Recent News

May 9, 2008

New court-appointed GAL course offered

A new, live seminar “The Role of the Guardian ad Litem in Juvenile Court,” is being offered on Tuesday, May 20, 1:30 p.m.– 4:45 p.m. Organized by attorney Susan M. Kenney-Pfalzer, this course satisfies the eligibility requirement for Guardian ad Litem in Franklin County Juvenile Court per Local Rule #4.

David A. Colley, a private practitioner whose practice has focused on children’s issues, will provide “Anatomy of a Juvenile Case” and discuss the language of the child protection proceeding; a roadmap of the child protective proceeding; time frames of the case; and what happens after the disposition, and beyond.

In addition, two magistrates, Lorenzo Sanchez and William J. Kirby, from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations, Juvenile Branch, will provide the “View from the Juvenile Court Bench” for the offering.

Suzanne Elswick Martello, who concentrates her practice in the areas of Guardian ad Litem appointments in both the Domestic Relations and Juvenile Courts, will speak about the “Basics of Being a Guardian ad Litem in the juvenile court.”

John T. Ryerson, Jr., a sole practitioners who focuses on areas of domestic and juvenile law, as well as Aria Daugherty Smith, who also holds a degree is psychology, will join Susan Kenney-Pfalzer, a solo practitioner practicing exclusively in the area of family law, in discussing “Various Issues Affecting Guardians ad Litem in Juvenile Court.” This group will cover such issues as Supreme Court guidelines; mandatory reporting; billing; working with Franklin County Children’s Services and reviewing records of that agency; Permanent Court Commitment documents and writing reports; the Guardian ad Litem’s role in case plans and attendance at Semi-Annual Reviews; and the Guardian ad Litem as a witness.

Don’t miss your chance to have your questions fielded first-hand with this live production. Those who are new to the practice or those needing a refresher may register online, or phone 614/221.4112 for event #3778. The cost is $85 prepaid/$100 day of for members, $125 prepaid/$140 day of for non-members and $55 prepaid/$70 day of for paralegals.