GAL Training 2023

  • OnDemand seminar
  • Family Law
View schedule and faculty
GAL Training 2023

Endorsed by the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin

Best practices for their best interests

In family law matters, guardians ad litem (GALs) have the challenging responsibility of advocating for the best interests of children in emotionally charged circumstances. At GAL Training 2023, you’ll explore the critical part GALs play in family court proceedings and hear how well-versed practitioners approach GAL appointments.

GAL Training 2023 brings together court commissioners, mental health professionals, and experienced GALs to share their insights on a vast array of issues. Both new and experienced GALs will come away with helpful tools for approaching complex situations and a better understanding of:

  • The wide range of roles a GAL may be called upon to perform
  • Statutory factors that must be considered in making custody and placement recommendations
  • The meaning of “the best interests of the child” under Wisconsin law
  • How mental health experts approach child therapy in GAL cases
8:30 am
: Acting as a GAL: An Overview

Anne Marie Abell, Marco Bichanich, Katherine Teague, Julie Whitney

  • Guardian ad Litem Practice and Procedure
    o Statutory
    o Types of Cases where GAL can/must be appointed by the Court
    o Duties of a Guardian ad Litem – 48.235 – Advocate for Best Interests of Ward
    o GAL for minor parent in TPR – 48.235(5)
    o GAL for Parent in Contested TPR
    o GAL appointments are typically continued
    o Miscellaneous matters where GAL may be appointed – matters involving unborn children – relatively rare
    o Appeals – Wis. Stat. § 809.107(6)(e) and (d)
  • Value of the Team Approach
    o SWAP Responsibilities
    o Value to the caretakers
    o Value to the children
  • Guardians ad Litem in Family Court
    o Types of Cases
    o When is a GAL appointed? (Wis. Stat. 767.407(1))
    o Requirements of GAL in Family Court (Wis. Stat. 767.407(4))
    o Evaluation of a Family Court Case
  • The Impact of In Re the Marriage of Valadez and the Importance of Certified Treatment
    o Waukesha County Case No. 18FA296, In re the marriage of Julie C. Valadez and Ricardo Valadez
    o WIS. STAT. § 767.41(2)(d)1
    o In re Marriage of Valadez, 400 Wis. 2d 523, 969 N.W.2d 770, 2022 WI App 2 (Wis. Ct. App. 2021)
    o Wisconsin Batterers Treatment Provider Association (WBTPA)
    o Miscellaneous
9:20 am
: Court Commissioners Panel: Addiction and Placement

Barry Boline, Kelly Iselin, Cynthia Vopal

10:10 am
: Break
10:25 am
: Court Commissioners Panel: Mental Health, Treatment, and Placement

Barry Boline, Kelly Iselin, Cynthia Vopal

11:15 am
: THC and the FCC: Tips, Tricks and Takeaways for Handling Marijuana Issues

Elizabeth M. Pfeuffer

  • Background and quick history of MJ legality and use
  • Concerns relating to use or abuse
  • THC impacts on custody, placement and support decisions and orders
  • Views from the bench
  • How to prep and present your position to gain favorable outcomes
12:05 pm
: Lunch (on your own)
1:05 pm
: Parenting Plan Evaluation/Adult Mental Health Considerations

Shelly Anday

1:55 pm
: Children and Mental Health

Rob McCreadie

2:45 pm
: Break
3:00 pm
: GAL Panel: How to Uncover Addiction and Mental Health Issues

Patrick T. Arendt, Jennifer L. Nash Elliot, Tiffany L. Highstrom, Ashley J. Richter

3:50 pm
: Program Concludes

Following program start times, webcast replay schedule will vary slightly from above listed times.

Program Chair

Sarah DeKraay
Murphy Desmond, S.C. · Madison

Faculty

14 total
Anne Marie Abell
Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee · Milwaukee
Shelly Anday, LSW
Family Court Consulting Services, LLC · Middleton
Patrick T. Arendt
Noonan Arendt LLP · Stevens Point
Marco Bichanich
Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee · Milwaukee
Comm. Barry Boline
Ozaukee County Circuit Court · Port Washington
Jennifer L. Nash Elliot
Nash Law Office · Janesville
Tiffany L. Highstrom
Stafford Rosenbaum LLP · Madison
Comm. Kelly Iselin
Walworth County Circuit Court · Elkhorn
Rob McCreadie
Connections Counseling · Madison
Comm. Elizabeth M. Pfeuffer
Kenosha County Circuit Court · Kenosha
Katherine Teague
Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee · Milwaukee
Ashley J. Richter
Richter & Phillips LLP · Madison
Comm. Cynthia Vopal
Brown County Circuit Court · Green Bay
Julie A. Whitney
Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee · Milwaukee

Sponsored by

Interested in sponsoring this program? Find out more.

  • Receive an overview of guardian ad litem practice and procedure
  • Learn to recognize when a parent is struggling with mental health or addiction issues
  • Make effective placement and custody recommendations to the court
  • Understand how divorce, placement changes, and parental addiction impact children
  • Hear insights from experienced GALs on conducting investigations
  • Guardians ad litem for minors
  • Family law attorneys
  • Juvenile law/children’s attorneys
  • Attorneys seeking GAL minor appointments
  • General practitioners

BOOK BONUS

The Guardian ad Litem Handbook
Save 20% on either a 1-year subscription to the Books Unbound title or purchase of the print book.* This comprehensive guide is filled with practical information on handling GAL appointments, whether you’re looking for guidance on the basics or need help with more complex issues. Use discount code CA3489 when you order online or by calling (800) 728-7788.

*Discount applies to both print and digital Books Unbound editions of this title and cannot be applied to previous purchases. Offer valid through 12/31/24. For Books Unbound users, discount may be applied to purchase of individual Books Unbound title only and may not be used on purchase of libraries. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers.