On Octocber 9, Heather, Stephanie, Rob, and Adele attended the 31st Annual Family Law Seminar in Fairfax. At the start of the program, Edward Barnes provided a case law update, which highlighted Virginia’s recent recognition of a tort for Interference with Parental Rights (Wyatt v. McDermott). The seminar also included an ethics presentation by Susan Hicks focused on advertising and dealing with pro se parties. The seminar also included a helpful summary of the new evidence rules by Hon. Stanley P. Klein (Ret.) and a refresher on third party custody rights by Dennis Hottell. Richard Garriott from Pender & Coward in Virginia Beach presented an outline full of tips on how to turn a case around for your less than perfect client. Mr. Garriott’s outline included several important reminders about using discovery and pretrial procedures to limit negative evidence about your client and shift the focus from your client to the opposing party. The seminar concluded with a panel discussion with Judges from the Fairfax County Circuit Court, Jane Roush and Brett Kassabian. Judge Klein also participated in the panel. Topics included the use of GALs in Circuit Court, testimony by children, and court ordered mental examinations.
