Thursday, August 7, 2025

8:00 am – 11:00 am (including one 15-minute break)

Optional Evidence Practicum

Join us for the highly anticipated return of the Evidence Practicum, a dynamic, hands-on program designed to sharpen your courtroom skills. This interactive course focuses on the practical techniques you need to confidently introduce challenging exhibits and statements into evidence. Learn directly from experienced family law litigators and judicial officers from across the state.

Working in small groups, participants will receive individualized feedback in a supportive, skills-based environment—perfect for refining your approach and gaining confidence in the courtroom. New attorneys, Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs), and law students are especially encouraged to attend. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to elevate your practice!

The Evidence Practicum is chaired by Robin Lutz Beattie, Esq., Polidori, Franklin, Monahan & Beattie, LLC, Rachel Kranz Caldwell, Esq., Cline Caldwell, LLP, and 

The Honorable Kelley R. Southerland, 17^th Judicial District Court Judge  

Sign up early – limited to the first 48 enrollees.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Family Law Institute Registration

12:00 – 12:10 pm

Welcome Remarks

Extended by Dan Sweetser, Esq., Executive Director, Continuing Legal Education in Colorado, Inc. dba CBA-CLE, Hannah Jannicelli Westmont, Esq., Polidori, Franklin, Monahan & Beattie, LLC, Program Chair, and The Honorable Karen F. Hübler, 2^nd Judicial District Court Magistrate, Program Co-Chair

12:10 – 1:50 pm

Lightning Rounds

1.  The Magic of Motivational Interviewing in Family Law Cases

             Presented by Shannon A.R. Allen, Esq., Anderson Allen LLC, and 

             The Honorable Julie Field (ret.), Consilium Institute

2. Courts, Counseling, and Collaboration

            Presented by Allison Hummer Schulte MS, LMFT, Allied Family Therapy and Wellness, and The Honorable Jeffrey M. Schwartz, 8^th Judicial District Court Magistrate

3. Digital Divorce - Untangling Accounts

            Presented by Katherine (Katy) Ellis, Esq., The Harris Law Firm, PLLP

4. Dave, Can You Write Me a Brief? AI and Pro Se Family Law Litigation: A Space Opera in Ethics and the Law

            Presented by The Honorable Elizabeth Weishaupl (ret.), JAMS

            Submitted for .3 Ethics/Professionalism Credit

5. Screens, Stalkers, and Safety: Identifying Tech Abuse in Intimate Partner Violence Cases

            Presented by Alison Mahoney, Esq., ALM Law

6. Child Support Update               

            Presented by MariaJose Delgado, Esq., MariaJose Delgado Law LLC 

1:50 - 2:10 pm

Networking Break

2:10 - 3:10 pm 

Protecting Children's Mental Health During Divorce: A Mother and Son’s Story and the 8 Principles Every Divorce Professional Needs to Know

Kerry and Palmer are a mother and son who survived a high-conflict divorce that threatened their once loving relationship and nearly cost Palmer his life. Their experience gives this now pair of Marriage and Family therapists a unique dual perspective on safeguarding children's emotional well-being during and after family dissolution. Through their powerful story, attendees will gain insight into the impact divorce can have from the child's perspective, and acquire practical strategies to educate parents, mitigate harm, and promote healthy parent-child relationships. This session interweaves lived experience with clinical expertise and practical tools, empowering family law professionals to not only navigate families through divorce but to help change the future for children caught in the crossfire.

Presented by Kerry Stutzman, LMFT, MSW, The Connected Family and Palmer Skudneski, MS, MFTC, The Connected Family

3:10 – 4:10 pm 

Shaping the Future of Family Law: Judicial Innovation in Colorado

Colorado Supreme Court Justice Melissa Hart, District Court Judge Kelley Southerland, and Colorado State Court Administrator’s Office Family Unit Programs Coordinator Alexis Frederickson will provide updates and insight into the work of the Colorado Judicial Branch to improve service to families and children. They will discuss ongoing training, legislative changes impacting the work they do, and programs the Branch is employing to partner with members of the Bar to increase the levels of service the Branch provides.

Presented by The Honorable Justice Melissa Hart, Colorado Supreme Court, The Honorable Kelley R. Southerland, 17th Judicial District Court Judge, and Alexis Fredrickson, Family Unit Programs Coordinator, State Court Administrator’s Office

Submitted for .4 Ethics/Professionalism Credit

4:10 - 5:00 pm 

Approaching the Practice Effectively and Empathetically

This presentation will discuss the ethical realities of our advocacy, against the backdrop of why working to settle most cases is so important. The presenters will share their experiences in a high-conflict case involving mental health issues. As a result of this case, the presenters developed a closer connection and now want to share with others both the trauma involved in this work and the rewards of approaching it cooperatively.

Presented by Jennifer C. Alldredge, Esq., Robinson Waters & O'Dorisio, P.C., and Jennifer G. Feingold, Esq., Feingold Horton PLLC

Submitted for .2 Ethics/Professionalism Credit

5:00 – 6:30 pm

Welcome Reception – Sponsored by Harper Hofer & Associates

8:00 – 9:30 pm

After Hours @ Revel Lounge – Co-Sponsored by Jones Law Firm, PC and Kinnett & Cordes

Join us for a drink and casual conversation with FLI presenters and attendees at the Revel Lounge in the Hythe Hotel.

Friday, August 8, 2025

6:30 am

Optional Group Run

Run along Gore Creek, through Vail Village to the golf course, and back with CBA Family Law Section Past Chair Kate M. Lewis.

7:00 am

Check back for a fun morning surprise! We’re not kidding… it might involve tiny hooves and yoga moves!

7:30 – 8:30 am

Breakfast (Registered Attendees Only) - Sponsored by Parkside Financial

8:30 – 9:20 am

Breakout Sessions 1-3    

If you are attending FLI in-person, choose from Sessions 1, 2, or 3 during registration.

For webinar attendees, we’ll announce which sessions are being streamed shortly before the institute. 

Breakout Session #1

In or Out? Problem-Solving Approaches to Personal Jurisdiction

Personal Jurisdiction is an essential element for adjudication of (almost) any family law case. While with parties living in the same state it may not be given much thought, in our increasingly mobile society concerns are arising more often. There are different ways that a court can obtain personal jurisdiction over a party (including by waiver, sometimes when a party is unaware of what they are doing), and those methods can intersect and vary even within a single case. For example, personal jurisdiction is not necessary at all for a court to enter parenting time orders, but it is needed for child support orders; a court can grant a decree of dissolution without personal jurisdiction, but it cannot divide most property or order maintenance. This presentation will focus on practical examples of when personal jurisdiction is necessary, how it can be obtained, and why you might, or might not want to challenge personal jurisdiction even if only for part of your case.

Presented by JP Prentiss, Esq., Stahly|Miner LLC, and Todd A. Stahly, Esq., Stahly|Miner LLC 

Breakout Session #2

A Look into Parentage, Parent and Non-Parent Rights, and the Parent-Child Relationship

This presentation will begin with a discussion of the changing and evolving qualities of Colorado families, and how the parent-child relationship codified in law reflects the makeup of Colorado families. Then, the presenters will discuss the definition of “parent” and “parent-child relationship” under CRE Titles 14 (APR), 15 (protective proceedings and inheritance), and 19 (parentage), focusing on how the terms are defined differently for the purposes of APR, probate law, and juvenile law. Next, the presenters will analyze the implications of these competing and inconsistent definitions, and how this impacts clients with respect to standing in APR, probate, and parentage proceedings; estate planning considerations; inheritance rights; and other legal rights and remedies. Finally, the presenters will discuss best practices in working with clients in light of these competing and inconsistent classifications of the parent-child relationship.

Presented by Laurence I. Gendelman, Esq., Gendelman Klimas Edwards, Ltd., Karen J. Langsley, Esq., Langsley Mills Law, LLC, and Hannah R. Leisman, Esq., Gendelman Klimas Edwards, Ltd.

Submitted for .2 EDI Credit

Breakout Session #3

Settlement: It’s a Mindset

This presentation will explore the best practices approach to successful mediations for both pre-decree and post-decree cases. The panelists will discuss how to constructively modify your practice and perspective to achieve the best results for your clients – from the beginning of the case through its conclusion. You will gain insight into the unintentionally placed roadblocks that one’s approach may put in the way of successful mediation, and you will leave with a fresh perspective on how best to achieve positive results for settling more cases.

Presented by Frances C. Fontana, Esq., Feingold Horton, PLLC, Lorna H. Horton,Esq., Feingold Horton, PLLC, and Ben Stetler, Esq., Ben Stetler, PLLC

9:20 – 9:30 am

Transition to Breakout Sessions

9:30 – 10:30 am

Breakout Sessions 4-6 

If you are attending FLI in-person, choose from Sessions 4, 5, or 6 during registration.

For webinar attendees, we’ll announce which sessions are being streamed shortly before the institute.

Breakout Session #4

Adverse Consequences: Substance Abuse Across Lifetimes

In this engaging one-hour session, we will delve into the intergenerational impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as they relate to the intricate dynamics of Substance Use Disorders, in particular Alcohol Use Disorder, within family courts. Participants will gain insights into the effects of parental alcohol use disorders on children’s well-being, the tools for balanced decision-making, and the significance of maintaining familial bonds. Armed with performance data and advanced alcohol monitoring technologies, this session underscores a judicious approach to ensure children’s safety and foster resilient futures. Join us for an enlightening exploration, championing informed decisions in the family court system.

Presented by Aaron Robb, Ph.D., LPC-S, Forensic Counseling Services

Breakout Session #5

Beyond the Trust: Understanding Property, Income, and Judicial Expectations

A practitioner, financial expert, and judicial officer will explore the critical role of trust law in family law cases, focusing on how beneficial trust interests impact asset division, maintenance, and child support. Participants will gain practical insights into identifying property interests in trusts, understanding the effects of trust distributions, and assessing whether a trust—regardless of its classification as property or not—represents an economic factor that should be considered in divorce proceedings. 

Presented by The Honorable Randall (Randy) C. Arp (ret.), Judicial Arbiter Group, Inc., Jay E. Freedberg, CPA/ABV/CFF, Freedberg Ltd., and Madeleine Rosengrants, Esq., Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Breakout Session #6

Deal or Ordeal? The Good, Bad and Ugly of Business Valuation with Buy-Out and Business Continuation

This presentation will set forth the basic components of a business valuation and what courts look for when allocating or restructuring a marital business, including testimony/evidence, information from the parties, and documents and proposed forms. The focus will be on cases where there will be a complicated or difficult allocation of business interests to one spouse OR the parties have agreed to maintain ownership or constructive ownership in a marital business.

Presented by Andrew N. Baum, CPA/ABV/CFF, Harper Hofer & Associates LLC, The Honorable Benjamin T. Figa, 18^th Judicial District Court Judge, The Honorable Michelle E. Jones, 18^th Judicial District Court Judge, and Marte B. Timmers, Esq., Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

10:30 – 10:45 am 

Networking Break

10:45 – 11:35 am

Breakout Sessions 7-9

If you are attending FLI in-person, choose from Sessions 7, 8, or 9 during registration.

For webinar attendees, we’ll announce which sessions are being streamed shortly before the institute.

Breakout Session #7

It's Complicated: How to Value and Divide Complex Assets

The panel will present on various ways to divide unique and complex assets in divorce cases. The assets we have identified are: 1) RSUs, Stocks and Executive Compensation benefits; 2) Co-owned businesses; 3) venture capital and hedge fund investments; 4) intellectual property (copyrights, trademarks, royalty interests); 5) opportunity zone interests; 6) embryos; 7) family pets; and 8) personal property such as art, jewelry, holiday ornaments, etc. The presenters intend to offer creative ways to divide these assets, sample language for separation agreements, and pitfalls (i.e. tax issues, voting rights issues, reporting issues, etc.) to avoid when getting creative. Relevant statutory and case law will be discussed for each topic as well as innovative approaches to valuation and division, such as drafting language for constructive trust, conducting internal auctions, exploring game theory, utilizing dog whisperers, and playing rock-paper-scissors. This presentation encourages outside-the-box thinking to prioritize resolution and problem-solving outside the court room for clients.

Presented by Jamie L. Cage, Esq., Cooper | Ramp | Cage | Bucar | Lewis, Amy Goscha, Esq., Kalamaya | Goscha, and Olivia Heffner, Esq., Willoughby and Associates

Breakout Session #8

The Intersection of Family Law and Probate in Dissolution of Marriage Proceedings: Diminished Capacity, Competency, and Fiduciary Involvement, and the Characterization of a Trust Interest as Property or an Economic Circumstance

Ethical and professional competence issues often arise in representing the elderly divorce client, including when the client has (or you suspect they have) diminished capacity, how to handle the involvement (or over involvement) of adult children, and the ins and outs of guardians, conservators, guardians ad litem, CRPC Rule 1.14, and the ADA.  This presentation will address statutory, rule-based, and case law considerations with practical advice on the many issues that can and frequently do arise.  This presentation will also address how to determine when a spouse’s beneficial interest in an irrevocable trust will be considered property subject to equitable division or, if the interest is not considered property, whether it constitutes an economic circumstance. 

Presented by Ann Gushurst, LLB, JAMS, and Kris A. Zumalt, Esq., JAMS

Submitted for .2 Ethics/Professionalism Credit and .2 EDI Credit

Breakout Session #9

What I've Learned on the Bench That I Wish I Knew as a Family Law Attorney

The Honorable Kelly McPherson transitioned from practicing family law to being a District Court Magistrate in January 2025. She will give a behind the scenes look at what the day of a judicial officer is like and lessons she’s learned on the bench. This information will help attorneys solve problems for families both in and out of court and, hopefully, make attorney lives easier as well.

Presented by The Honorable Kelly McPherson, 4^th Judicial District Court Magistrate

Submitted for .6 Ethics/Professionalism Credit and .3 EDI Credit 

11:35 am – 1:00 pm 

Lunch On Your Own

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Breakout Sessions 10-12 

If you are attending FLI in-person, choose from Sessions 10, 11, or 12 during registration. For webinar attendees, we’ll announce which sessions are being streamed shortly before the institute.

Breakout Session #10

A Lawyer, a Therapist, and a Judge: Solving Complex Cases Involving Adolescents

In this session a Child’s Legal Representative (“CLR,” also known as a best interests lawyer), a family therapist, and a judicial officer will discuss the challenges of high conflict cases involving adolescents. The presenters will present creative and effective strategies that this team has found to be workable solutions for even the most litigious families. Beginning with an overview of adolescent developmental tasks, risks, challenges, and needs, the panel will discuss the importance of teens having agency in decisions that affect them, and how having a say in those decisions fosters their healthy development. From there, will follow a discussion of how parental disputes typically present to the Court and the dilemmas that arise as litigation commences. A focal point of this session will be the valuable role that a CLR – working in concert with a family therapist, parents, teen, and the court – can play in such cases, especially when there is a strong and productive collaboration between the CLR and a family therapist. The presenters will explore ways in which a CLR can be most effective, including how to coordinate with the therapist, parents’ attorneys, teenager and Court and ethics around this team approach. They will also explore strategies used in other states, as well as internationally, to approach the delicate balancing act of increasing the voice of adolescents in challenging family law cases while also meeting their best interests. The panel will also discuss the serious impacts of domestic violence and child abuse (including Kayden's Law insight), fundamental rights of parents, and navigating the challenges of these complexities with nuance and effective solutions. 

Presented by Kathleen McNamara, PhD, Kathleen McNamara, PhD, PLLC, Krista V. Nash, Esq., Children First Family Law, PC, and The Honorable Kelley R. Southerland, 17^th Judicial District Court Judge

Submitted for .3 Ethics/Professionalism Credit

Breakout Session #11

The Privilege Puzzle: Strategies for Problem Solving While Protecting Privacy

This session will delve into the critical nuances of privilege in family law cases, helping attorneys navigate issues related to disclosure requests for communications with translators, divorce coaches, therapists, and expert witnesses. By understanding the distinction between work product and privilege, and the limitations of expert disclosures, lawyers can better protect their clients’ privacy while ensuring effective advocacy in complex cases.

Participants will work through hypothetical privilege dilemmas with guidance from panelists, exploring strategies for resolution. Open floor for attendees to ask questions about privilege, expert disclosures, and confidentiality in family law cases. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of privilege issues in family law, practical strategies to protect client confidentiality, and tools for effectively managing privilege concerns with experts, therapists, and other professionals involved in their cases.

Presented by The Honorable Angela R. Arkin (ret.), Judicial Arbiter Group, Inc., Joseph J. Bronesky, Esq., Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, and Kathryn DeVries, Esq.,

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Submitted for .6 Ethics/Professionalism Credit

Breakout Session #12

Representing Immigrant Clients in Family Law Amid Changing Immigration Laws

Immigration status can materially impact a client’s family law case, including permanent orders on parenting time, custody, distribution of marital assets, etc. The current Trump Administration has passed several laws that impact noncitizens’ abilities to remain in the United States, and it has increased ICE quotas for arrests and deportations. This panel will review how your client’s immigration status can impact your case, when to get an immigration attorney involved, and what to do if your client is apprehended by ICE, including family preparedness plans.

Presented by Jessica I. Meza, Esq., Meza and Associates, LLC, and Kristi Englekirk, Esq., Meza and Associates, LLC

Submitted for .2 Ethics/Professionalism Credit and .2 EDI Credit

2:00 – 2:10 pm

Transition to Breakout Sessions 

2:10 – 3:00 pm 

Breakout Sessions 13-15

If you are attending FLI in-person, choose from Sessions 13, 14, or 15 during registration. For webinar attendees, we’ll announce which sessions are being streamed shortly before the institute.

Breakout Session #13

Beyond the Tax Return: Decoding Self-Employment Income in Family Law Cases

This presentation will provide family law attorneys and related professionals with essential tools to accurately determine the income of self-employed individuals in divorce cases through review and understanding of tax returns. The discussion will cover how to analyze tax returns, identify “hidden income,” and navigate complexities like accelerated depreciation, the difference between deductible expenses under the Internal Revenue Code versus the definition of “ordinary and necessary expenses” under the UDMA, and how to treat phantom income and retained earnings. The conversation led by two attorneys and two financial professionals, will include hypothetical scenarios. The presenters will ask the audience to engage by answering questions related to common mistakes in the application of the child support statute and maintenance statute attorneys make in representing the self-employed client. 

Presented by Katie P. Ahles, Esq., Ahles Family Law, PC, Vera J. Divenyi, JD, CFP®, BMO Private Bank, Jessica Landay, ASA, ABV, CVA, MAFF, Harper Hofer and Associates, LLC, and Jennifer A. Schaffner, Esq., Schaffner Law LLC

Breakout Session #14

Civil Protection Orders: A Risk or Threat of Psychological Harm

Magistrate Catt currently presides over all TPO/PPO cases in Adams County and Magistrate Garlan presided over the TPO/PPO docket for the previous two years. This training will cover the changes to the C.R.S. § 13-14-100.2 et seq., including the new definitions around domestic abuse, domestic violence, and sexual violence. The judicial officers will discuss the legislative intent behind the changes, the new standard for issuing a TPO, and what it seems to mean. Changes to C.R.S. § 13-14-105 and provisions related to protection orders- especially as it impacts parenting time and decision making will be addressed. The Magistrates will cover the new standard for issuing a PPO when the basis is sexual violence. Additionally, the Magistrates will talk about C.R.S. § 13-14-111 and the transfer of wireless telephone services, and what information is important to make that happen. The discussion will include what courts have seen in practice since the new law has gone into effect and tips for how to effectively present a TPO/PPO case to the Court and the procedure these cases generally follow. In fitting with the theme of this year’s conference the Magistrates will also discuss how protection orders are a problem-solving tool but also can create issues in DR cases.  

Presented by The Honorable Rachel A. Catt, 17^th Judicial District Court Magistrate, and The Honorable Michael B. Garlan, 17^th Judicial District Court Magistrate

Breakout Session #15

Avoiding the 4-Way Fight: How Collegiality Between Family Law Professionals Benefits Ourselves, Our Clients, and their Children 

We as a Family Law Community recognize that prolonged conflict between parents is adverse to children. However, we sometimes need to refocus on how our role in the process can prolong that conflict, even inadvertently, and how collegiality among ourselves directly and indirectly benefits parents and children. From the mental health perspective, the psychological process of divorce is primarily one of grief and loss. What’s more, a client’s grief can create a sizeable gap between what they want and what is best for them and their children. Psychologists will also affirm that conflict resolution within family systems happens by validating and weaving together the perspectives of those in conflict. We create a shared understanding of the situation at hand and a future that each can accept. In essence, resolution comes from finding “win-win” interpretations where each person’s narrative is both internally cohesive and plausibly compatible with the other person’s narrative. This is a strange concept in the legal world of advocacy that can struggle to find “win-win” scenarios.  From the advocacy perspective, attorneys and LLPs are regularly drawn into the bind of validating the client’s narrative through the litigation process, while simultaneously trying to reconcile the client’s demands with our own impressions of what is reasonably likely to lead to settlement and/or serve the best interests of the family system as a whole. In this way, attorneys get drawn into becoming what the psychology world calls “negative allies”. A negative ally is the opposite of a collegial ally who seeks a legal and fair resolution of conflict. Instead, a negative ally fuels their client’s narrative of their coparent as the primary villain in their life story. They succumb to the temptation to give their client what they want rather than what they need. As a result, everyone - both clients, both attorneys, and the children in the family - suffer from the distress of what quickly becomes an irreconcilable conflict. This program will develop the concepts of collegial and negative allies from both the mental health and Attorney/LLP and Judicial Perspective and through the use of real-life scenarios and academic literature. The judicial perspective on collegiality, and its impact on families, will also be addressed.

Presented by Alec Baker, Psy.D., Coparenting Cooperative of Colorado, The Honorable Laurie A. Clark, Denver Juvenile Court Judge, and Michael (Mike) P. Hinds, Esq., Hinds and Hinds Family Law, P.C.

Submitted for 1.0 Ethics/Professionalism Credit

3:00 – 3:15 pm

Networking Break

3:15 – 4:05 pm

Breakout Sessions 16-18

If you are attending FLI in-person, choose from Sessions 16, 17, or 18 during registration. For webinar attendees, we’ll announce which sessions are being streamed shortly before the institute.

Breakout #16

Crossing Over: Preparing the Family Lawyer for Appellate Cases Involving Domestic Violence and the Criminal Justice System

This presentation will provide an overview and distinction regarding standards of appellate review for civil and criminal violations in family law; how to preserve factual, legal, constitutional and policy arguments, including in domestic violence cases; and strategies for successful appeals. 

Presented by Catherine A. Chan, Esq., Chan Law Firm, PC, Danaé D. Kinnett, Esq., Kinnett & Cordes, and The Honorable Craig R. Welling, Colorado Court of Appeals

Submitted for .2 Ethics/Professionalism Credit and .2 EDI Credit

Breakout #17

The LLP One Year Later: Analyzing Our Growth and Challenges

This year has been both challenging and transformative for LLPs carving out their paths in this evolving career. In this session, the presenters will reflect on their successes and setbacks, share their experiences in the courtroom, with counsel, and the processes they’ve navigated. Most importantly, they will highlight how their careers and lives have grown, adapted, and flourished over the past year. The presenters will delve into their roles as LLPs working alongside attorneys in firms and partnerships, and offer valuable insights from solo LLPs they know, support, and respect. This presentation promises a candid look at the highs, lows, and everything in between—LLPs have come a long way, and these LLPs are here to tell it like it is.

Presented by Cierra J. Garso, Esq., The Jane Law Group, PLLC, Veronica Gonzales, LLP, Juniper Family Law, LLC, Tara Johnson, LLP, Gendelman Klimas Edwards, Ltd., Tracy L. Spiegel, LLP, ACP, Thrive Family Law LLC

Breakout #18

Navigating Both Roads: Preparing for Litigation While Continuing Settlement Discussions at the Same Time

Albert Einstein once said, “You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war.”

The presenters will discuss effective strategies and best practices for managing a case while simultaneously trying to prevent and to prepare for trial. Judge Collins will explore how the bench can be utilized to assist in facilitating settlement discussions and resolving impasses, offering creative ways for judicial engagement throughout the pendency of your case. Kate Lewis will share methods to sustain collaborative settlement efforts while simultaneously preparing for trial. The presenters will also address practical tools, including discovery rules, Rule 16.2 affirmative disclosure obligations, and the strategic use of experts to navigate both settlement and litigation paths. Discussion will emphasize innovative approaches to use, particularly during that pivotal time when a case is getting close to trial and you are trying to both settle and prepare for litigation. Finally, the presenters will discuss strategies with a problem-solving mindset, focusing on balancing settlement discussions with litigation readiness.

Presented by The Honorable J. Keith Collins, 20^th Judicial District Court Judge, and Kate M. Lewis, Esq., Cooper | Ramp | Cage | Bucar | Lewis

4:05 – 4:15 pm

Transition to Breakout Sessions 

4:15 – 5:00 pm

Breakout Sessions 19-21

If you are attending FLI in-person, choose from Sessions 19, 20, or 21 during registration. For webinar attendees, we’ll announce which sessions are being streamed shortly before the institute.

Breakout #19

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of HB 24-1350 (Kayden’s Law and more)

In this presentation the presenters will analyze the details of HB 24-1350, focusing on the duties and obligations created by this law on both the courts and child-related professionals. The presenters will address the constitutional implications of the application of this new law, particularly as to the admissibility and reliability of evidence. The impact on child-related professionals applying this new law will also be addressed. The presenters will also discuss subtopics such as interviewing children and consulting with "professional personnel" per the statute.

Presented by The Honorable Robert Lung, 23^rd Judicial District Court Judge, Susan J. Vanderborgh, Esq., Vanderborgh Family Law LLC, and The Honorable Daniel W. Warhola, 23^rd Judicial District Court Judge

Submitted for .3 Ethics/Professionalism Credit

Breakout #20

Show me the Money…Help Me Help You: Navigating Attorney Fee Requests via Agreement or Court Order

This presentation will cover: working with opposing counsel on attorney’s fees issues; the 14-10-119 request; practical steps to consider for case preparation and planning; the In re Marriage of Rose motion-obtaining prospective fees; and practical tips to help you plan for litigation or settlement regarding the issue of fees.

Presented by Lauren E. Gempel, Esq., Epstein Patierno, LLP, and Christina (Tina) H. Patierno, Esq., Epstein Patierno, LLP

Breakout #21

Can I Keep the House? The Fundamentals of Refis and Buyouts

In the vast majority of divorces, the marital residence is one of, if not the, primary asset. It is not only financially valuable (both in terms of market value and the potentially low interest rate on the existing mortgage), but it is emotionally valuable as well. If your client wishes to be awarded the marital residence, due diligence must be started from the commencement of the case to avoid mistakes over the proceeding 6-12 months that could render the prospect impossible, more difficult, or impede the ability to settle when you are ready for mediation due to lack of information. Poor planning will result in agreements that are not able to be executed and substantial cost and conflict moving forward. For example: Does temporary support need to start and how should it be structured? Should some aspect of the division of property be completed prior to permanent orders to eliminate uncertainty? Having the pertinent information provides more options for settlement and solutions that work. Likewise, these considerations are just as important for a client who is not keeping the house, so they can ensure their spouse is able to follow through as planned. It’s essential that their agreements and implementation plan specifically support this outcome without surprises—so they don’t end up financially entangled or unfairly portrayed as the “bad guy/gal” to their kids, family, or friends for forcing a sale, which is often the only way to eliminate the associated risks and problems.

This presentation provides information regarding the proper due diligence to answer these questions, as well as the drafting requirements for the Court Orders needed to execute a plan. Practical case examples and draft language will be provided. 

Presented by Elizabeth A. Bonanno, Esq., GEM Family Law, LLC, and Todd Huettner, MBA, CDLP, CDS, Huettner Capital and Denver Divorce Professionals

5:00 – 6:00 pm

Wine Reception – Sponsored by Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert ®

8:00 – 9: 30 pm

After Hours @ Revel Lounge – Sponsored by JAMS

Join us for a drink and casual conversation with FLI presenters and attendees at the Revel Lounge in the Hythe Hotel.

Saturday, August 9, 2025

7:30 – 8:30 am

Breakfast (Registered Attendees Only) - Sponsored by The Harris Law Firm

8:30 – 8:40 am

Welcome Back Remarks

Extended by Hannah Jannicelli Westmont, Esq., Polidori, Franklin, Monahan & Beattie, LLC, Program Chair, and The Honorable Karen F. Hübler, 2^nd Judicial District Court Magistrate, Program Co-Chair

8:40 – 9:00 am

An Appellate Lawyer’s Perspective--What You Need to Know Following Final Orders in Your Case?

This session will cover advice to family law attorneys from an appellate lawyer’s perspective on the next steps after you completed permanent orders or post-decree hearing including finality of orders, available appellate remedies, transcripts, appellate records, motions for stay, and post-trial relief. It will also cover when to get an appellate attorney on board and what steps a trial attorney should take on advising clients of appellate rights. 

Presented by Sharlene J. Aitken, Esq., Aitken Law, LLC

9:00 – 10:20 am 

Family Law Case Law Update

Presented by Christopher Griffiths, Esq., Griffiths Law PC, and Courtney McConomy, Esq., Sherr Puttmann Akins Lamb PC

10:20 – 10:40 am

Networking Break

10:40 – 11:55 am 

Words Matter: Clarifying Coercive Control as a Form of Domestic Violence

The purpose of this intentionally designed plenary session, assembled by the FLI planning committee, is to provide judges, CFIs, attorneys, and evaluators with clarity on the distinctions between coercive control as a form of domestic violence, and high-conflict relationships, and to explore how these distinctions impact court findings, parenting plans, trial strategy, and risk assessment. The topic was selected because of ongoing confusion surrounding the use of these terms in both legal and clinical settings, particularly in light of recent changes to the family code 

Presented by Nil Buckley, MA, LAC, LPC, DVCS, NBCC, ACS, Vivus Counseling Services, LLC, The Honorable Rachel A. Catt, 17^th Judicial District Court Magistrate,

Sarah M. Mitchell, Esq., CFI, Gendelman Klimas Edwards, Ltd., and Rebekah Pfahler, Esq., Colorado Legal Services

11:55 am – 12:00 pm

Closing Remarks

Extended by Hannah Jannicelli Westmont, Esq., Polidori, Franklin, Monahan & Beattie, LLC, Program Chair, and The Honorable Karen F. Hübler, 2^nd Judicial District Court Magistrate, Program Co-Chair

12:00 pm

Adjourn