Trial Track

Interested in improving your trial skills? The Trial Track will focus on the process that lawyers follow in preparing for and litigating custody cases. It will also offer mental health professionals an intimate view into how their work is viewed by lawyers, and how it will be addressed by lawyers in both pretrial discovery and in the courtroom.

Parenting Coordination Track

This track will provide training for mental health professionals and lawyers who are interested in the parenting coordination role and have a basic understanding of the process. Participants will explore controversies and challenges in parenting coordination (e.g., confidentiality, access to justice, informed consent), ethical decision making, legal frameworks for parenting coordination, and how to maintain a focus on the child.

Topics Include:

• Child Custody Evaluations
• LGBTQ+ Issues
• Cultural Competence
• Parenting Coordination
• The Impact of COVID-19
• Resist/Refusal Dynamics
• Incorporating Technology
• Social Science Research
• Intimate Partner Violence
• Substance Misuse

About the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

AFCC is an interdisciplinary and international association of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children through the resolution of family conflict. Founded in 1963, AFCC includes over 6,000 members in 25 countries. For nearly 60 years, AFCC has served as a leader in family court innovation and reform in areas including parenting coordination, mediation, child custody evaluation, family law education, and domestic violence. AFCC members receive a print and electronic subscription to Family Court Review, the world’s leading interdisciplinary family law journal, published by Wiley-Blackwell. Learn more at www.afccnet.org.

About the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

AAML was founded in 1962 by some of the most highly regarded domestic relations attorneys, “To provide leadership that promotes the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law.” There are currently more than 1,600 Fellows in 50 states. Academy Fellows are highly skilled negotiators and litigators who represent individuals in all facets of family law, including divorce, annulment, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, marital settlement agreements, child custody and visitation, business valuations, property valuations and division, alimony, child support, and other family law issues. Learn more at www.aaml.org.

Program Committee

• Kim Bonuomo, AAML Fellow
• Arnold T. Shienvold, Former AFCC President
• Nancy D. Kellman, AAML Fellow
• Matt Sullivan, Former AFCC President

What’s Included?

The registration fee for the virtual conference includes all virtual conference sessions, materials, and access to recordings of all sessions. Pre-conference institutes are available for an additional fee. The in-person program requires a separate registration and fee and includes consultation and networking functions.

What Equipment Do I Need?

AFCC recommends using a desktop or laptop computer to take full advantage of Zoom’s capabilities. Not only will this provide better viewing experience, it will also give you access to features not available on the Zoom app on tablets and smartphones. A stable internet connection is essential for the best experience. If you lose internet service, you can call into the webinar (call in numbers will be included in your confirmation emails from Zoom) and follow the slides, which are uploaded to the conference portal in advance of each program. If you need assistance, call the AFCC office at 608-664-3750. Those who attend the in-person program will need to bring a laptop or tablet to attend the virtual conference while onsite.

In-Person Networking and Consultation Program

A number of networking and consultation events will be available for those who travel to Washington, DC to experience the conference together. The first two days of the conference (Tuesday, September 21, 2021 – Wednesday, September 22, 2021) will be held virtually with no in-person component. A break in programming on Thursday morning will allow for travel to the Capital Hilton. Join the AAML and AFCC Executive Committees and others for informal opportunities to engage in person Thursday and Friday, and for a cocktail reception, breakfast, lunch, and consultation groups.

A Note About Conference Times

As much as we tried, it was not possible to schedule the virtual conference for daylight hours in all countries. If times do not work for you, please remember that registration includes access to all regular conference recordings. (Pre-conference institute recordings are available for an additional charge.) Please note that your certificate of attendance will include sessions attended live only.

Capital Hilton
1001 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036

Make your reservation today! The Capital Hilton is offering a reduced special rate to conference attendees of $229/night for single or double occupancy. On September 7, 2021, any unreserved rooms in the AFCC-AAML block will be released and the special rate will no longer be guaranteed. Make your reservations online at https://book.passkey.com/e/50194425 or call 1-800-HILTONS or 202-393-1000 and ask for the Capital Hilton and the AFCC-AAML Meeting. All attendees are responsible for making their own arrangements.