Thursday, August 6, 2026

1:00 – 1:10 pm
Welcome Remarks
Extended by Dan Sweetser, Esq., Executive Director, CBA-CLE; Halleh T. Omidi, Esq., Hogan Omidi, PC, Program Chair; and Courtney J. Cline, Esq., Cline Caldwell, Program Co-Chair

1:10 – 2:45 pm
Lightning Rounds

1.    The New Magistrate Rules
Presented by The Honorable Marianne M. Tims, 1st Judicial District Court Magistrate, Jefferson County

2.    The SLAT Trap: When Estate Planning and Divorce Collide
Presented by Jessica R. Diaz, Esq., Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, and JP Prentiss, Esq., Stahly|Miner LLC

3.    Update from the Colorado Supreme Court Standing Committee on Family Issues 
Presented by The Honorable Catherine J. Cheroutes, 5th Judicial District Court Judge, Clear Creek & Lake Counties

4.    Preparing Your Client for a CFI Investigation
Presented by Colleen McManamon, LLP, Mediated disSolutions, and Bonnie Shields, Esq., Bonnie S. Shields PC

5.    LLPs — What to Know and What's in it for You
Presented by Katherine (Katy) Ellis, Esq., The Harris Law Firm, PLLP, and Laura Landon-Newton, LLP, CP, Cox Baker Page & Bailey, LLC

6.    Beyond the ATI: Civil Claims to Claw Back the Estate
Presented by Cheyenne Somers Jenkins, Esq., Griffiths Law PC

2:45 – 3:05 pm
Presentation of CBA Family Law Section Icon Award

Friday, August 7, 2026

8:30 – 9:20 am
Breakout Sessions 1-3
For webinar attendees, the presentation marked with an asterisk will be broadcast over Zoom. All breakout sessions will be recorded and made available after the Institute.

Breakout Session #1*
Child Hearsay, Non-Hearsay, and Presenting Evidence of the Child’s Wishes
The rules of evidence and C.R.S. provide various ways to present a child's parenting wishes to the court. Learn the rules and limitations of each, and how to overcome hearsay issues.
Presented by Courtney M. Baldwin, Esq., Beattie, Westmont & Simpson, LLC, and Carl Graham, Esq., Graham.Law P.C.

Breakout Session #2
Embryos in Limbo: The Evolution of Family Formation in Colorado, Disposition, and Consent Withdrawal
Colorado courts have never addressed what happens when embryo disposition law collides with newly enacted parentage statutes. In 2018, In re Marriage of Rooks established the "balancing of interests" framework for embryo disposition in divorce; in 2024, Colorado enacted C.R.S. 15-11-120 allowing individuals to withdraw consent to assisted reproduction before placement, potentially severing parentage. This presentation examines the unresolved question: Can one spouse win embryo disposition under Rooks but lose legal parentage when the other spouse withdraws consent under the new statute—and what does Colorado law say about timing, formality, and good faith?
Presented by The Honorable Adam J. Espinosa, 2nd Judicial District Court Judge, Denver County; Eliz Espinoza, Esq., Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP; and Marte B. Timmers, Esq., Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Breakout Session #3
The Ethical and Professional Practice of Family Law from the Initial Client Contact to Withdrawal and Duties as Officer of the Court
Law school doesn’t teach how to practice law. Many lawyers are solo or small firm practitioners who were “thrown into the fray” from the onset of their licensure without training or mentoring as to how the law in theory works out in practice. The purpose of this seminar is to teach individuals how to run a family law practice in an ethical, client-focused and reasonably remunerative fashion from the initial contact with the potential client through withdrawal. This is not intended to be a presentation on how to generally practice family law. Rather, statutes, case law, ethical rules and decisions will be heavily employed, referenced, and applied to the perils and pitfalls endemic to a family law practice.
Presented by Steven B. Epstein, Esq., Epstein Patierno, LLP, and The Honorable Edward C. Moss (ret.), Ciancio Ciancio Brown P.C.
Submitted for 1 Ethics/Professionalism Credit

9:20 – 9:35 am
Transition to Next Breakout Sessions

9:35 – 10:25 am
Breakout Sessions 4-6
For webinar attendees, the presentation marked with an asterisk will be broadcast over Zoom. All breakout sessions will be recorded and made available after the Institute.

Breakout Session #4*
Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Effectiveness in Court (50 Tips in 50 Minutes)
This presentation covers the “nuts and bolts” of a family law hearing, from the night before through its conclusion. Along the way, Mr. Bailey will be giving tips, traps and pointers, including portions of actual witness testimony and discuss the “usual” foundations. Also, Mr. Bailey will speak from his vast personal knowledge of when “things don’t go quite right,” and how to best expect the unexpected.
Presented by James S. Bailey, Esq., Cox Baker Paige & Bailey, LLC

Breakout Session #5
Don't Mess with Death or Taxes: Case Studies on the Consequences of Trying to Do or Undo Estate Planning in Divorce Settlements
In this presentation, a matrimonial attorney and an estate planner will present case studies involving the unintended consequences of trying to incorporate estate planning into divorce settlements. We will look at three real-life examples involving: committing to bequests to joint children; triggering income taxes, gift taxes and other bad things when modifying ILITs; and co-tenancy agreements when one person dies.
Presented by Heidi J. Gassman, Esq., Robinson Waters & O’Dorisio, P.C., and Kimberly R. Willoughby, Esq., Willoughby & Associates

Breakout Session #6
Choosing the Right Action and Coordinating Dual Proceedings: When DR and Guardianship Cases Over the Same Child Collide
This session explores the intersection between guardianships over minors and third-party APR actions involving the same child(ren), including how to select the right action for your case and how to navigate situations when both actions are pending simultaneously. We will examine how courts evaluate standing, party rights, timing, and the child’s best interests when overlapping proceedings arise. The program also addresses judicial strategies for coordinating probate and domestic actions, avoiding conflicting orders, and considering consolidation under C.R.C.P. 42.
Presented by Lisa R. Shellenberger, Esq., Setter Roche Smith & Shellenberger LLP

10:25 – 10:45 am
Networking Break 
Please visit your sponsors!

10:45 – 11:35 am
Breakout Sessions 7-9
For webinar attendees, the presentation marked with an asterisk will be broadcast over Zoom. All breakout sessions will be recorded and made available after the Institute.

Breakout Session #7*
Parental Relocation in Colorado: Balancing Law, Psychology, and Real Life
This presentation brings together law, psychology, and practical experience to help practitioners and judges navigate one of family law’s most complex issues: parental relocation. Ryan Kalamaya introduces the human and legal dimensions of relocation—what’s truly at stake when a parent moves and how courts can craft defensible, child-centered findings. Amy Goscha explains the statutory and case law evolution in Colorado, from Francis to Ciesluk to Spahmer, offering clear judicial takeaways. Dr. Katherine McNamara integrates the social science—how relocation impacts children, what research shows about “social capital,” and how gatekeeping dynamics shape outcomes. Together, the panel provides a roadmap for blending legal principles and psychological insight to make relocation decisions that preserve a child’s world while balancing both parents’ rights.
Presented by Amy M. Goscha, Esq., Kalamaya | Goscha; Ryan A. Kalamaya, Esq., Kalamaya | Goscha; and Kathleen McNamara PhD, Kathleen McNamara PhD PLLC
Submitted for 0.2 Ethics/Professionalism Credit

Breakout Session #8
Putting the "Fault" in No-Fault: Reconciling Maintenance Awards under C.R.S. 14-10-114 after SB25-116
Colorado has long adhered to a no-fault divorce framework, including a statutory mandate that maintenance awards be made "without regard to marital misconduct." Senate Bill 25-116; however, amended C.R.S. 14-10-114 to add a new factor permitting Courts to consider whether a spouse has engaged in domestic violence, coercive control, economic abuse, litigation abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, or unlawful sexual behavior when determining the amount and duration of maintenance. This presentation explores the statutory tension created by the co-existence of C.R.S. 14-10-114(2)'s prohibition on fault-based maintenance determinations and the newly enacted abuse-related factor.
Presented by Tanya L. Akins, J.D., MSW, Sherr Puttmann Akins Lamb PC, and Abigail L. Asadi, Esq., Sherr Puttmann Akins Lamb PC
Submitted for 0.2 Ethics/Professionalism Credit

Breakout Session #9
Breaking the Silence: Empowering Lawyers to Safely Uncover Abuse
Using a case study format, this session will examine how family law practitioners can effectively identify, assess, and present domestic violence issues in their cases. While the bench and PREs receive specialized training in this area, many attorneys do not. Faculty will provide practical guidance on developing effective intake questions, creating safety plans to support survivors and their children, and determining when and how to engage experts. Attendees will leave with a clearer framework for recognizing abuse, avoiding inadvertent retraumatization, and presenting these cases thoughtfully and competently.
Presented by Jamie B. Paine, Esq., Thrive Family Law LLC; Jennifer Walker, MPA, The Interim, LLC; and Tia M. Zavaras, Esq., Evolved Law, LLC

11:35 – 11:50 am
Transition to Next Breakout Sessions

11:50 am – 12:40 pm
Breakout Sessions 10-12
For webinar attendees, the presentation marked with an asterisk will be broadcast over Zoom. All breakout sessions will be recorded and made available after the Institute.
                           
Breakout Session #10*
Value Depends on Definition: How Colorado’s Undefined Standard Impacts Appraisals
Colorado courts have broad discretion in selecting the standard of value for business interests, which often creates uncertainty around discounts for lack of control and lack of marketability. This uncertainty can lead to inconsistent outcomes and makes valuation framing critical in divorce cases. The presentation focuses on navigating this ambiguity and working with experts to clearly present defensible valuation options to the Court.
Presented by Brian G. Broxterman, CFA, ASA, Broxterman Consulting Solutions; Cynthia L. Ciancio, Esq., Ciancio Ciancio Brown P.C.; Amanda K. Reeves, Esq., Ciancio Ciancio Brown P.C.

Breakout Session #11
Valuations That Stick: Pragmatic Strategies for Navigating Divorce Standards
In a divorce dispute, the most mathematically perfect valuation in the world is worth zero if the judge can’t follow your logic or the opposing counsel can pick apart your process. We aren't just here to talk about the 'what' of valuation standards—we’re here to master the 'how.' How do you turn complex financial data into a narrative that stands up in court and actually moves the needle?
Presented by Joi G. Kush, Esq., Mulliken Weiner Berg & Jolivet P.C.; Joel M. Pratt, Esq., Law Office of Joel M. Pratt; and Scott R. Saltzman, CPA, CVA, ASA, ABV, MAFF, Saltzman LLC

Breakout Session #12
Business Valuation Essentials: What You Need to Know and How Courts Weigh Expert Opinions
This presentation provides an overview of the key concepts of business valuation in divorce matters, including key methods and critical factors that drive value. It explores common areas of disagreement among valuation experts and why these differences arise. Finally, we examine how judges evaluate conflicting opinions between business valuation experts, offering practical insights for professionals involved in valuation disputes.
Presented by Jessica Landay, ASA, ABV, CVA, MAFF, Harper Hofer & Associates, LLC, and Jennifer L. Helland, Esq., Helland & Hurwitz

12:40 – 2:00 pm
Lunch On Your Own

2:00 – 2:50 pm
Breakout Sessions 13-15
For webinar attendees, the presentation marked with an asterisk will be broadcast over Zoom. All breakout sessions will be recorded and made available after the Institute.

Breakout Session #13*
That Was Then, This Is Now: The Revamped Child Support Statute
The General Assembly recently passed wide-sweeping changes to the child support statute. This presentation will analyze and discuss the impact of those changes in family law cases and provide quick-reference guides for ongoing use as practitioners and judges adjust to the new child support paradigm.
Presented by Patricia A. Cooper, Esq., Cooper Family Law Solutions, LLC

Breakout Session #14
Understanding the “Rights on Death” Section of Marital and Pre-Marital Agreements?  
While many family law attorneys draft pre-marital or marital agreements, most do not have a working understanding of the Rights on Death sections of these agreements. This presentation will provide: (a) a high-level overview of the rights frequently addressed and waived in this section (i.e. elective share, intestate share, omitted spouse, right to act as personal representative, exempt property, family allowance); (b) practice tips for how to discuss these concepts with your clients, how to identify when these rights may be relevant to your client’s agreement, and when to call estate planning counsel; and (c) how these provisions in marital and pre-marital agreements are enforced and interpreted in probate court.
Presented by Bailey W. Mahoney, Esq., Harrington Brewster Mahoney Smits, P.C.; Emma A. Fletcher, Esq., Harrington Brewster Mahoney Smits, P.C.; and The Honorable Elizabeth D. Leith, Presiding Judge, Denver Probate Court, 2nd Judicial District

Breakout Session #15
Finding the Right Fit: Using Mediation/Mediation-Arbitration/ENA/Arbitration/Special Master/Private Judges
Retired judges will discuss practical pathways to resolving cases short of full litigation. Covering mediation, mediation-arbitration, ENA, arbitration, special master appointments, and private judging, this session will help attorneys evaluate which dispute resolution process best serves their client’s goals, budget, and timeline.
Presented by The Honorable Angela R. Arkin (ret.), Judicial Arbiter Group, Inc.; The Honorable Rayna K. Gokli (ret.), Gokli Dispute Resolution; and The Honorable Jennifer B. Torrington (ret.), GEM Family Law, LLC

2:50 – 3:10 pm
Networking Break 
Please visit your sponsors!

3:10 – 4:00 pm
Breakout Sessions 16-18
For webinar attendees, the presentation marked with an asterisk will be broadcast over Zoom. All breakout sessions will be recorded and made available after the Institute.

Breakout Session #16*
Best Practices in Establishing a Trial Record for Coercive Control
This presentation will provide practitioners with concise, practical guidance from a panel of experienced judicial officers on how to present a compelling and complete trial record establishing coercive control. An experienced panel of judicial officers, all of whom will be presiding in domestic divisions or have extensive experience in a domestic division, will offer guidance as to effective trial strategies related to coercive control proceedings involving C.R.S. §§ 14-10-114, 14-10-124, 13-14-104.5, and 13-14-10614-10-114, 14-10-124, 13-14-104.5, and 13-14-106. Their advice will be informed by practical, evidentiary, statutory, and case law guidance.
Panelists include The Honorable Eric M. Johnson, 2nd Judicial District Court Judge, Denver County; The Honorable Michal A. Lord-Blegen, 17th Judicial District Court Judge, Adams and Broomfield Counties; and The Honorable Bonnie H. McLean, 18th Judicial District Court Judge, Arapahoe County
Moderated by The Honorable Jennifer B. Torrington (ret.), GEM Family Law, LLC

Breakout Session #17
Basic Interstate Jurisdiction (UCCJEA/UIFSA/UCAPA/Domestication): Understanding the Pre- and Post- Decree Conflicts, and Making the Right Filing Choice
The participants will learn the bare bones basics of the various relevant statutes and how they interact. We will discuss how to initially triage the case, and what to do as "next steps." The participants will learn/discuss how to present the necessary facts to the Court to allow the Court to properly assess subject matter jurisdiction. We will discuss how to get the Court to properly rule on whether to exercise or relinquish jurisdiction, request the Court to interact with judicial officers in other states, how to participate in those proceedings, what legal resources will be helpful, and what additional hearings to request (and where).
Presented by The Honorable Angela R. Arkin (ret.), Judicial Arbiter Group, Inc.

Breakout Session #18
Complex Trust Issues in Divorce Cases and Creative Solutions
The presenters will go through the complex issues that arise in cases where trusts are at issue in divorce cases and creative solutions to resolve those issues. For example, when a trust is an economic circumstance, but not property, how do the courts divide the estate typically? And what is done with maintenance? Or what is a power of appointment? What types of powers are there? In this "grey" area of property or not property, how can we resolve this without having a hearing on the issue? If you go to a hearing, what do you need? Also - what if you can't get the trust from the family? What can you do to traverse this issue? We will discuss the current case law that exists on the issue, what is currently in the court of appeals or supreme court that could impact the law on these issues and how can we traverse the very grey areas that lay in between "property" or "not property" trusts?
Presented by Gerard (“G”) F. Deffenbaugh, Esq., Colorado Trust and Taxes, and Kate M. Lewis, Esq., Cage Lewis and Weiman

4:00 – 4:15 pm
Transition to Next Breakout Sessions

4:15 – 5:00 pm
Breakout Sessions 19-21
For webinar attendees, the presentation marked with an asterisk will be broadcast over Zoom. All breakout sessions will be recorded and made available after the Institute.

Breakout Session #19*
Malpractice Isn’t Enough: How Family Lawyers Can Protect Themselves
Family law practitioners routinely work with highly emotional, and at times angry, individuals. As a result, we have a responsibility to protect not only our clients, but also ourselves, our staff, and others around us. It is human nature to assume that serious safety risks will not happen to us, until the moment the risk becomes real. This presentation will provide family law attorneys with practical strategies to recognize and manage professional, financial, and personal risks that extend beyond the scope of traditional malpractice insurance.
Presented by Jonathan J. Bereman, Esq., Robinson Waters & O’Dorisio, P.C., and Steven Bradley, OurFamilyWizard

Breakout Session #20
Spotlighting the Horizons of Family Law: Issue Spotting Non–Family Law Matters to Deliver Better Results for Your Clients 
Family law cases often intersect with other areas of law in ways that significantly affect strategy and client outcomes. This seminar will provide practical tools for identifying legal issues outside the traditional scope of family law and advising clients when additional counsel or corrective action may be necessary. Using real-world examples, statutory authority, and case law, presenters will offer a framework for spotting cross-disciplinary issues, understanding their practical impact, and strategically guiding clients through risks that extend beyond the domestic relations case.
Presented by Jay B. Pickard, Esq., Pickard Law, P.C.; Joe Pickard, Esq., Pickard Law P.C.; and Brandon Roché, Esq., Roché Law, PLLC

Breakout Session #21
CFIs, CLRs, and PCDMs in Domestic Relations Cases: Scope, Authority, and Strategic Use
For a variety of reasons, domestic relations cases rely more and more upon Child’s Legal Representatives (“CLRs”), PCDMs, Arbitrators, and Special Masters in parenting and decision-making cases. This presentation will guide practitioners through identifying which professional(s) are a good fit for your case, understanding the scope and “lane” of each professional, referencing the relevant statutory or other authority setting forth the powers and abilities of each type of professionals, and strategizing how the various professionals can work together toward resolutions.
Presented by Meggin E. Rutherford, Esq., Setter Roche Smith & Shellenberger LLP; Adeline M. Sulentich, Esq., Hogan Omidi, PC; Kaela Zihlman, Esq., Wells Family Law
Submitted for 0.2 Ethics/Professionalism Credit

Saturday, August 8, 2026
Alma Mater Day Casual Attire
Show your school spirit and wear your favorite alma mater gear!

8:00 – 8:05 am
Welcome Back Remarks
Extended by Halleh T. Omidi, Esq., Hogan Omidi, PC, Program Chair; and Courtney J. Cline, Esq., Cline Caldwell, Program Co-Chair

8:10 – 9:30 am
Family Law Case Law Update
Presented by Christopher Griffiths, Esq., Griffiths Law PC, and Courtney McConomy, Esq., Sherr Puttmann Akins Lamb PC

9:40 – 10:55 am
Pozner on Cross: The Chapter Method
Pozner on Cross: The Chapter Method, is America’s most attended trial techniques CLE. This unique and entertaining program teaches advanced methods to recognize, write, and deliver powerful cross-examinations.

Great cross-examinations are the product of interlocking techniques that can be learned easily and used immediately by lawyers regardless of experience. Pozner uses principles of neuroscience and behavioral psychology to explain how to draft cross-examination as storytelling. The Chapter Method structure raises our confidence, controls the witnesses, and teaches the jurors our case theory. Using more than 250 PowerPoint slides, Pozner shows the steps to each technique, accompanied by short examples of the resulting cross-examination.
Presented by Larry S. Pozner, Esq., LS Pozner PLLC

10:55 – 11:15 am
Networking Break 
Please visit your sponsors!

11:15 – 11:25 am
Past Chair Plaque Presentation
Presented to Hannah Jannicelli Westmont, Esq., Beattie, Westmont & Simpson, LLC, Outgoing CBA Family Law Section Chair
Presented by Halleh T. Omidi, Esq., Hogan Omidi, PC, Program Chair

11:25 – 11:55 am
Are You an Expert on DR Experts?
You very well may have expertise in the area of expert testimony and reports in domestic relations cases. But what about your opponent? Your court? In this presentation, Judge Loewer and Magistrate Allen will offer some practical guidance on the use (and non-use) of experts at DR hearings. Topics include: CFIs and PREs, their testimony, and their reports; the interplay of C.R.C.P. 16.2 and Title 14 with the Colorado Rules of Evidence; court vs. joint vs. individually-retained experts; and unique scenarios and alternatives to experts (e.g., property valuation, comparison of schools).
Presented by The Honorable Bryce D. Allen, 1st Judicial District Court Judge, Jefferson County, and The Honorable Ryan P. Loewer, 1st Judicial District Court Magistrate, Jefferson County

11:55 am – Noon
Closing Remarks
Extended by Halleh T. Omidi, Esq., Hogan Omidi, PC, Program Chair; and Courtney J. Cline, Esq., Cline Caldwell, Program Co-Chair

Noon
Adjourn