Program Chair:
Sarah DeKraay
Murphy Desmond S.C.
Madison
Speakers:
Michael S. Brandt
Eastbridge Law Group LLP
Madison
Comm. Brian J. Bushaw
Outagamie County Circuit Court
Appleton
Comm. Sally-Anne Danner
Fond du Lac County Circuit Court
Fond du Lac
Tiffany L. Highstrom
Stafford Rosenbaum LLP
Madison
Comm. Kelly Iselin
Walworth County Circuit Court
Elkhorn
Hon. Rhonda L. Lanford
Dane County Circuit Court
Madison
Timothy J. Pierce
State Bar of Wisconsin
Madison
Brad C. Schweiger
Richter & Phillips
Madison
8:30 a.m. The role of the guardian ad litem.
- Tips for how to interview children
- How to formulate your recommendation and abide by the rules of evidence
- Communicating the best wishes of the child to the court
- Conflicts and how to avoid them
- Overcoming the therapeutic privilege
- Dealing with parents that are high conflict
Michael S. Brandt, Tiffany L. Highstrom, Brad C. Schweiger
10:10 a.m. Break
10:25 a.m. Family Court Commissioner Roundtable
- Best practices for appearing before a court commissioner
- Examples of procedure in different counties
- What a commissioner wants from a GAL
Brian Bushaw, Sally-Anne Danner, Kelly Iselin
12:05 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
1:15 p.m. Judge’s Perspective – Presenting your Case to the Court
- The rules of evidence and how they apply in family law cases
- The Witness list and who should testify
- Issuing subpoenas- when do you have too many witnesses?
Hon. Rhonda L. Lanford
2:05 p.m. Break
2:20 p.m. Ethical Responsibilities when acting as a GAL
Timothy J. Pierce
3:10 p.m. Program Concludes
- Receive a comprehensive overview of guardian ad litem practice and procedure
- Understand the GAL’s role in the investigation process with concrete examples from seasoned GALs
- Pick up practical pointers on conducting interviews and communicating the child’s wishes to the court
- Know the statutory factors a GAL must consider when making recommendations on a child’s behalf
- Avoid ethical entanglements common to GAL appointments
- Gain insights on what judges and court commissioners expect from GALs
- Make effective recommendations for the custody and placement of children
- Guardians ad litem for minors
- Family law attorneys
- Juvenile law and children’s attorneys
- Attorneys seeking GAL minor appointments
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 CA3629 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.