Program Chairs and Presenters
Jessica A. Liebau
Wessels & Liebau LLC
Mequon
Avery J. Mayne
Walny Legal Group LLC
Milwaukee
Presenters
Melanie Cairns
Disability Rights Wisconsin
Madison
Victoria Davis Davila
Davila Davis & Pledl S.C.
Milwaukee
Patricia Foley
Law Office of Patricia R Foley LLC
Madison
Blaine Patiño
Canellos & Patiño LLC
Wauwatosa
8:30 a.m. Guardianship Basics
- Petitioning for guardianship and protective placement from start to finish
- In depth review of statutory requirements, including notice and evidentiary requirements and key players
- Conducting guardianship/protective placement hearings
Avery J. Mayne
9:20 a.m. GAL Basics
- Handling an initial guardianship/protective placement case from appointment through payment
- Navigating a temporary guardianship
- Conducting an annual (“Watts”) review
Patricia Foley
10:10 a.m. Break
10:25 a.m. Guardianship Transfers
- Review the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act
- Transfers TO and FROM Wisconsin
- GAL duties under the statute
Blaine Patiño
11:15 a.m. An Introduction to IRIS, Wisconsin’s Self-Directed Adult Long-Term Care Program
- Overview of the Wisconsin IRIS Program for GALs: eligibility, enrollment, and allowable services
- Examine the additional key players in IRIS: Fiscal Employer Agency (FEA), Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
- Comparing IRIS and Family Care: primary similarities & differences
Melanie Cairns
12:05 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
1:15 p.m. Contested Issues in Guardianships – What the GAL Needs to Know
- “Frequent flyer” contested guardianship issues
- How to be prepared for your contested hearing
- GAL responsibilities in litigation
- Guardianship and protective placement motion practice
Vicki Davis Davila
2:05 p.m. Topic Description Coming Soon
Presenter to be announced
2:55 p.m. Break
3:10 p.m. Guardian ad Litem: Ethical Considerations
- Ethics Opinion EF-23-02 and implications for adult GAL matters
- Tamara LP, Jennifer M, and other relevant cases
- SCR Chapter 36 vs. SCR 20:1.2 and “Competent Representation” of best interest
Jessica Liebau
4:00 pm Program Concludes
- Confidently handle guardianships and protective placements from appointment through payment
- Know how to conduct an annual Watts review
- Understand the GAL’s duties under the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act
- Receive an overview of IRIS, Wisconsin’s self-directed adult long-term care program
- Effectively prepare for contested guardianship hearings
- Explore ethical considerations specific to adult GAL matters
- Guardians ad litem for adults
- Family law attorneys
- Elder law attorneys
- New attorneys looking to take GAL appointments
- Experienced GALs who want a refresher
- Judges
Book Bonus!
The Guardian ad Litem Handbook
Save 15% on the The Guardian ad Litem Handbook.* This comprehensive resource is filled with practical information on handling GAL appointments, whether you’re looking for guidance on the basics or need help with complex issues. Use discount code CA3631 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 12/31/25. For Books UnBound users, discount may be applied to purchase of individual Books UnBound title only and may not be used on the purchase of libraries. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers.
This program has been approved for 2 judicial education credits by the Wisconsin Office of Judicial Education.