beginning with the first issue published in 1963.

■ Conference Audio: Download select AFCC conference

sessions in MP3 format.

■ Online Member Bookstore: Features books exclusively

by AFCC members.

■ Product Discounts: Receive a 15% discount on all

AFCC publications and videos, a 20% discount onpublications from Blackwell Publishing and a 25%discount with J.M. Craig Press.

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How to join AFCC:When you fill out your conference registration form, justcheck the New Membership Special. If you join when youregister, you will receive a one year membership for $140—a $10 savings—and become eligible to register for the AFCCconference at the member rate! The New Membership Spe-cial does not apply to membership renewals.You can also joinonline at www.afccnet.org. For more information, pleasecontact AFCC at (608) 664-3750 or [email protected].

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New Essays from the Family Court Review

AFCC Members Receive 15% Off on Publications To order online go to www.afccnet.org and then click Shopping Center.

Or contact AFCC at (608) 664-3750 or email [email protected].

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This volume features topics that include domestic violence

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Overnights and Young Children

This collection of essays examines the long-

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Great for Divorce Education

Classes

For more information on our full list of Law books and journals visitw w w. b l a c k we l l p u b l i s h i n g. co m , or

visit our booth and pick up a free catalog of publications.BOOKS: 1-800-216-2522, Fax: 802-864-7626 ● JOURNALS: 1-800-835-6770, Fax: 781-388-8232

RAISING THE BAR

Sign up to receive Blackwell Synergy free e-mail alerts with complete tables of contents and quick links to article abstracts from the most current issues of thesejournals. Simply go to www.blackwell-synergy.com, select the journal(s) from the list of journals, and click on “Sign-up for FREE email table of contents alerts.”

100 pages more content in 2006!

Family Court ReviewEditor-in-Chief: ANDREW I. SCHEPARDAssociate Editor: JANET R. JOHNSON

www.blackwellpublishing.com/fcr

Renew or sign up for membership in AFCCat www.afccnet.org

New to Blackwell in 2006!

Law & Social InquiryPublished on behalf of the American Bar FoundationEdited by JOHN P. HEINZand CHRISTOPHER TOMLINS

Review Section Editor:HOWARD S. ERLANGERwww.blackwellpublishing.com/LSI

Increasing content in 2006!

Journal of EmpiricalLegal StudiesPublished on behalf of Cornell Law SchoolEdited by THEODORE EISENBERG, MICHAEL HEISE,JEFFREY J. RACHLINSKI, STEWART J. SCHWAB, andMARTIN T. WELLSwww.blackwellpublishing.com/JELS

The Modern Law ReviewEdited by MARTIN LOUGHLINwww.modernlawreview.org

New to Blackwell in 2006 and nowavailable online!

Legal StudiesPublished on behalf of the Societyof Legal ScholarsROB MERKIN, JENNY STEELE and NICK WIKELEYwww.blackwellpublishing.com/lest

Negotiation JournalPublished by the Program on Negotiation atHarvard Law School and Blackwell PublishingEdited by MICHAEL WHEELERwww.blackwellpublishing.com/NEJO

Law & PolicyPublished in association with The Baldy Center for Lawand Social Policy, University at SUNY Buffalo Law SchoolEdited by KEITH HAWKINS and MURRAY LEVINEwww.blackwellpublishing.com/lapo

Law & Society ReviewPublished on behalf of the Law andSociety AssociationEdited by HERBERT M. KRITZERwww.blackwellpublishing.com/LSR

Ranked in ISI Social Sciences Citation Index

Journal of Law and SocietyEdited by PHILIP A. THOMASwww.blackwellpublishing.com/JOLS

Also of Interest:

American Business Law Journalwww.blackwellpublishing.com/ablj

Child & Family Social Workwww.blackwellpublishing.com/cfs

Family Processwww.blackwellpublishing.com/famp

Family Relationswww.blackwellpublishing.com/fare

Journal of Family Therapywww.blackwellpublishing.com/journals/joft

The Journal of Law, Medicine& Ethicswww.blackwellpublishing.com/jlme

Journal of Legal Studies Educationwww.blackwellpublishing.com/jlse

Journal of Marriage and Familywww.blackwellpublishing.com/jomf

Journal of Supreme Court Historywww.blackwellpublishing.com/jsch

Philosophy & Public Affairswww.blackwellpublishing.com/papa

Policy Studies Journalwww.blackwellpublishing.com/psj

Politics & Policywww.blackwellpublishing.com/pandp

Review of Policy Researchwww.blackwellpublishing.com/ropr

Ratio JurisAn International Journal of Jurisprudence andPhilosophy of Lawwww.blackwellpublishing.com/raju

The journal of the Association ofFamily and Conciliation Courts

18

20

FAMILY LAWHofstra Law LL.M. PROGRAM

Hofstra Law School established its LL.M. in Family Law* in response tocontemporary family law practice’s increased demand for specializationand need for an interdisciplinary focus to resolve family issues. Ourgraduate program will help lawyers make an impact in family lawby providing:

• Advanced family law curriculum• Training in alternative dispute resolution• Clinical and externship opportunities• An interdisciplinary policy seminar• Intensive simulation courses and electives focusing on

skills development• Research and publication opportunities

For more information about this program or how to apply, pleasecontact Maureen Kessler, Director of Graduate Admissions, at(516) 463-5270 or visit our web site www.hofstra.edu/law/llmfamilylaw.

* Hofstra Law School expects to enroll students in itsFamily Law LL.M. Program beginning in the fall of 2006.Our application to the ABA is pending.

Hempstead, New York 11549 • www.hofstra.edu121�Hofstra�University�•�Hempstead,�New�York�11549��

HARVARD NEGOTIATION INSIGHT INITIATIVE

SPIRIT IN ACTION

Summer Learning Forum 2006 Week One: June 19-23 Week Two: June 25-29

Advanced mediation and negotiation courses that explore contemplative

practices and the inner life.

Faculty include Kenneth Cloke, Leonard Riskin, and Erica Ariel Fox

For more information visit

www.pon.harvard.edu/hnii or contact [email protected]

See you in Tampa Bay!

The Professional Liability Insurancedesigned exclusively for AFCC memberswho are Arbitrators, Mediators, Parenting

Coordinators and Dispute Resolvers

Stop by our booth during the conferencefor more information

Serving the insurance needs of

Arbitrators / Mediators since 1982

COMPLETE EQUITY MARKETS, INC.

1098 South Milwaukee Avenue

Wheeling, Illinois 60090-6398

Toll-Free: (800) 323-6234 In Illinois: (847) 541-0900

Fax: (847) 541-0444 Email: [email protected]

AFCC Insurance Services

21

1242 Market Street, 2nd Floor; San Francisco, CA 94102 Phone 415.437.0700 Fax 415.437.0796 1-800.392.9239

EMAIL [email protected]

www.kidsturn.org

Kids’ Turn Programs are endorsed by the National Football League Alumni

One of the first educational

programs in the United States

designed to help children

transition through divorce or

separation.

Kids’ Turn programs currently

available for purchase or

replication include:

1. Divorce Education for children (ages 4-17) and parents. Available in English, Spanish and Chinese

2. Early Years (Dorothy S. Huntington PhD) Program for

parents only of very young children. Available in English and Spanish

3. Next Step for families evolving into a Step Family.

4. Nonviolent Family Skills Program designed to help parents

manage their parenting with reduced family violence. Available in two formats — one for juveniles and one for adults.

22

Coparenting EducationThree critically acclaimed books for divorcing

parents and their children!By Shirley Thomas, PhD.

Parents Are Forever:a step-by-step guide to becoming successful

coparents after divorce

$14.95

Divorced But Still MyParents: a helping-bookabout divorce for children

and parents

$13.95

NEW!!Two HappyHomes:a working guidefor parents &stepparentsafter divorceand remarriage

$15.95

Springboard Publications1-888-772-4450

Available in BookstoresEverywhere

www.parentsareforever.comRecommended by experts for use in divorce education programs.

23

Helping Professionals Help Their Clients

Helping Parents Help

Their Children Talk About It – Divorce, is a set of 40 - 4" x 6" colorfully illus-trated and specially designed cards to help kids understand and cope with the many changes divorce brings. For more information: Call 612-719-0399 or www.talk-aboutit.com

24

Meet author Janet Conner at the AFCC Conference in Tampa, and visit Spiritual Geography online today:

www.SpiritualGeography.com

Tell them about...The first—and only—systemthat translates the universal experiences of separation anddivorce into a meaningful, spiritual-healing pilgrimage.

Help them get unstuck.

Your clients are stucksomewhere on this map.

25

This intensive training will provide you with the

knowledge and skills needed to establish a unique

service for conflicted divorcing families.

You know divorce can be ugly ...

as a trained Parent Coordinator,you will have one more way to help.

Parent Coordination Trainingpresented by experts in Divorce, Boyan & Termini, the authors of

The Psychotherapist as Parent Coordinator in High-Conflict Divorce: Strategies and Techniques

For additional information, resources & products, please visit ourwebsite, www.cooperativeparenting.com

Annual Training Dates/LocationsJanuary, 4th weekend, Friday-Sunday — Naples/Ft. Myers, FLMarch, 3rd weekend, Friday-Sunday — Atlanta, GA

September, 3rd weekend, Friday-Sunday — Philadelphia, PAOctober, 3rd weekend, Friday-Sunday — San Antonio, TX

November, 1st weekend, Friday-Sunday — Atlanta, GA

Learning Objectives• Recognize the unique role of a Parent Coordinator• Learn how to structure and implement a parent coordination program• Understand and function within the legal system• Learn strategies to promote effective co-parenting• Incorporate techniques to minimize stress and loyalty binds for children• Utilize the essential skills required to manage the Axis II parent• Identify age appropriate schedules and develop comprehensive

parenting plansQuestions? Contact CPI at

(404) 315-7474 ext. 1or e-mail your request to

[email protected]

For more information visit our website at http://www.familyconnex.org

Help Parents Design a Family Focused Model ofDecision Making

Introducing FamilyConnex™ –An Online Parent Plan ProgramWritten and designed by National Family Resiliency Center, Inc.

An ideal tool for mediators, collaborative attorneys and mentalhealth professionals to help their clients. This program teachesthe information needed to create a child-focused, parent-initiated parent agreement. The self-paced program includes acomprehensive 35 page manual, information to be included inparenting agreements and helpful tools to assist parents inbuilding parenting plans for each child in their family.

For a professional discount rate, call 301.384.0079 or410.740.9533 or email [email protected].

Nat iona l Fami l y Resiliency Center

26

AFCC Chapters

Get involved locally!

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

AFCC has eight

chapters

Arizona

California

Florida

Massachusetts

Missouri

New Jersey

New York

Texas

AFCC Chapters provide an opportunity for AFCC members to network on a local level. AFCC Chapters sponsor roundtable discussions, conferences, newsletters and additional opportunities to get together with AFCC mem-bers.

To contact the AFCC Chapter nearest you, go to www.afccnet.org. Select Membership and then AFCC Chapters.

Association of Family and

Conciliation Courts

6525 Grand Teton Plaza

Madison, WI 53719

Phone: 608.664.3750

Fax: 608.664.3751

Email: [email protected]

Web site: www.afccnet.org

Phone: 608.664.3750 Fax: 608.664.3751

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.afccnet.org

Build your Business with AFCC

Registration Packet Inserts

Your marketing piece inserted into all conference registration packets. $125 Member/$150 Non-Member

Take One Table

Your information displayed at a table that invites all attendees to take a copy. $25 Member/$35 Non-Member

Contact AFCC Now! Dawn Holmes

AFCC 6525 Grand Teton Plaza

Madison, WI 53719

AFCC 43rd Annual Conference May 31-June 3, 2006

Westin Innisbrook Resort Tampa Bay, Florida

Represent your product and connect with influential family law judges, mediators, lawyers, mental health professionals, parenting coordinators, academics and more. $600 Member/$750 Non-Member.

Admission to all conference sessions, food & beverage functions, and the AFCC Hospitality Suite

Listing in the Conference Proceedings Book

Exhibit with AFCC!

AFCC Silent AuctionAFCC’s Eighth Annual Silent Auction takes place Friday, June 2.The auction will open at 5:30pm and the bidding closes at 7:00pm.Items include sports memorabilia, original artwork, fine wines,weekend hotel packages and many one-of-a-kind items. Auctionproceeds will help support AFCC’s special projects and programs.If you would like to donate an item to the AFCC Silent Auction,please contact David Vigliotta, AFCC Marketing and DevelopmentManager at (608) 664-3750 or [email protected].

Grand Prize DrawingAll conference registrants will be entered into a special grand prizedrawing that will take place at 6:15pm on Friday, June 2, at theAFCC Silent Auction. You must be present to win!

Continuing Education CreditsAFCC will provide a certificate of conference attendance for a pro-cessing fee of $10 for members and $15 for non-members. The cer-tificate will verify attendance at conference sessions and may be usedto apply for continuing education credits with the registrant’s accred-iting institution. A complete list of conference sessions approved forcontinuing education credits will be available at the AFCC regis-tration desk.

Psychologists: AFCC is approved by the American PsychologicalAssociation to offer continuing education for psychologists. AFCCmaintains responsibility for the program.

Mental Health Professionals: Barry University Counseling Pro-gram will offer continuing education credit to mental health coun-selors, marriage and family therapists and social workers licensedin Florida.

Florida Mediators: Conference sessions are eligible for Continu-ing Mediator Education (CME) hours for mediators in Florida.Florida mediators are required to self-report hours applicable totheir areas of certification at the time of their renewal.

Mediators: All conference sessions are eligible for continuing edu-cation units through the Association for Conflict Resolution.

Lawyers: Application has been submitted to the Florida Bar forapproval of continuing legal education (CLE) credits for attorneys.

Audio RecordingConference sessions will be recorded. Cassette tapes and audiocompact discs (CDs) may be ordered at the audio recording boothin the Exhibitor Forum. No personal audio-recording of sessionsis permitted.

Conference Orientation and NetworkingIf you are new to AFCC or this is your first conference, join us onWednesday, May 31, at 5:00pm to meet colleagues, learn aboutAFCC and discover AFCC traditions, such as the Hospitality Suite,Taste of Florida and AFCC’s famous Silent Auction. If you are herealone, this is a great chance to connect with others and make plansfor the week. International attendees, new members, spouses andguests are encouraged to attend. The location will be posted at theAFCC registration desk. Everyone is welcome!

Conference ScholarshipsA limited number of scholarships will be awarded for the 43rdAnnual Conference. Conference scholarships will include registra-tion fees only. Scholarship recipients are responsible for fundingtheir own travel, lodging, meals and related expenses. Internationalconference scholarships include a travel stipend of US $1,000 forparticipants living outside of North America in addition to con-ference registration fees. Greater New Orleans travel stipends areintended for AFCC members of the Greater New Orleans area whowere planning to attend AFCC’s 43rd Annual Conference in NewOrleans, which was relocated to Tampa Bay, Florida. Three $500stipends will be awarded to assist with travel and lodging. Recipientswill be responsible for registration fees and any costs beyond $500.Scholarship applications are available on the AFCC Web site atwww.afccnet.org/conference or call (608) 664-3750 to request anapplication if you do not have Internet access. Online submissionsare preferred.

Exhibitor ForumThe Exhibitor Forum will be open during conference hours. Alearning opportunity in itself, the Exhibitor Forum provides achance to meet face-to-face with representatives and discuss yourproduct needs and services. AFCC publications will be available forpurchase at the AFCC membership table. If you are interested inrenting exhibit space or distributing materials to conference dele-gates, please contact Dawn Holmes (608) 664-3750 or [email protected].

Conference BookstoreBooks-A-Million—Palm Harbor will be AFCC’s official booksellerfor this conference and will be open during conference hours in theExhibitor Forum. If you wish to display a book for sale, please con-tact General Manager Brian Franklin at (727) 773-1362 or by faxat (727) 773-0813.

AFCC Hospitality SuiteAFCC’s Hospitality Suite will be open for informal networking andrefreshment, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:00pm-12:00mid-night. Please wear your name badge. The Hospitality Suite locationwill be posted at the AFCC registration desk.

Taste of FloridaThursday evening is your opportunity to enjoy the area with friendsand colleagues. Sign up on Wednesday or before 1:00pm on Thurs-day and join a group of 8-10 for dinner at a restaurant in Tampa Bay,Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Clearwater, or at one of the many restau-rants on-property. Menus and sign-up sheets will be available onsite.Participants are responsible for food, beverage and any transporta-tion costs.

Special NeedsIf you have special meal requests or other special needs, please notethis on the registration form. The Westin Innisbrook Resort is acces-sible to the disabled and all functions are wheel chair accessible.

27

Important Conference Information

28

AFCC Members’ Lower Registration Rates: Register by March 10,2006 to receive the lowest rates for the conference! The Early BirdSpecial rates are available only to AFCC members. Not a member?Check the New Membership Special, register at the AFCC memberrate and save up to $135!

New Membership Special: Join AFCC when you register for theconference and receive a twelve-month membership for $140—a$10 discount—and save even more by registering at the AFCCmember rate! To join, simply check the New Membership Specialrate on the registration form. The New Membership Special is avail-able only to first time AFCC members.

Pre-conference Institute Registration: Includes attendance at a pre-conference institute, refreshment break and institute materials. Insti-tute registration is separate from registration for the full conference.

Conference Registration: Includes all conference sessions andmaterials, conference proceedings book, refreshment breaks, Recep-tion, Awards Luncheon, Annual Banquet and AFCC HospitalitySuite. Pre-conference Institutes require a separate registration fee.

Spouse/Guest Registration: Available only to persons accompa-nying a full conference registrant. Includes all plenary sessions,Reception, Awards Luncheon, Annual Banquet and AFCC Hospi-tality Suite.

Conference Presenter Registration: Available only to conferencepresenters. Includes all conference sessions and materials, Recep-tion, Awards Luncheon, Annual Banquet and AFCC HospitalitySuite. A separate registration fee is required for presenters who wishto attend Pre-conference Institutes.

Registration InformationPlease read before completing your conference registration form!

Resort InformationWestin Innisbrook Resort36750 US Highway 19 NorthPalm Harbor, FL 34684

The Westin Innisbrook is located on Florida's Gulf coast, a few milesfrom crystal blue water and beautiful beaches. The area is comprisedof diverse waterfront cities, from St. Petersburg to historic TarponSprings—known for its sponge-diving trade and Greek culture. Theresort features Westin's Heavenly Bed, dual-line telephones withdata ports and high-speed Internet access. Stroll the walking pathsor hop on the resort's climate-controlled shuttles for easy transportto dining, recreation and conference facilities.

Make your reservations today! The Westin Innisbrook Resort isoffering a special rate to AFCC conference registrants of $128 pernight, the lowest AFCC Annual Conference hotel rate since 1996!Suites begin at $148 per night and include a living area, full kitchenand patio or balcony. Check out the variety of accommodations atwww.westin-innisbrook.com. Rooms are subject to availability andearly reservations are encouraged to ensure a room at these greatrates. On April 28, 2006 the AFCC block of non-reserved rooms willbe released to the public for general sale and the special group ratewill not be guaranteed after that date. Make your reservationsonline at www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/AFCC or call the toll-free number for Westin Innisbrook reservations at (800) 456-2000.Please identify yourself with the Association of Family and Con-ciliation Courts to receive the special group rate.

Air Travel InformationTampa International Airport (TPA) is served by many carriers,including Air Canada, America West, American, British Airways,Continental, Delta, Jet Blue, Northwest, Southwest, United, and USAirways. Burkhalter Travel, AFCC’s preferred travel agency, is avail-able to assist you with the best rates for your airline and rental carneeds. To make your travel reservations, contact the BurkhalterTravel Group Department at (800) 556-9286 or (608) 833-6968 andask for Jenny Klamm (ext. 255) or Pamela Becker (ext. 251).

Ground TransportationThe airport is only 20 miles from the Westin Innisbrook Resort.Shuttle service is available from Super Shuttle for $24 each way ($48roundtrip) and their booths are located outside baggage claim.Advance reservations are encouraged. Please call (800) 258-3826 orgo online to make reservations at www.supershuttle.com.

Rental Car InformationRental car companies are located in the Red Baggage Claim Area.Avis is offering special rates beginning at $121/week for AFCC atten-dees. Please call (800) 331-1600 or go online at www.avis.com andprovide your Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) Number. UseAWD# J096489 to receive your discounted rate.

ParkingParking is complimentary at the Westin Innisbrook Resort.

ClimateThe Gulf Coast’s and Tampa Bay’s weather is a combination ofbright sunny days tempered by gentle bay breezes. Temperatures inlate May and early June range from the low 70’s to high 80’s.

Conference AttireCasual clothing is recommended for daytime activities and a lightsweater for evening or indoors with air conditioning. Leave yourdress shoes, jackets and ties at home. Sandals or comfortable walk-ing shoes will help make your experience a pleasant one. (Don’t for-get to pack your swim suit!) Sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher isrecommended for all ages.

Room SharingIf you are in search of a roommate, check the box on the registrationform or email [email protected]. Your name will be placed on a listthat will be provided to others who request roommate information.Please be certain to note your gender. Roommates are responsible forcontacting one another and making hotel reservations.

Travel and Lodging Information

Is this your first AFCC Conference? Yes No

New Membership SpecialJoin AFCC for 12 months and register at AFCC member rates! $140

Please check the appropriate amount when making your selections and enter your total at the bottom.

Paid by Paid by Paid afterPre-conference Institute Registration Rates March 10 April 28 April 28

Full Day Institute Registration – AFCC Member $130 $140 $160

Full Day Institute Registration – Non-member $165 $165 $185

Conference Registration Rates

Conference Registration – AFCC Member $400 $435 $465

Conference Registration – Non-member $490 $490 $525

Conference Presenter Rate – AFCC Member $195 $195 $215

Conference Presenter Rate – Non-member $210 $210 $230

Full-time Student Rate $170 $195 $215(ID required. No meals included)

Other Registration Rates

Certificate of Attendance – AFCC Member $10 $10 $10

Certificate of Attendance – Non-member $15 $15 $15

Additional Luncheon Ticket $25 $25 $25

Additional Banquet Ticket $60 $60 $60

Spouse/Guest Registration Rate $195 $195 $215(Meals and plenary sessions only)

TOTAL $______ $______ $______

Method of Payment

■■ Payment of $ __________ is enclosed (U.S. Currency only please)

■■ Please charge $__________ to my ■■ Visa ■■ MasterCardSorry, we do not accept American Express, Diners Club or Discover.

Card Number _____________________________________________________

Exp. Date _____ /_____ /_____

Card Holder’s Signature _____________________________________________

Purchase Order # __________________________________________________

I would like to be listed for a roommate

Male Female Smoking Non-smoking

Do you have any special needs? Meals Access Other

Please provide details: _______________________________________________

Institute Selections—Wednesday, May 31, 2006If you have registered for an institute, please check only oneof the following boxes:

Pre-conference Institutes 9:00am-4:30pm

1. The Thinning Vision of Self-Determination in Divorce and Family Mediation

2. Advanced Institute on Parenting Coordination

3. Controversial Issues in Child Custody Evaluations

4. “The Research Says…” Effective Use of Social Science Research in Family Law Cases

5. Negotiation 2006: New Frontiers

6. Domestic Violence: What’s a Neutral to Do?

Conference Workshop Selections(Please write in one workshop number per time slot)

Thursday, June 1 10:30am-12:00pm 1-8 ______

Thursday, June 1 1:45pm-3:15pm 9-16 ______

Thursday, June 1 3:30pm-5:00pm 17-23 ______

Thursday, June 1 3:30pm-6:00pm 24 ______

Friday, June 2 1:45pm-3:15pm 25-32 ______

Friday, June 2 3:30pm-5:00pm 33-40 ______

Saturday, June 3 9:15am-10:45am 41-48 ______

Saturday, June 3 11:00am-12:30pm 49-55 ______

You may register online at www.afccnet.orgor return the completed form and payment to:

AFCC6525 Grand Teton PlazaMadison, WI 53719-1085Phone: (608) 664-3750Fax: (608) 664-3751

Cancellation Policy: Transfer of registration to another person may be doneat any time without a fee. All requests for refunds must be made in writing.Written notice of cancellation received by fax or postmarked by May 8, 2006will be issued a full refund minus a $60 service fee. Written notice received byfax or postmarked by May 22, 2006 will have the $60 service fee deducted andthe balance will be issued as a credit for future AFCC conferences, publicationsor membership dues. No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellationsreceived after May 22, 2006.

Conference Registration FormAFCC 43rd Annual Conference • May 31-June 3, 2006 • Tampa Bay, Florida

Please register by April 21, 2006 to ensure that your name appears on the list of conference attendees in the conference proceedings book.Register on-line at www.afccnet.org

Please type or print clearly. This form may be duplicated.

First Name (Dr. / Mr. / Ms.) __________________________________________ M.I. ______ Last Name _____________________________________ Degree _______(As you would like it to appear on your name badge)

Title/Profession ____________________________________________________ Organization ___________________________________________________________

Street Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City _____________________________________________________________ State/Province ________ Country ________ Postal Code ________________________

Phone _______________________________________ Fax _________________________________________ Email _________________________________________

Name of Guest/Spouse _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________(If they are registering at the Guest/Spouse rate)

6525 Grand Teton PlazaMadison, WI 53719-1085

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDMadison, WI

Permit No. 1547


in Family Court


in Family Court

4 3 R D A N N U A L C O N F E R E N C E

May 31-June 3, 2006

Westin Innisbrook Resort

Tampa Bay, Florida

Hon. Hugh E. StarnesAFCC President

Hon. Susan B. CarbonNational Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

Professor Martin F. GuggenheimAuthor, What’s Wrong with Children’s Rights

Erica Ariel Fox, J.D.Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School

Chief Justice Diana BryantFamily Court of Australia

Professor Andrew SchepardAuthor, Children, Courts and Custody

Dr. Isolina RicciAuthor, Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids

Hon. R. James WilliamsSupreme Court of Nova Scotia

Professor Linda ElrodEditor, Family Law Quarterly

Dr. Marsha Kline PruettYale School of Medicine

Hon. Peter BoshierFamily Court of New Zealand

Hon. Denise McColley Family Court of Henry County, Ohio

Sharon B. Press, J.D. Director, Florida Dispute Resolution Center

Christine A. Coates, M.Ed., J.D.Co-author, Learning from Divorce

Forrest S. Mosten, J.D.Author, The Complete Guide to Mediation

Pauline H. Tesler, J.D.Co-author, Collaborative Divorce

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts43rd Annual Conference

Juggling Conflicts, Crises andClients in Family Court

May 31-June 3, 2006Westin Innisbrook ResortTampa Bay, Florida

crises and clients in family court - afcc€¦ · juggling conflicts, crises and clients in family...

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