Think Tanks

Across the country, states are considering, and some have already passed laws to make 50/50 the gold standard that would presume equal parenting time is in the children’s best interest in all cases. Certainly, research shows children benefit when both parents play a part in their lives. However, the REAL issue is children’s rights, which should not be trumped by considerations for either parent. In Illinois, HB 4113 previously pending in the state legislature, still appears to be a very hot topic both as to its opponents and its proponents.

How we find the perfect balance of the “rights” for all concerned continues to be a legislative and a courtroom struggle. And it was high on the list of parenting issues discussed at Allen & Glassman’s Better Beginnings, Fewer Endings Think Tank™ discussion and brunch on April 21 at the Peninsula Hotel.

Speakers were family law attorney and frequent Child Representative Howard P. Rosenberg and professional mediators Hon. Michele F. Lowrance (ret.) and Hon. Nancy J. Katz (ret.). Gemma Allen, moderated the discussion with an introduction of the topic and speakers. After initial remarks, Think Tank guests actively engaged in the conversation

Allen & Glassman partners Gemma Allen and Todd Glassman pose with Think Tank panelists Howard Rosenberg, Hon. Michele Lowrance (ret.) and Hon. Nancy J. Katz (ret.).

20TH Anniversary Think Tank

Since 1997, Ladden & Allen, Chartered (now Allen & Glassman, Chartered) has hosted dozens of family law Better Beginnings, Fewer Endings Think Tank (TM), bringing together judges, mental health practitioners, clergy, attorneys and other interdisciplinary professionals who are interested in recognizing and addressing serious family law matters.

The cutting-edge, timely topics have included the downside of social media in divorce, “intimate terrorism” in relationships, the law and psychology relevant to parenting litigation and its effect on children, the strategy and costs of litigation, and the economics of marriage and divorce. Recent Think Tanks focused on changes in the Illinois divorce law and the potential misuses of consulting experts in family law cases. The firm will present a Think Tank in February 2017 on “The Uses and Misuses of Orders of Protection.”

A 20^th anniversary Think Tank on “The Uses and Misuses of Orders of Protection” was held on February 25, 2017. Speakers included Brent Sopel, the retired Chicago Blackhawks professional hockey player and winner of the Stanley Cup; Hon. Michele Lowrance (retired), mediator at JAMS with more than 39 years of experience as a lawyer and judge who is a sought-after commentator and author on family law issues; and Hope Welsh, a woman of integrity and eloquence, who grew up in a violent household and shared her experience with Orders of Protection. Gemma Allen, partner at Allen & Glassman, moderated the discussion.

Hope Walsh, Todd Glassman, Gemma Allen, Brent Sopel, Hon. Michele Lowrance (Ret.)