A Foundations of Practice Seminar
Family Law Basics

Schedule and Faculty

Schedule times listed below are for the live seminar. Times for replays may differ due to varied start times and abbreviated lunch and break periods. Please refer to the DATES/LOCATION tab for individual replay start times.

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.

CHECK-IN & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

9:00 – 9:45 a.m.

How to Handle the Initial Client Call and Meeting

How to spot the important issues in your divorce case, set expectations and handle your client’s emotions.

– Rodney H. Jensen; Jensen, Mullen & McSweeney PLLP; Bloomington

9:45 – 10:30 a.m.

The Basics of Custody and Parenting Time

This informative session includes: Various custody alternatives – sole, joint, physical, and legal; the factors considered in determining the best interests of the child; and the role of parenting time schedules.

– Zachary A. Kretchmer; Niemi, Jerabek & Kretchmer; Minneapolis

10:30 – 10:45 a.m.

BREAK

10:45 – 11:45 a.m.

The Basics of Child Support

Learn how to calculate support and modify a support order; how custody affects child support, and more.

– Laurie A. Mack-Wagner; Mack & Santana Law Offices PC; Minneapolis
– Lymari J. Santana; Mack & Santana Law Offices PC; Minneapolis

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The Basics of Property Division

Discover how to determine what is marital and what is non-marital property, and how to handle real estate issues in divorce.

– Bruce D. Kennedy; Bruce D. Kennedy Law Office; Roseville

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

LUNCH (on your own)

1:30 – 2:15 p.m.

The Basics of Spousal Maintenance

Learn what factors the court considers when evaluating claims for spousal maintenance, the tax consequences of maintenance payments for the payor and payee, how to pursue temporary orders for maintenance, and how to modify a maintenance order.

– Debra E. Yerigan; McGrann Shea Carnival Straughn & Lamb, Chartered; Minneapolis

2:15 – 3:00 p.m.

Divorce Math: Financial Calculations in Divorce Cases

How to read small business financial statements and tax returns, plus how to construct a marital balance sheet.

– Richard C. Berning; Berning & Heidebrecht Ltd; Medina
– John H. Heidenbrecht; Berning & Heidebrecht Ltd; Medina

3:00 – 3:15 p.m.

BREAK

3:15 – 4:00 p.m.

How to Draft Family Law Documents

Advice on drafting and filing the summons and petition, motions for temporary relief, responsive motions, interrogatories, marital termination agreements and more.

– Herbert C. Kroon; Chesley Kroon Harvey & Carpenter PLLP; Mankato

4:00 – 4:30 p.m.

ADR Options in Family Law

Learn about the many ADR options available to Minnesota family lawyers, the pros and cons of each, and how to best represent your client in an ADR proceeding.

– Judge Tanja K. Manrique; Hennepin County Family Court; Minneapolis