Navigating Custody Disputes: Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Custody disputes are among the most challenging and emotionally charged cases in family law. These disputes require a comprehensive and nuanced approach that considers the diverse and often conflicting needs of all involved family members. Attorneys who practice in this area must be equipped to navigate the complex landscape of custody law, recognizing that each family is unique, with its own set of dynamics, needs, and identities that must be carefully balanced.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the various factors that can influence custody disputes, providing attorneys with the tools they need to develop new perspectives and strategies for effective negotiation and advocacy. The course delves into the importance of understanding and addressing the specific needs of families, particularly those facing additional challenges such as disabilities, mental health issues, and other vulnerabilities. Participants will learn how to advocate for these families with empathy and precision, ensuring that their unique circumstances are fully considered in the resolution of custody matters.

Additionally, the course will provide critical insights into the pervasive issue of racial bias within family courts and its detrimental impact on the pursuit of justice. Attorneys will be encouraged to adopt an intersectional approach, recognizing how race, gender, socioeconomic status, and other factors intersect to create complex realities for families involved in custody disputes. The course will also cover advanced techniques in mediation and negotiation, equipping attorneys with the skills to reach fair and equitable resolutions that honor the diverse experiences and identities of all parties involved.

This program is designed for attorneys at all stages of their careers who are committed to integrating principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into their practice. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to family law, this course will provide valuable insights and practical tools for navigating custody disputes in a manner that is both just and compassionate. By the end of the program, attorneys will be better prepared to advocate for families in a way that acknowledges and respects the full spectrum of human diversity. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Evaluate how to support family members with different special needs through a custody dispute
• Explore how we can use intermediaries and advocates through the process
• Identify the different aspects of a person’s identity which could be the key to understanding that person’s situation
• Examine how mediation can be shaped to accommodate family diversity and enhance equality
• Discover an anti-racist approach in family court

Course Time Schedule:

Eastern Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Central Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Mountain Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Pacific Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Alaska Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Hawaii-Aleutian Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This course is also being presented on the following dates:

Saturday, June 21, 2025
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Saturday, August 23, 2025