Navigating family law can be a complex and daunting process. That's why the recent Missouri Bar Family Law Conference brought together Missouri attorneys in the field to share insights and best practices. Attorneys at The Center for Family Law were among the presenters and in attendance at the 23rd annual conference held in Branson, Missouri. Their presentations focused on managing client expectations, initial consultation, drafting documents, case management, and grandparent visitation, third-party custody, and guardianships.

Initial Consultation & Managing Client Expectations

To ensure a positive attorney-client relationship, it is crucial to establish clear expectations from the very beginning. This was the focus of Allison Gerli's presentation at the conference.  Allison co-presented with Andrea Pate, a family law attorney and partner at The Law Office of the Ozarks.

It is crucial for attorneys to establish a solid foundation of trust and communication with their clients from day one, as this sets the tone for the entire legal process. Allison stressed the significance of active listening and open dialogue during these initial meetings, allowing clients to express their concerns and goals.

Allison's presentation also highlighted the importance of transparency in managing client expectations. Attorneys should provide honest assessments of their clients' cases, outlining both the strengths and potential challenges they may face. By setting realistic expectations from the outset, attorneys can help clients navigate the legal process with confidence and a clear understanding of what lies ahead.

The presentation then shifted to the importance of talking to clients about process options. Often practitioners focus on the substance and overlook the process. Clients have options on how to resolve their disputes and this should be presented and supported by practitioners. The Center for Family Law prides itself on process options and educating clients on their options, whether that by an uncontested "kitchen table" style divorce, collaborative divorce process, mediation, or a semi-litigated case resolved through cooperative attorneys sitting down to work through issues.

Case Management

Case management is critical to providing quality services to family law clients. Ann Bauer's presentation at the conference provided valuable insights and best practices in this area. Ann co-presented with Kristen Siegel, a family law attorney and partner at Siegal & Irwin, LLC based in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Kristin covered the importance of carefully drafting court pleadings.
 
In terms of case management, Ann highlighted the importance of document organization, keeping track of deadlines, and timely communication with clients. Attorneys must keep track of deadlines, court appearances, and client meetings to ensure cases progress smoothly. Clear and frequent communication with clients is crucial. Clients want to know what is going on, and not to be left wondering. It is important to provide updates, address concerns, and gather necessary information for the client’s case. 
 
Ann also discussed the significance of effective document management as a part of case management. Maintaining well-organized and easily accessible files can streamline the legal process and ensure important documents and information are readily available. F.amily law cases are often document-heavy. Keeping documents organized in a systematic way can enable the attorney to prepare for settlement and trial

Grandparent Visitation, Third-Party Custody, and Guardianships

Hallie Van Duren delivered a two-part presentation on the complex legal issues surrounding grandparent visitation rights, third-party custody, and guardianships. Hallie co-presented with attorney Kristen Sparks, partner at Garnholz Sparks.

Typically, guardianship cases involve neglect, abuse, or the inability of the biological parents to provide a suitable environment for a child. A guardian who is appointed by the Court steps into the role of a parent in all respects. A third-party custody action can similarly result in a third-party custodian stepping completely into the role of a parent, but, unlike in guardianship cases, third-party custody can in some circumstances result in a shared custody arrangement between biological parents and non-parents. Grandparent visitation involves much more limited court-ordered contact between a grandparent and a child or children while preserving the parental right to custody.

Hallie outlined the legal standards and procedures for a non-parent to seek custody or visitation of a child in each of these types of cases, emphasizing the paramount concern of establishing and preserving the child's best interests. By exploring statutes, caselaw, and examples, Hallie’s presentation analyzed which type of action would be most appropriate in different circumstances.

Over the course of her two-hour presentation, Hallie examined the complex legal balance of preserving relationships between children and grandparents or other third parties while respecting parental rights. Hallie offered practical guidance for Missouri attorneys in advising clients who are either seeking to establish grandparent visitation rights, guardianship, or third-party-custody or defend against such actions.