Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council

Hot Off the Presses: 2025 Child Support Guidelines—Insights from Members of the Task Force
2025-11-21 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
MCLC and MCFM invite you to our jointly sponsored
Professional Development Workshop: Hot Off the Presses: 2025 Child Support Guidelines—Insights from Members of the Task Force
Friday November 21, 2025
2 PM – 4 PM
via Zoom
The newly reviewed Child Support Guidelines have recently been released for a December 1, 2025 effective date. Please join in a presentation about the new Guidelines with Holly Hinte and Jamie Sabino, both members of the Child Support Task Force, as they highlight and discuss what is different, what is the same and the nuances in between – as well as a discussion led by Michael Leshin on how mediators approach child support in light of Cavanagh (including Cavanagh II).
Meet Our Panelists:
Holly A. Hinte is a partner at Lee & Rivers LLP, focusing her practice exclusively on family law. Before joining Lee & Rivers LLP, Ms. Hinte served as a Judicial Fellow (2011-2012) and a Judicial Law Clerk (2012-2014) to the justices of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. Ms. Hinte has co-authored two Amicus Briefs involving issues of first impression in Massachusetts (Chin v. Merriott and DeMarco v. DeMarco) and has moderated numerous panels & has lectured on domestic relations topics for various organizations. Ms. Hinte has been included in Best Lawyers in America in Family Law since 2024; has been recognized as a Massachusetts “Rising Star” by Boston Magazine and the Super Lawyer publication since 2017; has received the highest Avvo rating possible (10.0 Superb) as a family law attorney; has been listed in Boston Magazine as a “Top Lawyer” in family law since 2022, and was recognized by Doyle’s Guide as a Recommended Boston Leading Family, Matrimonial and Divorce Lawyer for 2025.
Michael L. Leshin is of counsel with HealyFiske LLP in Waltham. From 1998 through June 2021, he was a partner with the law firm of Ginsburg & Leshin LLC in Wellesley and thereafter was of counsel with Goldman & Sidgwick, LLP in South Natick. He continues to focus his practice in the area of family law and mediation. He has served as chair of the Family Law Section of the Boston Bar Association and as president of the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation, Inc. (MCFM). He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America (family law, 2006–2026; family law mediation, 2007–2026). He is also certified as a divorce mediator by MCFM. In 2013, he received the John Adams Fiske Award for Excellence in Mediation from MCFM. He is the co-author of the chapter “Mediation and Other Dispute Resolution Alternatives” in Massachusetts Divorce Law Practice Manual (MCLE, Inc. 5th ed. 2023). For over twenty years, he authored the annual MCLE publication, Massachusetts Family Law Sourcebook. Mr. Leshin has chaired or co-chaired numerous MCLE programs and has lectured on tax, mediation, and family law issues for the Boston Bar Association; Mediation Works, Inc.; Community Dispute Settlement Center; and several Boston-area law schools. He is a graduate of Brandeis University, Boston University School of Law, and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Following law school, he clerked for the Massachusetts Superior Court, serving as the deputy chief law clerk.
Jamie Ann Sabino, Deputy Director of Advocacy, Massachusetts Lw Reform Institute
Jamie Sabino joined MLRI in October 2014. She is the Deputy Director of Advocacy and the Managing Attorney of the Civil Legal Needs for Victims of Crime Initiative (CLAVC). The CLAVC Initiative is supported by the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance through a Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. In addition she serves as lead advocate for the Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Project (DVLAP) including facilitating the Family Law Task Force, a statewide group of legal services family law attorneys, attorneys in domestic violence service provider agencies and attorneys involved in family law pro bono programs and law school clinics.
Prior to this position Ms. Sabino served for over 13 years as the VAWA STOP Grant Coordinator for the Massachusetts Trial Court, were she worked at a policy level on how the Trial Court handled cases involving domestic violence and sexual assault. Ms. Sabino formerly practiced in the law firm of Klibaner & Sabino in Cambridge, MA concentrating in family law and criminal defense appellate law.
Ms. Sabino is a past president of the Women’s Bar Association and Women’s Bar Foundation of Massachusetts and has been honored by the Boston Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association, the National Lawyers Guild, Massachusetts Chapter and Northeastern University School of Law for her commitment to pro bono work. In addition to her legal work, Ms. Sabino has broad experience in the non-profit world and has sat on a number of non-profit boards. She is a graduate of Wellesley College with a B.A. in History and Political Science and Northeastern University School of Law.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
COST: No charge to attend the Workshop but you must be a member of either MCLC or MCFM
REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
Please register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/TeQK3nGoTQ6mdJnrwMY_ZQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting
RECORDING: This workshop WILL be recorded
QUESTIONS? Email Kacy Wiant, MCLC Administrator

Northern Essex Collaborative Law Group
2025-11-06 16:30 - 17:30 | Zoom
Are you looking to sharpen your skills and connect with fellow MCLC members? We invite you to join the Northern Essex Collaborative Law Group, meeting on Zoom every first Thursday of the month. This is a great opportunity to practice, collaborate, and learn in a supportive environment, no matter where you are.
The group is open to all MCLC members—whether you’re new or experienced, we’d love to have you join the conversation! Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.
Please RSVP to Clint Dalton (cdalton@brigantine.law) if you plan to attend.

MCLC & MCFM Member Drop-In Meeting
2025-11-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
You are invited to the Dispute Resolution Drop-In Meetings for Mediators and Collaborative Practitioners from MCFM and MCLC to meet for informal discussions about practice-related topics and networking. All experience levels are welcome.
November topic: Marketing Yourself and Your Practice to Make the Shift

What marketing tactics work?
Is it necessary to blog?
Is social media as important as everyone makes it out to be?

No registration is required, but all attendees must be members of MCLC or MCFM.
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.

MCLC/MCFM Member Drop-In Meeting
2025-11-06 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-08-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-04-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
You are invited to the Dispute Resolution Drop-In Meetings for Collaborative Practitioners to meet for informal discussions about cases and practice related topics and networking.

All experience levels are welcome.
No registration is required, but all attendees must be members of MCLC or MCFM.

Zoom Details:

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86230609210?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 862 3060 9210
Passcode: [REDACTED]

MCLC Book Club
2025-10-30 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
📚 October Book: The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
How do we navigate life, love, and choice in a world of never-ending options? The Husbands delights in that question—perfect for a lively MCLC Book Club conversation about agency, regret, and the courage to choose.
Whether you’ve finished the book or are just getting started, all are welcome to join the conversation. Grab a drink, kick back, and connect with fellow MCLC members for an informal, engaging discussion.
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.

Tri-River Practice Group
2025-10-16 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
Please join us via Zoom for our October Tri-River Practice Group.
Topic this month: Beyond Agreements: Safeguarding Childhoods by Maria Natapov
Maria Natapov is a Co-Parenting and Stepparenting Expert, Vice Chair of The Sparrow Collective, and trusted advisor to divorce professionals, financial advisors, and parenting coaches.
In this engaging session, Collaborative Law professionals will be invited to step into the shoes of a child caught in divorce conflict, experiencing firsthand the weight families carry when systems fail. Through reflection and discussion, we’ll explore how BeH2O® equips parents with research-based tools and mindset shifts that move them from repeated disputes to sustainable, child-centered systems of communication, accountability, and peace.
Drawing on her background as a Certified BeH2O® Coach and a Co-Parenting and Stepparenting expert, Maria will share how this approach not only protects children but also strengthens legal practice reducing re-filings, creating calmer transitions, and positioning attorneys as trusted guides who safeguard families beyond the agreement table.
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.

Northern Essex Collaborative Law Group
2025-10-09 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Are you looking to sharpen your skills and connect with fellow MCLC members? We invite you to join the Northern Essex Collaborative Law Group, meeting on Zoom every first Thursday of the month. This is a great opportunity to practice, collaborate, and learn in a supportive environment, no matter where you are. The group is open to all MCLC members—whether you’re new or experienced, we’d love to have you join the conversation!
October 9 Special Guest: Attorney Peter Jamieson will be presenting the first in a two-part series on the interplay between Child Support and Alimony per the Cavanaugh case.
Please RSVP to Clint Dalton (cdalton@brigantine.law) if you plan to attend.
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.

Collaborative Connections
2025-10-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Join us on October 9, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, for casual networking with Collaborative Divorce Practitioners and related professionals.
Expand your professional network and gain valuable insights at our quarterly networking event! Join us for an hour of engaging conversations with Collaborative Divorce Practitioners and a diverse group of related professionals. This event is a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations, and deepen your understanding of the Collaborative Divorce Process.
Who should attend:

Financial professionals
Real estate professionals
Professional/executive coaches
Mental health professionals
Insurance professionals
Anyone interested in networking with colleagues
Anyone interested in learning more about the Collaborative Divorce Process

Email with Zoom link will be sent to you immediately upon registering or is available below.

MCLC & MCFM Fall Social Event - Cranberry Bog Nature Walk
2025-10-03 11:00 - 13:00 | THE NATURE TRAIL AND OCEAN SPRAY CRANBERRY BOG, 1 Bass Pro Drive, Foxborough, MA, 02035, United States
Meet up with your mediator and collaborative colleagues for a half-mile walk at the Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place.

October 3, 2025 at 11 AM
Rain date: October 24, 2025 at 11 AM
We will explore the trail and perhaps have lunch afterwards at one of Patriot Place’s many restaurants.
Our meeting point will be behind Bass Pro Shop at the beginning of the Cranberry Bog Trail.

Tri-River Practice Group
2025-09-18 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
Please join us via Zoom for our September Tri-River Practice Group. More details coming soon!
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.

2025 Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Law Training
2025-09-10 10:00 - 2025-09-12 16:00 | Zoom
Expand Your Skills with MCLC’s Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Law Training!
Join us for our next training on September 10, 11, & 12, 2025 from 10:00 – 4:00 PM Eastern. Learn more about the training and meet our faculty: https://massclc.org/exemplary-professional-training/
Designed for professionals across family law, mental health, finance, and related fields, this IACP-compliant training equips you with collaborative tools to resolve family disputes, navigate high-conflict cases, and enhance client outcomes. Includes a complimentary year of MCLC membership.

Benefits Of Attending

Learn the fundamentals of the Collaborative Law model and how to apply it to Family Law cases.
Develop results-oriented techniques to help clients reach successful resolutions to disputes.
Identify and implement strategies to navigate challenging cases and to achieve success with high-conflict clients.
Train with experienced professionals who are passionate about the team approach.
Learn best practices for both in-person and virtual collaborative work.
Fulfill the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) standards for a Collaborative Law Intro Training.
Registration includes one year of introductory membership in Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council (MCLC) upon completion of the training.

Who Should Attend
This training is designed for:

Family law attorneys
Psychologists, social workers and other mental health professionals
Coaches, mediators, and financial professionals
Child development and co-parenting specialists
Graduate students entering the professions of law, finance and mental health
Anyone assisting family clients in conflict
Other allied professionals such as mortgage brokers, realtors, appraisers, estate attorneys, judges, etc .

Please note: Refunds are not available for cancellations within 30 days of the training. Please contact admin@massclc.org about transferring to a future session.

Northern Essex Collaborative Law Group
2025-09-04 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Are you looking to sharpen your skills and connect with fellow MCLC members? We invite you to join the Northern Essex Collaborative Law Group, meeting on Zoom every first Thursday of the month. This is a great opportunity to practice, collaborate, and learn in a supportive environment, no matter where you are.
September Special Guest: Robert Jutras, Esq., presenting on “Graying Divorce and Medicaid Considerations”
The group is open to all MCLC members—whether you’re new or experienced, we’d love to have you join the conversation! Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.
Please RSVP to Clint Dalton (cdalton@brigantine.law) if you plan to attend.

MCLC Book Club – August Meeting
2025-08-14 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
🗓️ Thursday, August 14, 2025🕓 4:00 – 5:00 PM📚 August Book: The Beach House by Rachel Hanna
Join us for a relaxed summer edition of the MCLC Book Club! We’ll be discussing The Beach House by Rachel Hanna—a heartfelt, coastal escape perfect for a mid-August read.
Whether you’ve finished the book or are just getting started, all are welcome to join the conversation. Grab a cold drink, kick back, and connect with fellow MCLC members for an informal, engaging discussion
Please refer to the member newsletter email for the Zoom link.

Northern Essex Collaborative Law Group – Mid-Summer Social
2025-08-07 17:00 - 19:00 | The Bell Inn & Tavern – The Cellar, 2 Washington Street, Peabody, MA, 01960, United States
🗓️ Thursday, August 7, 2025🕔 5:00 PM📍 The Bell Inn & Tavern – The Cellar: 2 Washington Street, Peabody, MA 01960
Join the Northern Essex Collaborative Law Group for a relaxed mid-summer social gathering! Connect with colleagues, share ideas, and enjoy good company in the cozy atmosphere of The Cellar at The Bell Inn & Tavern.
All are MCLC members are welcome—whether you’re a longtime Collaborative practitioner or newly curious about the model. We look forward to seeing you there!

MCLC at CLE by the Sea
2025-07-17 09:00 - 17:00 | Blue Ocean Event Center, 4 Ocean Front N, Salisbury, MA, 01952, United States
🗓️ Thursday, July 17, 2025📍 Blue Ocean Event Center, Salisbury, MA🔗 Event & Registration Info
Join MCLC at the 8th Annual CLE by the Sea! We’ll have a vendor table where you can stop by to learn more about the Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council (MCLC), connect with members, and explore how collaborative practice is changing the landscape of conflict resolution.
Several MCLC members will also be presenting during the program:
Collaborative Law: Effective Divorce Without Litigation (75 NHMCLE min.)Presented by:• Richard J. Reade, Jr., Reade Law Firm, Peabody• Dr. Nadia Delshad, PSYD, The Bedford Center for Couples, NH• Karen Van Kooy, MA
This session will explore:

Pros and cons of collaborative law
Understanding the paradigm shift
How collaborative law can improve quality of life for clients and professionals alike

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your knowledge and network with practitioners across the region!

Collaborative Connections
2025-07-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Join us on July 10, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, for casual networking with Collaborative Divorce Practitioners and related professionals.
Expand your professional network and gain valuable insights at our quarterly networking event! Join us for an hour of engaging conversations with Collaborative Divorce Practitioners and a diverse group of related professionals. This event is a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations, and deepen your understanding of the Collaborative Divorce Process.
Who should attend:

Financial professionals
Real estate professionals
Professional/executive coaches
Mental health professionals
Insurance professionals
Anyone interested in networking with colleagues
Anyone interested in learning more about the Collaborative Divorce Process

Email with Zoom link will be sent to you immediately upon registering or is available below.

MCLC 2025 Roundtable: Effective Communication – Art, Science, or Both?
2025-05-15 13:00 - 2025-05-16 13:00 | Zoom
Register Now for MCLC’s 2025 Roundtable
Effective Communication – Art, Science, or Both?
Join us this May for the MCLC Annual Roundtable, a two-day event focused on building skills and strategies to strengthen communication and collaboration in your practice. This year’s theme, “Effective Communication – Art, Science, or Both?”—offers a thought-provoking keynote and three dynamic workshops designed to elevate your work with clients and colleagues alike.
Roundtable Schedule
Day 1: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Welcome 1:00 – 1:05 PM
Keynote: 1:05 – 4:00 PMPresented by Sharon Strand Ellison, MS., Author of Taking the War Out of Our Words: The Art of Powerful Non-Defensive Communication
SKILL SETS FOR DEFUSING DEFENSIVENESS. . . OFTEN IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. . . Small Changes — BIG IMPACT

“I’m absolutely stunned by the power of the non-defensive process Sharon teaches. What amazes me is not just the incredible success, but also the speed and directness. The potential to actually have a constructive and respectful conversation over an issue that could easily push anyone’s buttons is amazing.” — Arlene Kostant, Attorney and Mediator, San Francisco, CA

Sharon’s transformative approach has earned national recognition and has helped professionals across sectors communicate with clarity and empathy—even in high-stress moments. You won’t want to miss this!
Day 2: Friday, May 16, 2025
Welcome: 9:30 – 9:40 AM
Workshop 1: 9:40 – 10:40 AM: Fearless Feedback: Effective Debriefs in Collaborative Divorce
A presentation designed to help practitioners effectively debrief with team professionals following a Collaborative meeting.
In this presentation, four seasoned Collaborative Attorneys and Mediators share tools and frameworks developed as part of their workgroup in the IACP Leadership Academy (2022–2023).
Featuring Presenters:

Ivan Alter – New York and Westchester County, NY
Anthony J. Diaz – Orlando, FL
Katherine Morneau – Nashua, NH
Karen Van Kooy – Southborough and Newton, MA

Workshop 2: 10:45 – 11:45 AM: Exploring Collaborative Approaches to Prenups and Postnups
This moderated panel discussion featuring Laurie Israel, author of The Generous Prenup (2018), The Marriage-Friendly Prenup (2025), and Mediating Prenups (available May 1, 2025) will look at how Collaborative professionals can serve this growing practice area. Public perceptions around the use of pre- and post-nuptial agreements continue to shift. Increasingly, couples seek financial clarity before marrying. Supported, non-adversarial, approaches to these difficult conversations can help to avoid the pitfalls of traditional negotiation and lead to healthier, happier marriages. Join us to learn how to bring your Collaborative training to prenups, share your thoughts, and ask your questions.
Moderated by Patrice Brymner, Collaborative Attorney, Mediator, and Co-host of Mending Fences Podcast
Featuring Panelists:

Laurie Israel, Collaborative Attorney, Mediator, and Nationally Recognized Author
Beth L. Aarons, JD, MSW, Collaborative Attorney, Mediator, and Suffolk Law Faculty
Beth M. Nussbaum, Collaborative Attorney, Mediator and Appellate Counsel

Workshop 3: 11:55 AM – 12:55 PM: Marketing the Collaborative Process to Clients
When it comes to talking with prospective clients, what is the ‘Secret Sauce’ for getting more Collaborative cases? What should we be certain to always say? What might potential clients ask us, and how do we best answer their questions?
Join us for a lively panel of highly experienced Collaborative Professionals as they share their recipes for success in getting cases and tell their stories and best tips for talking about Collaborative practice.
Moderated by Betsy Ross, Collaborative Coach Facilitator and Co-Chair of MCLC’s Professional Education Committee
Featuring Panelists:

David Hoffman
Karen Levitt
Justin Kelsey
Michelle Raymond
Mary Sheridan

Registration Rates
MCLC or MCFM Members: $165 (both days) / $95 (one day) – Save $25 when you register for both days!
Non-Members: $195 (both days) / $110 (one day) – Save $25 when you register for both days!

MCLC & MCFM Tree House Meetup
2025-05-08 16:00 - 20:00
You’re Invited!
Come celebrate spring and dispute resolution with MCFM and MCLC members from across the state at a drop-in casual meetup!
Date: Thursday, May 8th
Time: 4:00-8:00 pm (Drop in any time during this window)
Place: Tree House Brewery, 129 Sturbridge Road, Charlton, MA
Cost: No entry fee; must be a member of MCFM and/or MCLC
Attendees purchase their own beverages (Tree House offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks) and you can bring your own food or purchase from the food trucks (food truck offerings change daily and are posted on the Tree House website a few days in advance). Check the website for their offerings: https://treehousebrew.com/
Weather permitting, we will meet under the outdoor covered pavilion.
Hope to see you there!

Northern Essex Collaborative Law Group
2025-05-01 17:00 - 19:30
Are you looking to sharpen your skills and connect with fellow MCLC members? We invite you to join the Northern Essex Collaborative Law Group, meeting every first Thursday of the month. Whether you’re new to collaborative practice or a seasoned professional, this is a great opportunity to collaborate, learn, and grow in a supportive environment—no matter where you are.
May 1st – In-Person “Speakeasy” MeetingTime: 5:00 PMLocation: “The Cellar” (side entrance) at The Bell Inn & Tavern2 Washington Street, Peabody, MA 01960
This special in-person gathering is a chance to step out from behind the Zoom screen and engage face-to-face in a relaxed setting.
Please RSVP to Clint Dalton at cdalton@brigantine.law if you plan to attend.
Zoom meetings will resume in June—check your email for the MCLC weekly member newsletter, which includes the Zoom link.

Tri-River Practice Group
2025-04-17 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
Please join us via Zoom.
The Top 10 Divorce Financial MistakesJanice Berner, Financial Advisor, CDFA, CPA, MBA, CLTC with Baystate Financial, will share insights on the top 10 financial mistakes commonly made during divorce. This presentation will highlight how to spot and help clients avoid these pitfalls—ensuring more informed, equitable outcomes through the Collaborative Process.
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.

MCLC Book Club
2025-04-10 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Our next book choice is The Shit No One Tells You About Divorce by Dawn Dais.

This book offers a candid look at the realities of divorce, reminding us that our clients bring a whole history with them when they seek our help.
You don’t need to have read the book to join the discussion—all are welcome! We look forward to a thoughtful and engaging conversation.
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.

Collaborative Connections
2025-04-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Join us on April 10, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, for casual networking with Collaborative Divorce Practitioners and related professionals.
Expand your professional network and gain valuable insights at our quarterly networking event! Join us for an hour of engaging conversations with Collaborative Divorce Practitioners and a diverse group of related professionals. This event is a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations, and deepen your understanding of the Collaborative Divorce Process.
Who should attend:

Financial professionals
Real estate professionals
Professional/executive coaches
Mental health professionals
Insurance professionals
Anyone interested in networking with colleagues
Anyone interested in learning more about the Collaborative Divorce Process

Zoom link will be sent to you immediately upon registering.

Tri-River Practice Group
2025-03-27 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
Please join us either via Zoom or in person at SSJM’s office at 629 Main Street, Woburn MA.
NESTING, PETS, and JOINT HOME OWNERSHIP, OH MY . . .
Explore unique issues in collaborative cases and discover creative ways to present their resolution to our courts. This roundtable offers a space for sharing insights, strategies, and real-world experiences.
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.
