Domestic Violence is a family law issue. All family law practitioners should know about the legal and practical challenges domestic violence victims face in family law litigation.

At this CLE, speakers will address the special considerations family law attorneys must address when representing victims of domestic violence. Those considerations include, but are not limited to, the application of Louisiana's Post Separation Family Violence Relief Act in family law cases, the use and misuse of custody evaluators in domestic violence cases, and the ethical obligations of attorneys representing domestic violence victims.
10:00 am-11:00 am (1 hour)
Domestic Violence in Context: Understanding Your Client's Legal Needs
Tania Tetlow
Tania Tetlow will offer an overview of barriers which battered women face in leaving domestic violence relationships, including poverty, discouraging reactions from social service agencies, and legal barriers such as ineffective counsel and degrading experiences in the courtroom. Her presentation will emphasize the necessity for a holistic response to domestic violence victims, and train attorneys on identifying and addressing legal and practical barriers their clients may face in leaving abusive relationships.
11:00 am-12:00 pm (1 hour)
Litigation Strategies for Custody and Divorce Cases Involving Domestic Violence
Richard Ducote
Richard Ducote will address the history and use of the Post Separation Family Violence Relief Act (R.S. 9:361-369) in domestic violence and child abuse cases, and will propose a multi-pronged litigation strategy to protect intrafamily abuse victims.
12:00 pm-1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm-2:00 pm (1 hour)
Using, Opposing and Assessing a Child Custody Evaluation
Richard Ducote and Becki Kondkar
Richard Ducote and Becki Kondkar will offer a practical training on the use and misuse of child custody evaluators in domestic violence cases. Some of the practical skills topics covered will include: 1) assessing and opposing evaluator qualifications, 2) assessing evaluator reports, and 3) cross-examination of custody evaluators.
2:00 pm-3:00 pm (1 hour)
Ethical Considerations for Lawyers Representing Domestic Violence Victims

Becki Kondkar
Becki Kondkar will cover the special ethical considerations that apply for attorneys representing victims of domestic violence.
***Lunch Will Be Served. This event is free of charge for any interested in attending. ***
An application has been submitted for 4 hours of CLE, including 1 hour of Ethics Credit.