November 3rd, 2026

09:30AM – 10:00AM

Registration

10:10 AM – 10:40AM

The Motion Playbook: A Practical Guide to Temporary Orders

Temporary motions can have a significant impact on the direction of your family law case. This session will provide a practical guide to bringing or responding to a motion, from determining whether a motion is appropriate to preparing persuasive motion materials. Learn how to organize your evidence, draft effective affidavits, prepare a compelling factum, and present your arguments clearly in court.

Speaker:

10:40 AM – 11:25AM

Financial Disclosure: From Required to Ridiculous

Explore the spectrum of financial disclosure in Family Law: What is legally required, what you should provide strategically, what you should ask for and what you should expect will be asked of you. We will consider how to separate necessary and relevant disclosure from requests that are disproportionate and possibly abusive, with practical guidance on how to draw the line.

Speaker: Shmuel Stern – Family Lawyer & Founder of Disclosure Clinic

11:30 AM – 12:00PM

Mastering Conferences: What Really Happens at Conferences

Family court conferences are one of the most important parts of the litigation process, yet they are often misunderstood by self-represented litigants. This session will take you inside every stage of the conference process, explaining the purpose of each conference, how they actually unfold in the courtroom, and the types of orders that can and cannot be made. Learn the practical ins and outs of preparing conference briefs, and presenting your position effectively. You’ll also gain a clear understanding of the differences between conferences and motions, including why conference briefs are not sworn evidence and how that affects the issues a judge can decide. Learn how to avoid the common pitfalls so you can approach every conference with confidence.

Speaker: Cynthia Meek

12:05 PM – 1:00PM

Research Like a Lawyer: Mastering CanLII and CaseLines

Learn how to find, understand, and use case law to strengthen your position in family court. This session will cover how to search for relevant decisions on CanLII, identify helpful precedents, and understand how judges rely on prior cases. You’ll also receive an introduction to CaseLines, including how it is used to organize and present documents electronically in court. Whether you’re researching legal principles or preparing for a hearing, this session will help you confidently navigate the legal resources available to self-represented litigants.

Speaker:

1:00 PM – 2:00PM

Lunch Time / Exhibit Booth

2:00 PM – 2:30PM

Beyond the Courtroom: Smarter Ways to Resolve Family Disputes

Court is not the only path to resolving a family law matter. Explore the advantages of collaborative law, negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, and learn when each option may be appropriate. Gain practical knowledge to help you resolve disputes more efficiently while protecting your legal position.

Speaker:

2:30 PM – 3:00PM

Build It Right: Creating a Strong Separation Agreement

A separation agreement can shape your financial future, parenting arrangements, and legal rights for years to come. Learn what provisions should be considered, which clauses are essential, and how the terms of an agreement should be tailored to your family’s unique circumstances. This session will explore common pitfalls, important protections, and practical drafting considerations to help you understand what makes a strong, comprehensive separation agreement and why every clause matters.

Speaker: Marcy Segal – Family Lawyer & Founding Partner at Segal Law

3:00 PM – 3:40PM

Follow the Money: Understanding Business Finances in Family Law

Understand what financial records can reveal in a family law case. This session explores forensic accounting and business valuation, covering financial disclosure, guideline income, business interests, and how to recognize potential financial irregularities. Learn how financial experts analyze complex business records and how these findings can influence support, equalization, and other financial issues in family law.

Speaker: Jennifer Lynch – Accountant (MBA, CPA, CMA, CFE, CFI, CBV, ABV) & President of Lynch & Associates

3:40 PM – 4:10PM

The Art of Settlement: Using Offers to Settle to Avoid Trial

An effective Offer to Settle can be one of the most powerful tools in family law. Learn when and how to prepare strategic Offers to Settle, including why they should be served before a Settlement Conference, how they can encourage meaningful negotiations, and how they may significantly impact costs if your matter proceeds to trial. This session will also explain what happens after an offer is accepted, including how it is converted into Minutes of Settlement and ultimately a Consent Order, bringing your court case to a conclusion without the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial.

Speaker:

4:10 PM – 5:00PM

Trial Ready: Mastering the Family Courtroom

A successful trial requires more than knowing the law. It requires preparation, confidence, and effective courtroom advocacy. This session will guide you through every stage of a family law trial, including presenting evidence, examining and cross-examining witnesses, courtroom etiquette, making persuasive submissions, and avoiding common mistakes. Develop the practical courtroom skills needed to present your case in an organized, professional, and persuasive manner.

Speaker: Barry Nussbaum – Senior Family Lawyer & Founding Partner at Nussbaum Law

05:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Exhibit Booth & Networking