Greater Newburyport

Bar Association

2026 Schedule​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Beyond the Judgment: Addressing High Conflict Family Systems

Tuesday, April 7, 4:30-6:30

Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water Street, Newburyport

 

Attorneys are often the first—and sometimes the only—professionals families rely on during high-conflict separations. But what happens when legal orders, expertise & strategy isn’t enough? 

 

Join a panel of legal & clinical professionals for this interactive training, inviting legal professionals to explore and better understand the hidden emotional dynamics that derail progress, even in well-structured parenting plans. Through real-world insight, experiential learning, and cross-disciplinary resources & tools, participants will gain a deeper understanding of mindset, emotional paralysis, and how to talk with clients about support options beyond litigation. 

 

Expect to leave with more than just knowledge—expect to leave with language, clarity, and a renewed approach to your role in safeguarding families during the divorce process, leading to lasting resolutions.

 

Attend & Learn

• How to recognize signs of emotional paralysis in clients that may hinder legal resolution or compliance with court orders.

• How to differentiate between therapeutic, coaching, mediation, and collaborative law interventions, and identify when each is most appropriate in high-conflict cases.

• How to use emotionally attuned, non-clinical language to guide clients toward the right support resources—without the need to overstep legal scope.

• About your role within family systems 

• What are the opportunities to reduce litigation

• The core features of the BeH2O® co-parenting model, and how it complements court orders by addressing mindset, communication, and accountability.

 

About the Faculty

Kimberly Hutchins, LMHC, MA, CMHC, NH, Child & Family Psychotherapist & Collaborative Law Divorce Coach, Mardi Balcom-Chadwick, Family Law Attorney, Holistic Coach & Mediator, Maria Natapov , Certified Co-Parenting Coach, Aiko Suyemoto, Attorney, OFW

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To Register: https://gnba.ticketbud.com/beyond-the-judgment-addressing-high-conflict-family-systems

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The Annual John C. Stevens Family Law Symposium: Benched, 

Wednesday, May 6, 5:00 (networking) program 5:30-7:30, live only at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport

 

Faculty

Hon. Brian J. Dunn, Chief Justice, Probate & Family Court

Hon. Michael D. Anderson

Hon. Theresa A. Bisenius

Hon. Caryn Mitchell-Munevar

Hon. Evelyn Patsos

Hon. Jennifer M. Ulwick

 

Topics

Justice Dunn on State of the Court & Goals for the Next 4+ Years

High-Conflict Litigation & Case Management

Financial Issues, Support, & Alimony Trends

Guardianships, DCF Interface, & Protective Orders

Contempt Actions, Compliance, and Judicial Expectations

Trial Advocacy, Evidence, & Courtroom Presentation

Settlement, ADR, and Creative Resolution in Family Law

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To Register: https://gnba.ticketbud.com/annual-john-c-stevens-family-law-symposium-benched-0482b2a1edf1

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