Join us in-person at Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center in Branson or virtually for the
2025 Annual Family Law Conference
Presented by MoBarCLE and the Family Law Committee
Opinions and positions stated by presenters of MoBarCLE programs are those of the presenters and not necessarily those of The Missouri Bar. This program is intended as information for lawyers in Missouri, in conjunction with other research they deem necessary, in the exercise of their independent judgment.
Simone Haberstock has been a family law attorney for 30 years and a mediator for 20 years. She acquired a Masters of Law in Dispute Resolution from University of Missouri School of Law in 2013 where she did IRB approved research on a mediation-arbitration process. Since graduating, she has founded a non-profit mediation service, Confluence Missouri, Inc.; served on the Mediation and Parenting Coordination Oversight Committee in St. Louis County Circuit Court; and worked on a number of court-connected ADR and problem-solving court projects across the state. She recently completed an interview research project of Missouri litigants who used mandatory mediation and has assisted in the production of two videos for the public on ADR processes. She has mediated over 400 cases including family, small business, employment, landlord-tenant, and small claims matters. Ms. Haberstock has spoken and presented on a variety mediation and ADR topics, including the decision- making process, at both national and statewide conferences. She also served on the Board of Governors for the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis for 10 years and is the immediate past-president of the Missouri Chapter of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.
Michael P. Downey is a legal ethics lawyer and founder of Downey Law Group LLC, a St. Louis law firm devoted to legal ethics, lawyer discipline defense, and the law of lawyering. Michael regularly advises lawyers at law firms and legal departments regarding legal ethics and risk management issues. Michael also assists lawyers responding to disciplinary complaints, and has defended lawyers in civil litigation and disciplinary cases in both Missouri and Illinois. Michael has taught legal ethics at Washington University and St. Louis University, published 180 articles, and presented more than 700 times on legal ethics. Learn more about Michael and his practice at www.DowneyLawGroup.com, or contact him at (314) 961-6644 or mdowney@DowneyLawGroup.com.
J.C. Weyand is the Asst. Court Administrator & Chief Juvenile Officer for the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Missouri – City of St. Louis, overseeing the Family Court / Juvenile Division and a staff of approximately 250 court employees. He has been a featured presenter at MOSOLO since 2019.
Nevada Smith is a founding partner of Smith Law Offices, LLC in St. Charles, Missouri. He has practiced family law for over twenty (20) years. Because of the firm's immigration practice, he frequently handles family law cases with immigration issues.
Andrea Pate is owner of Law Office of the Ozarks. She is a Family Mediator, qualified Parenting Coordinator and trained Collaborative Law attorney. Andrea recognizes ensuring the best interest of children often requires reducing conflict and learning how to function effectively as a family during and after the legal process.
Justin Evans is an Associate Circuit Judge in Webster County. he is founder/former managing partner of Ozarks Family Law and a U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army veteran.
Andy Scholz is a Springfield, Missouri native. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Drury University in 1994 and attended law school at the University of Missouri-Columbia. During law school, he was honored to be an associate member of the Missouri Environmental Law & Policy Review. He earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 2001. In 2005, he became an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Boone County, Missouri. While there, he prosecuted sexual crimes and people accused of having perpetrated physical abuse against children. In 2010, Andy and his family chose to move back home to Springfield, where he could work to serve fellow Southwest Missourians by focusing his practice as a family law attorney. To continue his desire to assist families, he joined Rooney McBride and Smith in 2019, where he focuses on family law, guardianship law, and civil litigation.
Alan Freed, an AAML Fellow, has practiced of family law for over 40 years. He has been named St. Louis Lawyer of the Year seven times since 2013 and received the Roger P. Krumm Family Law Award from the Missouri Bar. Freed is co-author of "Divorce in Missouri."
Michele is an attorney who has spent her entire 25 year career working in Family Law and/or Juvenile Law. Michele worked in private practice for 22 years prior to joining the Juvenile Office as their Chief Legal Counsel in 2022.
Laurie's spent thirty years in private practice representing parents in family court in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to private practice, Laurie was an AJO (Attorney for Juvenile Officer) & Assistant Prosecutor. Her bachelor’s degree is from the University of Missouri-Columbia and law degree from University of Missouri, Kansas City.
Commissioner Lisa M. Dubé was appointed by the judges of the 16th Judicial Circuit as Family Court Commissioner in September 2020. Commissioner Dubé presides over a contested domestic docket, which includes dissolution of marriage actions, paternity actions, modifications, private and State filed contempt actions, and family access motions.
Monica Smith is a founding member of Smith Law Offices LLC and has been practicing immigration law in St. Charles since 2005. She brings extensive experience in navigating complex immigration matters, providing clients with compassionate and knowledgeable representation.
Judge David Roither is an Associate Circuit Judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri. Judge Roither has been a member of the Missouri Bar since 1999 and was in a litigation practice with his former partner the Honorable Jeffrey Medler from December, 2000, through January, 2018.
Hon. Jeffrey P. Medler was appointed Associate Circuit Court Judge in October, 2020 by Governor Michael Parson. He was retained by St. Louis County voters in 2022
He received his B.A. in Economics and Philosophy from Boston College in 1991 and his law degree from St. Louis University School of Law in 1994.
Before his appointment to the bench, Judge Medler was the founding partner of his law firm, Medler & Roither, LLC, then Medler, Karsten & Bridges LLC. His firm handled many different areas of the law including domestic, criminal, civil litigation and estate planning. He was frequently appointed by the Court to be a Guardian ad Litem representing children in domestic/family law matters.
He was awarded the Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year in 2004 by the St. Louis County Bar Association.
Judge Medler lives in St. Louis County with his family.
Julia Chaney-Faughn is a graduate of the University of Missouri, Columbia, Law School and Missouri Western State University. She is a partner with Cruse Chaney-Faughn, P.C. with its principal office located in Hannibal, Missouri, and is licensed in Missouri and Illinois. She has volunteered with Avenues, First Steps RICC, her local 4-H club, church and other community organizations. In her free time she gardens, plays piano, organ and clarinet and raises her two children with her husband Chris. She enjoys advocating for those with special needs including her son Isaac who is on the autism spectrum.
Jill M. Katz is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Mediator, and an Attorney in Missouri.
Larry V. Swall is a family law attorney, licensed in Kansas and Missouri, with offices in Overland Park and Liberty. His private practice is concentrated in areas of family law and domestic mediation. Practicing for over 30 years, Mr. Swall was twice honored by the Missouri Bar.
Commissioner Gretchen Yancey was appointed in Family Court Commissioner in the 13th Judicial Circuit in 2024 and primarily presides over dissolutions, motions to modify, and paternity cases. She had over twenty years of experience in family law litigation, mediation, and guardian ad litem work in mid-Missouri prior to her appointment.
Barbara Glesner Fines is the Rubey M. Hulen Professor of Law and Dean Emerita of the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law, where she has been a member of the faculty since 1986. She served as Executive Associate Dean from 2008 to 2016 and as Dean from 2017 to 2023. Glesner Fines received her master of law degree from Yale University and her J.D. (cum laude) from the University of Wisconsin Law School.
Professor Glesner Fines is an expert on professional ethics, legal education and the professional identity formation of law students. She has authored numerous articles and books on these subjects and is a fellow in the Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership. She has created several innovative programs at the School of Law. She helped to found the UMKC School of Law Child and Family Law Program, which is currently ranked as one of the top four programs of its kind in the United States. She is also one of the founding faculty members of the School of Law’s Center for Law, Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Glesner Fines currently teaches Professional Responsibility, Client Interviewing, and Family Violence. She also directs the Self-Help Legal Clinic. Students in the clinic provide instruction, referral, brief advice, and limited scope representation to self-represented litigants in a variety of subject areas. Students learn technology skills to build self-help resources and community education skills in pro se classes.
Tamara A. Veit received her J.D. from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 2004. In 2004, she began working for McElligott Ewan & Hall. She practices primarily in family law and guardianships/conservatorships of adults and minors. She is also a Guardian Ad Litem.
Jason Clough's practice is focused on family law trial work. He has received the Equal Access to Justice Award, the Pro Bono Award and was named a Super Lawyer’s Rising Star for the years 2010-2016 and as a Super Lawyer for the years 2023 and 2024.
Anne E. Kern has been practicing family law in mid-Missouri since 2005. She represents clients in complex divorce cases and has experience with all aspects of high-asset divorce.
Anne also represents clients in divorce cases, custody cases, modification cases, paternity cases, child support cases, maintenance cases, adoption and prenuptial agreements.
Commissioner Kanable was appointed by the 31st Circuit Court, en Banc, as Family Court Division 1, on March 27, 2023. Prior to taking the bench, Commissioner Kanable was the sole owner and member of The Law Office of Kyle Kanable, LLC., where he practiced family law for thirteen years.
Anne is a member of Paule, Camazine, & Blumenthal, P.C. family law department. Anne has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for family law since 2021.
Anne is a 2003 graduate of Washington University School of Law and received an LLM in ADR from USC Gould School of Law.
Trial lawyer, with extensive jury trial experience and contested family law matters. Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Author multiple chapters Missouri Bar Family Law desk book. Lon. O. Hocker Memorial Trial Lawyer Award, Missouri Bar Foundation. National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Super Lawyer. Member Multi-million Dollar Advocate. Best Lawyers.
Mr. Fredrick received his Bachelors in Business Administration and Juris Doctor from UMKC, a Certificate of Comparative Law from Peking University in Beijing, China, his Masters in Military Science and Joint Airpower through Arizona State University, and graduated from the United States Army’s Judge Advocate General School of Law and the Air Force’s Squadron Officer School.
He practiced law at Fredrick, Rogers and Vaughn, P.C. for five years before starting his own law firm in 2008. His practice has historically been focused on family law, real estate, business transactions and litigation, and appeals in both the Missouri Court of Appeals and Missouri Supreme Court. He is now a full-time professor in the Breech School of Business at Drury University and focuses his law practice primarily on serving as a Guardian Ad Litem and conducting mediations.
Mr. Fredrick has authored several publications, including the first and second edition of Military Issues in Family Law (MoBar). His article titled “Cryptocurrency And Blockchain; Here We Go Down The Rabbit Hole” was published in the Missouri Bar Journal, and republished in the Wisconsin Bar Journal, Family Law Lawyer Magazine, and Computer and Internet Lawyer Journal. He has served on many charitable boards and Missouri Bar committees, and routinely teaches CLE seminars on a variety of topics. Mr. Fredrick served as head coach of Drury University’s NCAA Women’s Triathlon program for four years, served in the Army Reserves as a JAG officer for six years, and has served in the Air Force Reserves since 2012.
Craig D. Ritchie has practiced law for over 26 years. His practice is limited almost exclusively to family law matters. He graduated in 1989 from the University of Missouri Law School. In addition to his family law practice, Mr. Ritchie has taught Domestic Relations in the legal studies program at Missouri Western State College. Mr. Ritchie is also a frequent speaker to Continuing Legal Education classes for Missouri lawyers practicing family law. Mr. Ritchie resides in Columbia, Missouri. His interests include sports, children’s activities, church, and historic preservation. Mr. Ritchie serves on the executive committee and is the former Director of the American Legion Missouri Boys State, a program which teaches citizenship and government to high school seniors. For over thirty years, Mr. Ritchie has volunteered his time to this outstanding program.
A native of Long Island, New York, Harry earned his undergraduate degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1990. After working for a year in Juneau, Alaska with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Harry earned his Master of Divinity Degree from Weston Jesuit School of Theology (now a part of Boston College) in 1995. Harry spent a year working in Managua, Nicaragua with the Georgetown University Volunteers in Nicaragua program and moved to St. Louis in 1996 for a job at Saint Louis University. While working in Campus Ministry there, Harry earned his J.D. at St. Louis University,School of Law in 2007. He lives in St. Charles with his wife Christine. Harry enjoys cooking, barbeque and baking artesan breads. He loves hiking and enjoying the great outdoors with his wife.
Harry is the managing partner of the firm. He focuses his practice on estate planning, probate, elder law, and adoptions. Harry is a fellow of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA), and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). He is licensed in both Missouri and New York.
Lauren Bower is a practicing family law attorney in the Northwest Missouri region. She launched her firm, Bower Law LLC, in 2021. Bower Law LLC handles dissolutions, paternity actions, modifications, adoptions and guardianships.
Dakota joined the Douglas, Haun & Heidemann, P.C. litigation team in 2023 after serving 4 years at the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office as a Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and nearly two years in private practice; practicing primarily in the areas of criminal defense and domestic law.
Sue Crane is an Associate Circuit Judge in Callaway County and is the Family Court Administrative Judge for the 13th Circuit. Sue is the co-chair of the Children's Division's (PMAC) and has served on various boards and committees. When not abroad she loves being home on the ranch.
Myles Perry is a Circuit Judge in Platte County, where he handles the paternity docket. Prior to his appointment to the bench in January 2024, he was an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Platte County, handling special victim cases and crimes against children.
Emily J. Fretwell is an Associate Circuit Judge of Cole County Missouri. She currently presides over the majority of domestic cases out of the 19th Circuit. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Fretwell was in private practice with a focus on family law litigation.
Anne-Marie Hoecker has been a member of attorney Craig D. Ritchie’s team for over 13 years. She graduated from Missouri Western State University with a BS in Criminal Justice, Legal Studies. As the Senior Paralegal for The Ritchie Law Group, she manages the family law caseload and trains other paralegals.
Jordan is a practicing attorney in Texas, and the Legal Technology Advisor at Smokeball. In addition to her law practice, she’s passionate about legal technology and how it can revolutionize law firms.’
Jordan graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Classics, History, and Religious Studies and then went on to attend the University of Arkansas School of Law to earn her J.D. After almost four years of practice with a high-asset family law firm in Houston (and after being frustrated at the lack of automation in her firm), she discovered the world of legal technology which ultimately brought her to Smokeball.
In her podcast, Hacking Law Firm Success with Jordan Turk, she interviews law firm founders about how they grew and scaled their practices, as well as their ethos behind managing a firm.
Krista Shelton is the president and founder of Focused Forensic Solutions, LLC. With over 13 years of experience as a former IRS special agent, Krista has a distinguished career in uncovering financial fraud and providing litigation support.
Brittnee is a family law attorney in Bolivar, Missouri. Brittnee currently serves as a Guardian ad Litem for Dallas, Greene, Hickory, Polk, and Webster counties in dissolution, paternity, adoption, guardianship, and protection order cases.
Eric is a highly trained forensic accounting professional and has years of experience in litigation support services performing business valuation and quantifying economic damages related to business disputes, personal injury & wrongful death and construction litigation. He has provided expert witness testimony in state courts, mediations and arbitrations.
He has conducted seminars for industry professionals on basic accounting principles, business valuation and loss of income.
Eric received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Missouri – Saint Louis.
Jackie Crawford worked for twenty-five years for Missouri State Vocational Rehabilitation, followed by currently working ten years with Social Security Administration, and working with attorneys with divorce, personal injury, workers' compensation, wrongful death, earning wage assessments, and more. She has testified in a variety of settings in over 3000 trials.
Alexis graduated from Missouri Western State University in 2017 with a degree in Legal Studies. Alexis has worked as a paralegal for 6 years. Alexis has worked on a variety of cases, including, estate planning, probate and family law. Alexis resides in Kansas with her husband and son.
Erika Ottolini, M.A.T., M.Ed, LPC, is a family therapist in St. Louis. Her practice, Artemis Counseling, focuses on adolescent health and includes court-involved cases of family adjustment to dissolution, parent coaching, resist/refuse dynamics & Collaborative divorce coaching and child specialist work. She is a member of IACP, CFLA, & AFCC.
Alana has worked with CASA since February of 2020, first with a local CASA program and now with the Missouri CASA Association as the Community Outreach and Education Coordinator. She graduated with her MSW from Missouri State University and as a macro-level social worker is passionate strengthening organizations and communities.
Ms. Skahan is an experienced vocational expert and consultant in cases that involve personal injury, marital dissolution, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Social Security Disability, state vocational rehabilitation programs, Workers' Compensation, career transitions, earning capacity assessment, employability, and more. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Qualified Rehabilitation Professional for Missouri Workers' Compensation cases. Her knowledge of vocational and disability concepts allows her to tailor her approach in a unique way for each case. She has testified as a vocational expert in more than 8,000 cases.
Rebecca founded Growe Counseling LLC in 2015. She is a graduate of the Brown School of Social Work and has been providing therapy to kids and families for over a decade. Rebecca is extensively trained in the provision of trauma-informed treatment and is an expert in the treatment of child and adolescent anxiety disorders and disruptive behavior disorders.
In addition to her work as a child and family therapist, Rebecca provides mental health consultation and training to schools and other organizations in the community. She serves as a Child Specialist for Collaborative Divorce proceedings and has served as an expert witness for Family Law matters. Rebecca is also an active member of PCIT International's Continuing Education Task Force.
In 2020, Rebecca authored "A Kid's Guide to Coronavirus" (Magination Press) to help kids and families understand and cope through the pandemic.
Dr. Ben Garber is New Hampshire licensed psychologist with a special interest and 25+ years of acquired expertise understanding and serving the needs of children. He is the author of numerous popular press, law review, and peer-reviewed publications and ten books on subjects in child and family development, divorce, and family law.
Dena Tranen is a new thought leader in the mental health field and at the forefront of innovative approaches to clinical practice. She earned her MSW from the George Warren School of Social Work in St. Louis, MO and received advanced clinical training working at the Harvard affiliated McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA.
In 2015 Dena moved from Boston to St. Louis, where she worked in a traditional group practice for a short time. In 2016 Dena launched Middle Way Counseling and Consulting. Over the next 3 years she enjoyed immersing herself in the St. Louis community and growing her practice. Dena launched The Care Collective in 2019 based on her experience working in a large academic hospital, a small traditional group practice and then being on her own, combined with a deep desire to be of service to others in her community.
Laura has served as the Executive Director of CASA of SWMO since 2017. She is a LCSW certified in TBRI. Laura has worked to improve the child welfare system since earning her MSW from Mizzou. Her passion is ensuring every child in foster care has the opportunity to be successful.
Thursday, August 14, 2025
8:30-9:45 a.m. | Plenary 1 | Versailles/Windsor
Family law then and now: Intergenerational perspectives
Speaker: Larry V. Swall, Gates Shields Ferguson Swall Hammond, PA, Liberty
9:45-10:10 a.m. | Exhibitor Break
10:10-11 a.m. | Breakout 01A | Vienna/Edinburgh
Why perform a vocational assessment?
The discussion will encompass the key aspects of an assessment, what knowledge is gained in an assessment, a better understanding of how an assessment can benefit both sides, and finally, presenting the abilities of the individual's capacity to work and support themselves.
Learning objectives:
Speakers: Jacqueline E. Crawford-Apperson, Attorney at Law, Springfield; Kristine Skahan, Skahan Vocational Consulting, Inc., Blue Springs
10:10-11 a.m. | Breakout 01B | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
GAL Track | Divorce impacts (age 0-12)
Speakers: Erika Ottolini, Artemis Counseling Services LLC, St. Louis; Rebecca Growe, Growe Counseling LLC, St. Louis
10:10-11 a.m. | Breakout 01C | Innsbruck
Shepherding your client through the administrative hearings process
Speakers: Michelle Coleman, Missouri Department of Social Services, Jefferson City; Alice L. Shockley, Missouri Department of Social Services, Collins
10:10-11 a.m. | Breakout 01D | Barcelona/Madrid
Criminal issues in family law
Speaker: Dakota W. Paris, Douglas, Haunt, Heidemann, PC, Bolivar
11-11:20 a.m. | Break
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 02A | Vienna/Edinburgh
Anticipating objections
How to anticipate and respond to most common objections raised in contested family law matters. Protecting your record for appeal.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Michael L. Taylor, Taylor Siemens Elliott Creedy & Lyle PC, St. Joseph
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 02B | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
GAL Track | Divorce impacts (age 12-18)
Speakers: Erika Ottolini, Artemis Counseling Services LLC, St. Louis; Rebecca Growe, Growe Counseling LLC, St. Louis
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 02C | Innsbruck
AI for Family lawyers
Speaker: Jordan Turk, Smokeball, Chicago, IL
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 02D | Barcelona/Madrid
The intersection of immigration and family law
Immigration is a hot topic today. How do immigration and family law intersect? What particular issues should family law attorneys be aware of when representing non-citizens in different contexts.
Learning objectives:
Speakers: Nevada M. Smith, Smith Law Offices, LLC, St. Charles; Monica N. Smith, Smith Law Offices, LLC, St. Charles
12:10-1:10 p.m. | Lunch
1:10-2 p.m. | Breakout 03A | Vienna/Edinburgh
Business valuation from a forensic accounting perspective and a litigation perspective Part 1
We will conduct a joint presentation where Eric will discuss the basics of business valuation, followed by Anne addressing some discovery basics for attorneys. Eric will then elaborate upon some unique issues confronting business valuation experts, and Anne will discuss expert depositions, experts in mediation, and use of experts at trial.
Attendees will gain a working knowledge of business valuation in the family law context, some issues to pay attention to in the course of discovery, and an understanding of how attorneys and business valuation experts can work effectively together throughout the litigation process from discovery to trial.
Speakers: Eric Ficken, MDD Forensic Accountants, St. Louis; Anne Lageson, Paule Camazine & Blumenthal PC, St. Louis
1:10-2 p.m. | Breakout 03B | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
GAL Track | Special education practice: Law tips
Speaker: Julia A. Chaney-Faughn, Cruse Chaney-Faughn, PC, Hannibal
1:10-2 p.m. | Breakout 03C | Innsbruck
Ethical issues in discovery
Speaker: Michael P. Downey, Downey Law Group LLC, St. Louis
1:10-2 p.m. | Breakout 03D | Barcelona/Madrid
Anticipating custody modifications
Speaker: Allison C. Tschannen, Kranitz & Kranitz, PC, St. Joseph
2-2:20 p.m. | Break
2:20-3:10 p.m. | Breakout 04A | Vienna/Edinburgh
Business valuation from a forensic accounting perspective and a litigation perspective Part 2
This is a continuation of the session from 1:10-2 p.m.
Speakers: Eric Ficken, MDD Forensic Accountants, St. Louis; Anne Lageson, Paule Camazine & Blumenthal PC, St. Louis
2:20-3:10 p.m. | Breakout 04B | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
GAL Track | Pathways to permanency: Finding the best choice for each family
The journey to finding the best permanency option for children has many factors to consider. Will reunification provide a safe environment for the child? Is the family connected to the necessary resources to remain successful after the case is closed? How will the family adjust to being together after spending months apart? Has the Family Support Team done everything they can to help this family succeed once the case is closed? What happens when reunification is not deemed to be a safe and appropriate possibility? During this presentation, attendees will learn about family reunification, common needs to help a family remain successful after the case is closed, and what alternatives to reunification may look like once it is deemed necessary to pursue alternative permanency options.
Learning objectives:
Speakers: Alana Hickman, Missouri CASA Association, Columbia; Laura Farmer, CASA of Southwest Missouri, Springfield
2:20-3:10 p.m. | Breakout 04C | Innsbruck
Duties to Clients/Parents at Family Court: Confidentiality, Competence, Diligence, Zealousness and so much more!
Speaker: Laurie V. Snell, Laurie V. Snell, Attorney at Law, Kansas City
2:20-3:10 p.m. | Breakout 04D | Barcelona/Madrid
A fish out of water - What family law attorneys need to know about appellate practice
Taking a family law matter to the Court of Appeals involves a very different set of skills and rules unique to appellate practice. This session will describe some of the issues family law attorneys face and some best practices to give you the best chance for success.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Alan E. Freed, Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal, PC, St. Louis
3:10-3:30 p.m. | Break
3:30-4:20 p.m. | Breakout 05A | Vienna/Edinburgh
Judicial panel: Evidentiary issues
Speakers: Hon. Myles A. Perry, Platte County Circuit Court, Div. VI, Platte City; Hon. Sue M. Crane, 13th Judicial Circuit Court, Fulton; Hon. Emily J. Fretwell, 19th Judicial Circuit, Jefferson City; Anne E. Kern (Moderator), Van Matre, Columbia
3:30-4:20 p.m. | Breakout 05B | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
GAL Track | Standards
Speakers: Austin E. Williamson, Rooney McBride & Smith, PLLC, Springfield; Brittnee L. Hill, Douglas, Haun & Heidemann, Bolivar
3:30-4:20 p.m. | Breakout 05C | Innsbruck
Surviving and even thriving in law's most difficult practice area
Speaker: Craig D. Ritchie, The Ritchie Law Group, St. Joseph
3:30-4:20 p.m. | Breakout 05D | Barcelona/Madrid
The amazing Line 11 and rebutting the presumption of the paying parent
Do not miss this exciting presentation! Jason and Nick will discuss Line 11, explaining the evidence you need to present to receive the maximum discount, the difference between duplicated and non-duplicated fixed expenses and flipping the presumption of the paying parent.
Learning objectives:
Speakers: Jason L. Clough, Clough Law Firm, LLC, Springfield; Nicholas M. Venute, Nick Venute Law Offices, LLC, Springfield
4:20-4:45 p.m. | Exhibitor Break
4:45-6:00 p.m. | Popcorn Plenary | Versailles/Windsor
Popcorn plenary
Speaker: Dean Barbara A. Glesner Fines, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law, Kansas City
6:00 p.m. | Adjourn
Friday, August 15, 2025
7:30-8:30am | Breakfast
8:30-9:45 am | Plenary 3 | Versailles/Windsor
GAL Track | Minimizing bias and premature closure: A rubric for the evaluation and adjudication of resist refuse dynamics
Speaker: Dr. Benjamin D. Garber, Ph.D., Family Law Consulting, PLLC, Hollis, NH
9:45-10:10 a.m. | Exhibitor Break
10:10-11 a.m. | Breakout 06A | Vienna/Edinburgh
GAL Track | Judicial panel-Resist/refuse dynamics
Speakers: Comm. Gretchen L. Yancey, 13th Judicial Circuit Court, Columbia; Comm. Lisa M. Dube, 16th Judicial Circuit, Jackson County, Kansas City; Comm. Kyle L. Kanable, 31st Circuit Court, Family Court Division 1, Springfield; Hon. Jeffrey P. Medler, St. Louis County Circuit Judge, St. Louis; Hon. David A. Roither, 22nd Judicial Circuit, St. Louis; Tamara A. Veit (moderator), McElligott, Ewan & Hall, PC, Independence; Simone A. Haberstock (moderator), The Law Offices of Simone A. Haberstock, LLC, Richmond Heights
10:10-11 a.m. | Breakout 06B | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
Juvenile courts-The intersection of juvenile court and family court
This session should help the average Family Law practitioner navigate Juvenile Courts and provide information on how and when the two worlds intersect. Attendees should also learn the language of Juvenile Courts and how they can best advocate for their client in that world.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Michele Hammond, St. Charles County Juvenile Justice Center, St. Charles
10:10-11 a.m. | Breakout 06C | Innsbruck
Clients in crisis
Speaker: Dena B. Tranen, The Care Collective, LLC, St. Louis
10:10-11 a.m. | Breakout 06D | Barcelona/Madrid
Paralegal Track | Using ChatGPT to improve your efficiency, professionalism, and profitability
Speakers: Craig D. Ritchie, The Ritchie Law Group, St. Joseph; Lauren D. Bower, Bower Law LLC, Parkville; Anne-Marie Hoecker, The Ritchie Law Group, St. Joseph; Alexis Thompson, Bower Law LLC, Parkville
11-11:20 a.m. | Break
11:20-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 07A | Vienna/Edinburgh
Why the heck aren’t we doing this already? Advance orientation (AO) can improve satisfaction, efficiency, and efficacy in PPEs
Nursing, medicine, dentistry and other allied fields have produced 50 years of research documenting the fact that when consumers of a service participate in an ADVANCE ORIENTATION to the service, the service becomes more satisfying, effective, and efficient. This presentation introduces advance orientation programming to family law. Programming now available at DEFUSEdivorce.com will be used to illustrate the value of advance orientation to custody litigants. Research now underway to document these benefits will be presented.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Dr. Benjamin D. Garber, Ph.D., Family Law Consulting, PLLC, Hollis, NH
11:20-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 07B | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
GAL Track | Title TBD
Speaker:
11:20-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 07C | Innsbruck
Mediation: Ethical hazards and missed opportunities
Speakers: Simone A. Haberstock, The Law Offices of Simone A. Haberstock, LLC, Richmond Heights; Alan E. Freed, Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal, PC, St. Louis
11:20-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 07D | Barcelona/Madrid
Paralegal Track | Systematizing your routines for better efficiency
Speakers: Craig D. Ritchie, The Ritchie Law Group, St. Joseph; Lauren D. Bower, Bower Law LLC, Parkville; Anne-Marie Hoecker, The Ritchie Law Group, St. Joseph; Alexis Thompson, Bower Law LLC, Parkville
12:10-1:10 p.m. | Lunch/Roger P. Krumm Award Presentation
1:10-2 p.m. | Breakout 08A | Vienna/Edinburgh
Missouri parentage after A.I.A.K. & E.H.K
Speakers: Joanna Beck Wilkinson, Law Offices of Mary Beck, Columbia; Harold V. O'Rourke, Stewart Mittleman & O'Rourke LLC, St. Louis
1:10-2 p.m. | Breakout 08B | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
Counseling theory for lawyers
Lawyers and Judges regularly require family members to engage in counseling or therapy during or after litigation. This presentation will provide an overview of the various licensures available in Missouri, counseling theories often used by counselors or therapists working with families in conflict, and factors that impact positive outcomes. A greater understanding of the therapeutic process and collaboration between the legal system and the therapeutic system will support positive outcomes for families.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Jill M. Katz, Jill M. Katz, LLC, Kansas City
1:10-2 p.m. | Breakout 08C | Innsbruck
Professional, courteous and civil: In court with trans clients
Speaker: Arden Pearson, Missouri Kansas Queer Law, North Kansas City
1:10-2 p.m. | Breakout 08D | Barcelona/Madrid
Paralegal Track | Preparing and responding to discovery requests
Speakers: Craig D. Ritchie, The Ritchie Law Group, St. Joseph; Lauren D. Bower, Bower Law LLC, Parkville; Anne-Marie Hoecker, The Ritchie Law Group, St. Joseph; Alexis Thompson, Bower Law LLC, Parkville
2-2:20 p.m. | Break
2:20-3:10 p.m. | Breakout 09A | Vienna/Edinburgh
Simplified trial preparation: Giving the judge what they actually need
Speaker: Hon. Justin M. Evans, Judiciary-State of Missouri, Marshfield
2:20-3:10 p.m. | Breakout 09B | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
GAL Workshop
Speaker: Andrea L. Pate, Law Office of the Ozarks, Springfield
2:20-3:10 p.m. | Breakout 09C | Innsbruck
Tech Workshop
Speaker: Andrew C. Scholz, Rooney McBride and Smith, LLC, Springfield
2:20-3:10 p.m. | Breakout 09D | Barcelona/Madrid
Paralegal Track | How to obtain and prepare evidence for trial in dissolution and custody matters
Speakers: Craig D. Ritchie, The Ritchie Law Group, St. Joseph; Lauren D. Bower, Bower Law LLC, Parkville; Anne-Marie Hoecker, The Ritchie Law Group, St. Joseph; Alexis Thompson, Bower Law LLC, Parkville
3:10-3:30 p.m. | Break
3:30-4:20 p.m. | Breakout 10A | Vienna/Edinburgh
Judicial panel: Golden year divorces
Speakers: Comm. John P. Lukachick, 31st Judicial Circuit, Springfield; Hon. Jessica L. Kruse, Christian County Circuit Court, Ozark; Hon. Alisha Diane O'Hara, 7th Judicial Circuit, Division 3, Liberty; Alan E. Freed (Moderator), Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal, PC, St. Louis
3:30-4:20 p.m. | Breakout 10B | Heidelberg/St. Moritz
GAL Track | Teen's wishes
Speaker: J.C. Weyand, 22nd Judicial Circuit - City of St. Louis Family Court, St. Louis
3:30-4:20 p.m. | Breakout 10C | Innsbruck
Forensic accounting
Speakers: Douglas C. Fredrick, Law Office of Doug Fredrick, LLC, Springfield; Krista Shelton, Focused Forensic Solutions, LLC, Maryville
4:20 p.m. | Adjourn
Saturday, August 16, 2025
8-9 am | Breakfast
9-10:30 a.m. | Plenary 4 | Versailles/Windsor
Case law update
Speaker: Andrew C. Scholz, Rooney McBride and Smith, LLC, Springfield
10:30 a.m. | Adjourn
Opinions and positions stated by presenters of MoBarCLE programs are those of the presenters and not necessarily those of The Missouri Bar. This program is intended as information for lawyers in Missouri, in conjunction with other research they deem necessary, in the exercise of their independent judgment.
Early Standard Pass | $400
* Early rates end 7/14/2025
Standard Pass | $455
* After 7/14/2025
Virtual Pass | $400
Law Student/Paralegal/Legal Aid Attorney or Paralegal/State Public Defender/Prosecutor/MO Protection & Advocacy Services
In-person Pass | $230
Law Student/Paralegal/Legal Aid Attorney or Paralegal/State Public Defender/Prosecutor/MO Protection & Advocacy Services
Virtual Pass | $230
Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center
415 North State Highway 265 | Branson, MO 65616
(888) 333-5253
Rates are per night, plus tax, and resort fee:
King or Double Queen $161
Rates are per night, plus tax and resort fee.
Click on this link to reserve your sleeping room: http://bookings.ihotelier.com/bookings.jsp?groupID=4297549&hotelID=11529
Those wishing to make reservations by phone should call 1-417-243-1720.
Conference lodging rates end July 14, 2025, or when the block is filled, whichever occurs first.
Additional meal ticket pricing:
All meals for children 12 and under are free.
Thursday dinner ticket - adult 13 and over - $30.00
Friday breakfast ticket - adult 13 and over - $30.00
Friday dinner ticket - adult 13 and over - $30.00
Saturday breakfast ticket - adult 13 and over - $30.00
If you would like to purchase additional meal tickets at a later date once you have completed the registration process, login to your MoBarCLE account, locate the 2025 Annual Family Law Conference, and click on the blue "Buy the Add-On" button.
If any of your additional meal tickets require dietary restrictions, please contact us at mobarcle@mobar.org.
2025 Annual Family Law Conference Registration Cancellation and Refund Policy
If you request accommodations addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, email your request at least three weeks prior to the program to mobarcle@mobar.org.
MoBarCLE may take photos and video at this program. By attending, you give The Missouri Bar permission to use images or audio captured at these programs, as well as any written comment on evaluation forms, in any electronic or printed communications by The Missouri Bar and for any educational, advertising, and promotional purposes. You agree to release The Missouri Bar, its employees, agents, and designees from liability for any violation of any personal or proprietary right you may have in connection with such use.
The Missouri Bar takes the safety and well-being of its members, the public, and its employees very seriously. We continue to monitor the latest public health updates. We will inform you of any changes to events that affect you. This includes any cancellation notices or changes to venue, format, or safety guidelines.
We encourage all attendees of Missouri Bar events to be aware of and follow public health guidelines for large gatherings. Help us keep everyone in attendance safe by not attending an event if you are ill or believe you may be contagious. Be respectful of the personal comfort level of other attendees when it comes to physical distancing, including shaking hands or other gestures common in networking environments.
By registering for and attending a Missouri Bar event, you agree to take reasonable health and safety precautions and to abide by The Missouri Bar’s posted meeting guidelines.
Please also be advised that, pursuant to RSMo. 537.1005, effective Aug. 28, 2021, “under Missouri law, any individual entering the premises or engaging the services of the business waives all civil liability against the individual or entity for any damages based on inherent risks associated with an exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19, except for recklessness or willful misconduct.”
Please contact The Missouri Bar with any questions or concerns.
| Availability | Module Title | Speaker | Credits | Course Type | Duration | Course Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 08:30 AM (CDT) |
Plenary 1 | Family law then and now: Intergenerational perspectives (qualifies for 1.5 ethics credit and 1.5 elimination of bias credit)
|
Larry Swall
|
Total Credits: 1.5 MCLE | Webcast | 1 Hour 15 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 1A | Why perform a vocational assessment?
|
Jacqueline Crawford-Apperson
Kristine Skahan
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 1B | GAL Track | Divorce impacts (age 0-12) (qualifies for 1.0 GAL credit)
|
Erika Ottolini
Rebecca Growe
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 1C | Shepherding your client through the administrative hearings process
|
Michelle Coleman
Alice Shockley
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 1D | Criminal issues in family law
|
Dakota Paris
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 11:20 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 2A | Anticipating objections
|
Michael Taylor
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 11:20 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 2B | GAL Track | Divorce impacts (age 0-12) (qualifies for 1.0 GAL credit)
|
Erika Ottolini
Rebecca Growe
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 11:20 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 2C | AI for family lawyers
|
Jordan Turk
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 11:20 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 2D | The intersection of immigration and family law
|
Nevada Smith
Monica Smith
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 01:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 3A | Business valuation from a forensic accounting perspective and a litigation perspective, part 1
|
Eric Ficken
Anne Lageson
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 01:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 3B | GAL Track | Special education practice: Law tips (qualifies for 1.0 GAL credit)
|
Julia Chaney-Faughn
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 01:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 3C | Ethical issues in discovery (qualifies for 1.0 ethics credit)
|
Michael Downey
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 01:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 3D | Anticipating custody modifications
|
Allison Tschannen
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 02:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 4A | Business valuation from a forensic accounting perspective and a litigation perspective, part 2
|
Eric Ficken
Anne Lageson
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 02:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 4B | GAL Track | Pathways to permanency: Finding the best choice for each family (qualifies for 1.0 GAL credit)
|
Alana Hickman
Laura Farmer
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 02:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 4C | Duties to clients in family court (qualifies for 1.0 ethics credit)
|
Laurie Snell
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 02:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 4D | A fish out of water - What family law attorneys need to know about appellate practice
|
Alan Freed
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 03:30 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 5A | Judicial panel: Evidentiary issues
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 03:30 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 5B | GAL Track | Standards (qualifies for 1.0 GAL credit)
|
Austin Williamson
Brittnee Hill
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 03:30 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 5C | Surviving and even thriving in law's most difficult practice area
|
Craig Ritchie
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 03:30 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 5D | The amazing Line 11 and rebutting the presumption of the paying parent
|
Jason Clough
Nicholas Venute
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 14, 2025 @ 04:45 PM (CDT) |
Popcorn Plenary (qualifies for 1.5 ethics credit)
|
Dean Barbara Glesner Fines
|
Total Credits: 1.5 MCLE | Webcast | 1 Hour 15 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 08:30 AM (CDT) |
Plenary 3 | GAL Track | Minimizing bias and premature closure: A rubric for the evaluation and adjudication of resist refuse dynamics (qualifies for 1.5 GAL credit)
|
Benjamin Garber
|
Total Credits: 1.5 MCLE | Webcast | 1 Hour 15 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 6A | GAL Track | Judicial panel- Resist/refuse dynamics (qualifies for 1.0 GAL credit)
|
Comm. Gretchen Yancey
Comm. Lisa Dube
Comm. Kyle Kanable
Hon. Jeffrey Medler
Hon. David Roither
Tamara Veit
Simone Haberstock
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 6B | Juvenile courts - The intersection of juvenile court and family court
|
Michele Hammond
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 6C | Clients in crisis
|
Dena Tranen
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 10:10 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 6D | Paralegal Track | Using ChatGPT to improve your efficiency, professionalism, and profitability
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 11:20 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 7A | Why the heck aren't we doing this already? Advance or orientation (AO) can improve satisfaction, efficiency, and efficacy in PPEs
|
Benjamin Garber
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 11:20 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 7B | GAL Track |
|
Hon. Tracy Gonzalez
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 11:20 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 7C | Mediation: Ethical hazards and missed opportunities (qualifies for 1.0 ethics credit)
|
Simone Haberstock
Alan Freed
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 11:20 AM (CDT) |
Breakout 7D | Paralegal Track | Systematizing your routines for better efficiency
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 01:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 8A | Missouri parentage after A.I.A.K & E.H.K
|
Harold O'Rourke
Laura Wilkinson
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 01:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 8B | Counseling theory for lawyers
|
Jill Katz
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 01:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 8C | Professional, courteous and civil: In court with trans clients (qualifies for 1.0 ethics credit and 1.0 elimination of bias credit)
|
Alexis Pearson
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 01:10 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 8D | Paralegal Track | Preparing and responding to discovery requests
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 02:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 9A | Simplified trial preparation: Giving the judge what they actually need
|
Hon. Justin Evans
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 02:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 9B | GAL Workshop (qualifies for 1.0 GAL credit)
|
Andrea Pate
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 02:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 9C | Tech Workshop
|
Andrew Scholz
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 02:20 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 9D | Paralegal Track | How to obtain and prepare evidence for trial in dissolution and custody matters
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 03:30 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 10A | Judicial panel | Golden year divorces
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » | |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 03:30 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 10B | GAL Track | Teen's wishes (qualifies for 1.0 GAL credit)
|
James Weyand
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 15, 2025 @ 03:30 PM (CDT) |
Breakout 10C | Forensic accounting
|
Douglas Fredrick
Krista Shelton
|
Total Credits: 1.0 MCLE | Webcast | 50 Minutes | More info » |
| Aug 16, 2025 @ 09:00 AM (CDT) |
Plenary 4 | Case Law Update
|
Andrew Scholz
|
Total Credits: 1.8 MCLE | Webcast | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | More info » |
