Register For Course
Live Webinar Registration
OnDemand Recording
Course Book Download
Overview
AI, Financial Red Flags, Discovery, Case Prep, and Difficult Clients
Family law paralegals wear many hats - financial detective, document manager, discovery strategist, trial prep coordinator, and steady hand for clients on their hardest days. This course shows you how to do it faster and better, with AI doing the heavy lifting and you doing what only you can. Across five power skills, you'll learn to use AI to draft, review, and summarize documents; read financial records like a pro and catch what's hidden; run a tighter discovery process; turn a chaotic file into a trial-ready case; and manage even the most difficult clients with confidence. Because you deserve tools as sharp as you are - register today!
- Work smarter with AI - draft, review, compare, and summarize records in a fraction of the time.
- Build your financial savvy - read tax returns, statements, and business records, and spot red flags and hidden assets (checklists included).
- Master divorce discovery - write better requests, manage subpoenas and ESI, and stay on top of deadlines.
- Turn a messy file into a winning case - build timelines, organize custody evidence, and prep exhibits and trial notebooks.
- Manage difficult and high-conflict clients - de-escalate, set boundaries, and know when to bring in the attorney.
*Any mention of specific products in this program is intended as part of a general overview and does not constitute IPE's endorsement or recommendation of any specific product or provider. This program is not sponsored by any technology or electronics provider.
Abbreviated Agenda
- Power Skill #1: Working Smarter With AI
- Power Skill #2: Financial Savvy - Reading Like a Pro and Catching What's Hidden (With Checklists)
- Power Skill #3: Mastering Divorce Discovery
- Power Skill #4: Turning a Messy Family Law File Into a Winning Case
- Power Skill #5: Managing Difficult and High-Conflict Clients
Can't Attend Live?
Get the OnDemand Instead
Watch the recording of this event on your own schedule. We'll notify you when its ready.
Credit Details
Credits Available
| Credit | Status | Total |
|---|---|---|
| California MCLE Paralegal |
|
3 Total |
| Delaware Certified Paralegal Program |
|
3 Total |
| Florida Registered Paralegal |
|
3 Total |
| Indiana Paralegal CLE |
|
3 Total |
| NALA |
|
3 Total |
| Montana CLE Credit for Paralegals |
|
3 Total |
| North Carolina Continuing Paralegal Education |
|
3 Total |
| New Mexico Paralegal Division, State Bar of |
|
3 Total |
| Ohio Certified Paralegals |
|
3 Total |
| NFPA |
|
3 Total |
| Texas State Bar of Paralegal Division |
|
3 Total |
| Washington Paralegal Association |
|
3 Total |
Select Jurisdiction
Paralegal
Agenda
-
Power Skill #1: Working Smarter With AI
- Drafting Family Law Agreements and Litigation Documents With AI
- Reviewing and Comparing Documents With AI
- Extracting Key Facts and Financial Information From Records
- Summarizing Discovery, Depositions, and Lengthy Records
- Spotting Missing Information, Inconsistencies, and Follow-Up Questions
-
Power Skill #2: Financial Savvy - Reading Like a Pro and Catching What's Hidden (With Checklists)
- Reading Tax Returns, Pay Stubs, and W-2s/1099s
- Bank and Credit Card Statements: What to Look For
- Retirement, Investment, and Brokerage Account Records
- Business Records and Self-Employment Income
- Matching Financial Disclosures Against the Documents
- Red Flags and Tracking Down Undisclosed Assets, Debts, and Income
-
Power Skill #3: Mastering Divorce Discovery
- Writing Better Discovery Requests
- Gathering Documents From the Client Without Losing Your Mind
- Subpoenas for Third-Party Records
- Email, Social Media, Smartphone, and Other ESI
- Tracking Requests, Responses, Objections, Deficiencies, and Deadlines
-
Power Skill #4: Turning a Messy Family Law File Into a Winning Case
- Taking Control of a Disorganized or Document-Heavy Case File
- Building the Case Timeline/Master Chronology
- Creating Attorney-Ready Financial, Property, and Support Summaries
- Organizing Custody Evidence: School and Medical Records, Parenting Communications, Calendars, and More
- Preparing Exhibits and Exhibit Lists
- Witness Lists, Trial Subpoenas, and Witness Coordination
- Building the Attorney's Hearing or Trial Notebook
-
Power Skill #5: Managing Difficult and High-Conflict Clients
- The Chronic Communicator
- The Angry or Vindictive Client
- The Emotionally Overwhelmed Client
- The Unrealistic Client
- Getting the Information You Need From an Uncooperative or Disorganized Client
- De-Escalating Difficult Conversations
- Recognizing When the Attorney Needs to Step In
Who Should Attend
This intermediate level course is designed to give family law paralegals the knowledge and hands-on skills they need to use AI to draft, review, and summarize case documents, read financial records like a pro, run tighter discovery, and manage even the most difficult clients with confidence. Those who should attend include:
- Family Law Paralegals
- Legal Assistants
- Legal Technicians
- Legal Support Staff
Speakers
Speaker bio
Victoria Cernadas
is a highly experienced and credentialed paralegal specializing in family law. With over three decades in the legal field and a strong track record in managing complex, high-volume caseloads, she brings both expertise and professionalism to every matter. Ms. Cernadas is a Texas board-certified paralegal in family law and holds the Advanced Certified Paralegal® designation through the National Association of Legal Assistants, with specialties in Discovery. She is recognized for her exceptional legal drafting skills, client communication, and ability to train and mentor new attorneys and legal staff. Ms. Cernadas currently serves as a family law paralegal at Goranson Bain Ausley, where she plays a key role in case development, discovery, trial preparation, and client support. Her background also includes years of experience in both permanent and contract roles with various respected family law firms. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and Collin College, Ms. Cernadas is also an active member of numerous professional associations, including the Dallas Area Paralegal Association.
Speaker bio
Hon. Jeanette A. Irby
is a retired Circuit Court Judge for the 20th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. She is currently managing director of Juridical Solutions PLC, where she mediates family law disputes which are most suited to alternative dispute resolution. Judge Irby is experienced in all areas of civil litigation, including complex business disputes, divorce (equitable distribution, spousal support and custody), and personal injury claims. Before going on the bench, she practiced law with her primary focus on domestic relations. Judge Irby earned her B.S. degree from Central Michigan University and her J.D. degree from Thomas W. Cooley Law School.
Speaker bio
Jeffrey Manganaro
is an attorney within the Concord, New Hampshire office of Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. He has spent more than nineteen years working with clients facing family issues, including divorce, the establishment of parentage, collecting and enforcing child support and alimony, crafting parenting plans, equitably dividing marital property, appointing guardians, modifying or enforcing family court orders, and negotiating or mediating resolutions outside of the courtroom. Mr. Manganaro is admitted to practice in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He earned his B.A. degree from Bowdoin College and his J.D. degree, cum laude from New England School of Law.
Speaker bio
Mitchell L. Mullen
is of Counsel with Charny, Karpousis, Altieri & Donoian, P.A.where his main areas of practice include family law and mediation, which includes divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, domestic violence, step-parent adoption, and guardianships. He is a certified legal specialist in matrimonial law, Supreme Court of New Jersey. Mr. Mullen is a member of the Camden County Bar Association, American Association for Justice, New Jersey State Bar Association (member, Family Law Section), Burlington County Bar Association and New Jersey Association for Justice. He is admitted to practice in New Jersey, U.S. District Court District of New Jersey, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Mullen earned his B.S. and B.S.B.A. degrees, magna cum laude, from Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts; and his J.D. degree from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey School of Law-Camden, Camden, New Jersey.
Speaker bio
Nima Kian
is a family law attorney at RCG Law Group, where he represents individuals and families in divorce, child custody, support, and related matters throughout Utah. He focuses on providing clear, strategic, and compassionate representation so clients can make informed decisions during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. Mr. Kian’s practice encompasses all aspects of family law, including contested and uncontested divorces, legal decision-making and parenting time, child and spousal support, paternity, modifications, and enforcement actions. He works closely with clients to develop tailored strategies that prioritize their long-term goals, the well-being of their children, and the protection of their rights and interests. Mr. Kian earned his J.D. degree from New York Law School, graduating in the top 25% of his class with Dean’s List honors. He holds an undergraduate degree in psychology, criminology, and sociology from the University of Utah, which informs his client-centered, trauma-informed approach to family law matters. Mr. Kian is committed to making the legal process accessible, understandable, and human—translating complex legal issues into practical guidance and advocating assertively in negotiations and in court.
Top FAQs
What is included with my course purchase?
When you enroll prior to the live event date you will receive access to the live-streaming webinar which will allow you to interact with faculty in real-time.
With each course, you will receive access to the content via OnDemand Streaming and the Video Download.
Course reference materials are included with each course purchase in a downloadable PDF format.
How do I access my courses?
Courses are available within your account. Simply login to your account and click on My Courses. If you require additional assistance please call our Customer Service Department at 800-793-5274.
Do you have options for attendees who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Closed captioning is available for all online live courses. Attendees may enable the closed captioning functionality within the event room once they have accessed the event by simply clicking the "cc" button in the lower right of the event room.
Are multiple attendee discounts available?
Yes, the more people you bring from your organization, the more you save. Please call out Customer Service Department to inquire about savings for your team at 800-793-5274.
When will the OnDemand be available and how long will I have access to the content?
The OnDemand Video will be available to stream within 14 days of live broadcast date. You will have access to the content for 6 months in your account.
If you're a subscriber, you'll have access to your course recordings until 7 days after the expiration date of the subscription.
Have more questions? Please Contact Us
