PRESENTER:

John C. Simoneaux, Ph.D.

OBJECTIVES:

List the common errors made by attorneys, the courts, and parents early in the divorce process and discuss suggestions to minimize those mistakes.

Explain the laws surrounding divorce, custody, and visitation, with specific emphasis on the relevance and significance of the “best interest” factors.

Describe the role of therapists in the divorce process and understand how therapists can ease the impact on children, and how they can unknowingly complicate matters

Prepare guidelines that would be useful to parents so that they can successfully navigate the intricacies of divorce and custody litigation while minimizing the negative impact on the children.

AGENDA:

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.  –  Registration

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

• Mistaken assumptions about divorce and custody
• The real truths surrounding divorce litigation
• Costs surrounding divorce/custody disputes – financial and emotional
• How parents can be unwittingly led astray and children can be hurt
• Controversial topics: alienation; abuse allegations; domestic violence, etc.
• Best interest factors – what they mean, how they are used.
• How to use the best interest factors to the advantage of the children

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Break

10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

• The process of deciding what is best
• What really happens behind the closed doors of court
• Mistakes: Attorneys, judges, evaluators, parents, children
• How to avoid mistakes in the first place – therapists may be key
• Rules and policies to consider
• The proper and improper role of therapists in custody/visitation matters
• Rules and guidelines for therapists and parents

12:45 p.m. – Adjournment

CE APPROVALS:

Psychologists – Professional Training Resources, Inc.  is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for Psychologists.  Professional Training Resources, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Licensed Professional Counselors – Professional Training Resources, Inc. has been approved by NBCC as an approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5829.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  Professional Training Resources, Inc. is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Social Workers – This program has been approved for 4 general continuing education contact hours by the National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter, and may be applied toward the continuing education requirements for licensure renewal.

Substance Abuse Counselors  – approved by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority for 4 clock hours.

NASP – Professional Training Resources is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer continuing education for school psychologists.  Professional Training Resources maintains responsibility for the program.

Other Professions – may seek apply for education credits through their respective boards.  Everyone in attendance will receive a certificate of attendance for 4 clock hours.