Monday, October 12, 2026
In-Person at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law or via Live Webcast
Program Moderators & CLE Committee Chairs:
Jared B. Pinkus, Beermann LLP, Chicago*
Tiffany M. Alexander, Alexander Law, LLC, Lake Forest *
8:15 – 8:55 Registration and a Networking Breakfast, or Log into the webcast via your account at www.iicle.com
8:55 – 9:00 Opening Remarks for AAML-IL 19th Annual Seminar for Experienced Family Lawyers
Kimberly A. Cook, Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, LLP, and AAML-Illinois President *
9:00 – 9:45 Caselaw Update
Illinois family law continues to evolve through appellate decisions that shape everyday practice. This session will provide comprehensive coverage of Illinois family law opinions issued over the past year, addressing “bread and butter” issues such as maintenance, child support, income calculation, cohabitation, attorney’s fees, and more. Michael G. DiDomenico, Managing Partner at Lake Toback DiDomenico and an AAML Fellow, will walk attendees through key cases, explain how courts are applying and interpreting recent rulings, and identify practical takeaways practitioners can apply directly in advising clients and litigating cases.
Michael G. DiDomenico, Lake Toback DiDomenico, Chicago*
9:45 – 10:30 What the Numbers Don't Lie About: How to Use Forensic Accounting to Win Your Case
Financial cases are only as strong as the expert behind them. This session covers when to bring in a forensic accountant, how to work with one during the pretrial phase, and how to examine or cross-examine a forensic expert at trial. From calculating income for support purposes, to tracing marital and non-marital property, to building contribution and reimbursement claims, to supporting dissipation arguments, a good forensic accountant can be one of the most valuable tools in your case. Jim Godbout, Lead Managing Director at CBIZ's Forensic Consulting Group and a recognized expert in business valuations and financial consulting in family law matters, brings a practitioner's perspective that attorneys can put to use immediately.
James Godbout, ASA, CVA, CDFA, CFE, CFP, CBIZ, Chicago
10:30 – 10:45 Break
10:45 – 11:30 Dissipation Done Right: Building and Defending the Claim from Day One Through Trial
Dissipation claims are won or lost long before trial. This session walks through how to build a dissipation claim from the ground up, starting with the right discovery strategy and the evidence needed to meet your burden. Attendees will also learn how to present a dissipation claim effectively at trial and how to defend against one. Sean Sullivan, an AAML Fellow and experienced family law litigator in DuPage County, brings a practical, strategic approach to one of the most contested issues in divorce.
Sean P. Sullivan, SBK Law Group, Lombard *
11:30 – 12:15 When Home Becomes the Battleground: Domestic Violence, Orders of Protection, and the Divorce Case
Domestic violence allegations can change everything in a divorce. This session addresses when to pursue an order of protection, when not to, and how domestic violence claims intersect with and shape the broader dissolution case. Attendees will come away with a clearer framework for navigating the tension between the criminal and civil sides of these matters. Chris Wehrman, a recognized Best Lawyers in America honoree and litigator at Katz, Goldstein & Warren who has tried cases across Cook, DuPage, McHenry, and Lake Counties, brings a grounded, courtroom-tested perspective to this high-stakes topic.
Christopher D. Wehrman, Katz, Goldstein & Warren, Bannockburn *
12:15 – 1:15 Networking Lunch Break, included for in-person attendees
1:15 – 2:00 The 604.10(b) Evaluation: Pretrial Strategy, Deposition Tactics, and What to Do With the Report at Trial
A custody evaluation often defines the outcome of a parenting case. This session focuses on the practical tools attorneys need at every stage, from pretrial preparation and discovery to deposition and trial. Presenters will address how to handle a favorable report, and more importantly, how to respond when the evaluation contains unfavorable findings or recommendations, including how to challenge methodology, highlight gaps in research, and cross-examine the evaluator effectively. Dr. Kara Anast, a licensed clinical psychologist who has been appointed in custody evaluation cases across multiple Illinois counties, and Shana Vitek, an AAML Fellow and experienced family law litigator at Beermann LLP, bring both the clinical and courtroom perspectives to this essential topic.
Dr. Kara Anast, PsyD, LCPC, LPC, Counseling Connections, Libertyville
Shana Vitek, Beermann LLP, Chicago *
2:00 – 2:45 The Art of Advocacy: How the AAML's Updated Bounds of Advocacy Should Shape Your Practice
(0.75 Professional Responsibility credits, pending approval)
Family law attorneys face a constant tension between zealously advocating for their clients and maintaining the professionalism that defines our craft. The AAML's updated Bounds of Advocacy offers a practical framework for navigating that tension, and this session breaks down what the new standards mean for your day-to-day practice. Whether you are a seasoned litigator or still building your book, these are the guidelines that should be shaping how you advocate. Leading the discussion is Steve Peskind, one of only 100 attorneys in the country elected as a Diplomate to the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, and Chair of the AAML task force responsible for drafting the updated standards for the Bounds of Advocacy.
Steve Peskind, Peskind Law Firm, PC, St. Charles *
2:45 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 4:00 Judges’ Panel (Presented In-Person Only!)
(1.00 Professional Responsibility credit, pending approval)
Session Moderator:
Judges:
Hon. Julie B. Aimen, Circuit Court of Cook County, Domestic Relations Division
Hon. Ruth H. Lofthouse, 19th Judicial Circuit Court, Lake County
4:00 Adjourn
* Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
# Fellow, International Academy of Family Lawyers
