Lesson 1: Parental Relationship Management
1.0 Introduction to Parental Relationship Management
1.1 Manage Parental Relationships
Assess what the family needs to address co-parenting issues.
Recommend potential therapists or parenting coordinators to the client.
Review the parenting coordinator agreement and seek an order for parenting coordinator appointment.
Lesson 2: Enforcement Issues
2.0 Introduction to Enforcement Issues
2.1 Advise the Client on Enforcement Options
Identify client issues, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the client’s position, and perform a cost-benefit analysis.
Recommend a strategy and manage client expectations.
Counsel clients on alternatives to going to court or using the Friend of the Court for enforcement.
Advise on civil collection remedies.
2.2 Move to Enforce the Custody and Parenting Time or Child Support Order
Gather evidence and prepare a motion to enforce the last order and secure a hearing date.
Represent the client at an enforcement hearing, if any.
2.3 Prepare or Respond to a Motion for Order to Show Cause
Prepare a show-cause motion and corresponding documents to enforce the last custody order and secure a hearing date.
Respond to a motion for order to show cause.
2.4 Handle Hearings on Show-Cause Motions
Negotiate terms for resolution and represent the client at show-cause hearings.
Counsel the client on the next steps if there is noncompliance with the order.
Lesson 3: Modification of Child Support
3.0 Introduction to Modification of Child Support
3.1 Handle the Initial Client Meeting
Evaluate the potential grounds for a change of support.
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the client’s position and perform a cost-benefit analysis.
Manage client expectations, recommend a strategy, and counsel the client on alternatives to going to court.
3.2 Navigate the Modification Procedure and Motion Practice
Identify local court practices and the postjudgment involvement of the Friend of the Court office.
Conduct discovery supporting your client’s child support modification strategy.
Prepare a child support modification motion or response.
3.3 Handle a Motion Hearing on Modification of Child Support
Review the Friend of the Court recommendation on support with the client to determine whether to object.
Counsel the client on the strategy for hearing on motion.
Prepare for the evidentiary hearing.
Attend the hearing, make opening and closing arguments, and elicit compelling testimony.
Lesson 4: Modification of Custody and Parenting Time
4.0 Introduction to Modification of Custody and Parenting Time
4.1 Establish a Strategy Related to Modification
Identify the client’s issues and goals, analyze the client’s position, and perform a cost-benefit analysis.
Recommend a strategy and manage client expectations.
4.2 Build the Case to Support or Oppose a Modification
Research local court practices and the postjudgment involvement of the Friend of the Court.
Gather evidence and assess options for alternative dispute resolution.
Assess whether to request a guardian ad litem.
4.3 Prepare and Respond to the Motion for Modification and Handle the Threshold Hearing
Prepare a motion or response and a supporting brief that reflect your modification strategy.
Represent your client at the threshold hearing.
4.4 Prepare for the Hearing on the Motion for Modification
Prepare your client for the Friend of the Court evaluation or investigation.
Review the Friend of the Court recommendation and decide whether to object.
Counsel your client on strategy and choose and prepare witnesses for an evidentiary hearing on motion.
4.5 Handle the Hearing on the Motion for Modification
Attend the hearing, make opening and closing arguments, and elicit compelling testimony.
Lesson 5: Change of Domicile or Legal Residence
5.0 Introduction to Change of Domicile or Legal Residence
5.1 Establish a Move-Away Strategy
Analyze and perform a cost-benefit analysis.
Recommend a strategy and manage client expectations.
5.2 Prepare the Case to Support or Oppose a Move Away
Gather evidence and assess options for alternative dispute resolution.
Prepare a motion or response and brief in support.
5.3 Prepare for a Hearing in a Move-Away Case
Counsel the client on strategy, choose and prepare witnesses, and plan the opening statement and exhibits.
5.4 Handle a Hearing in a Move-Away Case
Attend the hearing, make opening and closing arguments, and elicit compelling testimony.
Lesson 6: Appellate Considerations
6.0 Introduction to Appellate Considerations
6.1 Assess Your Options for Challenging a Judgment or an Order
Evaluate issues and advise the client on options for challenging the judgment or postjudgment order.
Prepare and file the appropriate motion to challenge the judgment or postjudgment order.
Refer the case to an appellate specialist.
6.2 Handle an Appeal
Draft and file a claim of appeal as of right; draft and file a transcript and briefs; and prepare and make oral argument.
Draft and file an application for leave with brief; if leave is granted, draft and file a transcript and briefs; and prepare and make oral argument.