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Message From the AAML President
AAML Public Statement Supporting Rule of Law
Message From the Editor
Our Own Little Embryos Become the New AAMC | Read More
Guest Interview: Custody Disputes Surrounding Frozen Embryos | Watch Video
Spring Sale: Save Even More on the National Family Law Conference | Register Now
AFFC-AAML 2025 Advanced Issues in Child Custody: Evaluation, Litigation and Settlement | Register Now
AAML Foundation Update: Your Donations at Work
Call for Nominations
Sponsored: Join Soberlink's Attorney Map | Join the Map
Showcase Your Expertise: Contribute to the AAML Newsletter | Pitch Your Article
Strategies for Success: Building a Standout Summer Associate Program | Register Now
Build Your Team's Skills With the Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff | Learn More
AAML Missouri Chapter Holds 2025 Annual Meeting
| | Message From the AAML President | | |
Fellows,
On April 14, the House participated in a special meeting to vote on a statement regarding the Rule of Law, similar to what bar and legal associations across the country have promulgated and endorsed in recent weeks.
To ensure we heard from every governor, everyone present at the meeting was offered one minute to offer perspectives and positions on the statement or the option to waive time. The comments were inspiring and heartfelt, including someone who told of his coming to the United States from Canada and becoming a citizen. He explained how important standing up for the U.S. Constitution and the Rule of Law is to him given those experiences. We also heard from governors, including those from my state, who expressed concern over the statement, shared the hard conversations over the statement and informed the House that some Fellows strongly opposed its adoption by our organization.
I know there are Fellows who strongly believe the statement is too political, or is not in “our lane.” I know there are Fellows who disagree that a resolution of this nature should have been brought before the House — but choosing not to have the House decide would have also been an active choice.
I am proud to serve as president of an organization that allows free speech and a democratic process to adopt resolutions that define and further our mission. I am proud to lead an organization that encourages honest dialogue and fosters mutual respect, because it is only through those conversations that we can begin to understand. I am proud to lead an organization that unanimously passed a resolution confirming its commitment to the importance of the Rule of Law and as a guiding principle of our county that must be protected — without politics getting in the way — to ensure justice and fairness for all.
I encourage all Fellows to read the full statement, shared below.
Laura C. Belleau, AAML President
| | AAML Public Statement Supporting Rule of Law | | By: AAML House of Governors | | |
In light of recent events, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) has issued a public statement which reflects the collective position of the organization in support of the rule of law.
This statement was reviewed and approved by AAML’s House of Governors on April 14, 2025, with 29 votes in favor and five abstentions, pursuant to notice of a special meeting given April 8, 2025.
The AAML joins other legal and professional organizations committed to the protection of equal access to justice and the due process rights of families and the importance of the rule of law. Recent Executive Orders, and other public statements and press releases from the Office of the President of the United States, undermine the public’s faith in an independent judicial process and the rule of law, threaten the safety and security of judges, lawyers and litigants, and erode trust and respect for our profession and state family justice courts. The AAML will continue to honor its mission to ensure justice and fairness for all persons involved in family court matters irrespective of race, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation or religious affiliation.
We understand that our community holds a diverse range of perspectives, and we remain committed to open dialogue, mutual respect and the mission that unites us.
Sincerely,
AAML House of Governors
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We are now officially past the quarter mark of the year (yes, already!). During our AAML Newsletter Committee meetings, we spend countless hours brainstorming the brilliant themes for each month’s edition.
So, thinking about April, we remembered how people start decorating eggs and staging elaborate hunts, and we naturally thought about another type of egg ... embryos! (You’re starting to see how our creative process works now, aren’t you?)
Now, you may be thinking, “Embryos? Really?” Yes, really. While many of us don’t often handle embryo or surrogacy-related issues in our day-to-day practices, these cases are becoming an increasingly big deal in the legal world. Remember the Sofia Vergara case? That legal saga has been longer than most HBO series.
Earlier this month, we featured an amazing article from Ashley Cervin and David McGrath on the topic — hopefully you were able to take a look.
In this edition, we dive even deeper. I had the pleasure of speaking with two outstanding retired judges — Hon. Anne-Christine Massullo and Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman — about the complexities surrounding embryo disputes. It’s a fascinating and novel (scrambled?) area of the law*.
Looking ahead, here’s what we’re cooking up for the next few months:
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May 2025: Military Law — Relocation and Custody
- Submission deadline: April 29
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June 2025: Generative AI Use and Ethics
- Submission deadline: May 27
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July 2025: Summer Travel and Setting the Summer Custody Schedule
- Submission deadline: June 24
If you have an article you’d like to submit, or if you come across something insightful on any of these topics, don’t hesitate to send it our way. We’d love to hear from you!
Thank you,
Rod Firoozye
*Correction: Please note that during this interview, Judge Anne-Christine Massullo states there have been over 8 million frozen embryos since 1978. She meant to say 8 million births from frozen embryos.
| | Our Own Little Embryos Become the New AAMC | | Since the newsletter this month is focused on embryos, eggs and custody, it is time to shine a light on the return of the AAMC. What is the AAMC you ask? Well, it is the American Academy of Matrimonial Children. At the Mid-Year Meeting in beautiful Costa Rica, a mixer was held for all the children of AAML Fellows on Tuesday, March 11, just ahead of the welcome dinner. | | Guest Interview: Custody Disputes Surrounding Frozen Embryos | | |
In this guest interview, AAML Newsletter Editor Rod Firoozye speaks with Hon. Anne-Christine Massullo and Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman of Signature Resolutions about custody disputes surrounding frozen embryos.
If you are unable to view the above video, please click here.
| | Spring Sale: Save Even More on the National Family Law Conference | | |
AAML Fellows and their associates can now register for the AAML National Family Law Conference at 50% off — a $550 rate! No discount code needed.
For additional savings, invite a non-Fellow attorney to join you at 50% off — a $750 rate.
Non-Fellows can also attend the pre-conference program "Unlocking Admission Success — AAML Exam Insights and Application Guide" for free — an additional $100 savings.
| | AFFC-AAML 2025 Advanced Issues in Child Custody: Evaluation, Litigation and Settlement | | |
AAML is proud to once again be partnering with the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AAFC) to host the 2025 Advanced Issues in Child Custody: Evaluation, Litigation and Settlement taking place in San Francisco, Sept. 18-20, 2025. Fellows and non-Fellows are invited to register for this event.
Registration is now open! Register today and join us in San Franscisco in September.
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We are excited to share profiles of one of the 50 current grant recipients with you so you can read how your billable hour donations to the AAML Foundation are helping children and families struggling with the breakup of their families. Together we can make a difference across the country!
Women's Resource Center to End Domestic Violence, Decatur, Georgia
Founded in 1985, the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence (WRC) is dedicated to creating a society where domestic violence no longer exists. The organization provides immediate and long-term support to survivors of domestic violence and their children through programs focused on safety, advocacy and prevention. WRC operates a comprehensive set of services, including an emergency safe house, transitional housing, legal advocacy, support groups, counseling and community education, assisting approximately 7,000 survivors and their families annually.
This AAML Foundation grant will support WRC’s GameChangers Teen Program, which provides critical resources for adolescents affected by domestic violence. This program addresses the unique needs of teenagers by helping them overcome trauma, build resilience and develop healthy relationships. GameChangers consists of four key components: community connections, life skills, peace education and recreational activities. Through partnerships with local mentors, educators and wellness professionals, WRC equips teens with the tools needed to navigate challenges and break the cycle of violence.
With its trauma-informed approach and innovative programming, WRC ensures that teens impacted by domestic violence receive the support necessary to heal and thrive. To learn more about the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence, visit www.wrcdv.org.
| | The Foundation thanks the following donors since the last newsletter for their support and generosity: | | |
In Memory of Ken Lester
Jim McLaren
Brian Vertz
In Memory of Molly C. McLaren
Bob and Lynn Brandt
David and Gail Hofstein
Cary and Dee Mogerman
Lee and Jennifer Rosenberg
Anita Rodarte
Barbara Runge
Arnold Rutkin
Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP
Deb Tate
Brian Vertz
Planned Giving Living Gift
Anita I. Rodarte
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2025 Billable Hour Club
Ronique Bastine Robinson
Gregory S. Beane
Patricia N. Carter
Joseph P. Crawford
Jennifer Crum
Helen R. Davis
G. John Durward Jr.
Belinda Hanson
James M. Loveless
Lon M. Loveless
Scott M. Mann
Joani C. Moberg
Lyne Ranson
Anita I. Rodarte
Brian C. Vertz
Natalie L. Webb
Richard D. West
Natalia C. Wilson
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Thomas Sasser (Florida), president-elect and chair of the Nominations Committee, requests that all nominations for the following National Office positions be submitted through the following link no later than the close of business on May 9, 2025. Nominations submissions will include a request for a letter explaining the nominee’s experience and a CV/resume.
Available Nominations:
• First Vice President (One-Year Term)
Currently held by Scott Mann, who will automatically advance to President-Elect.
• Second Vice President (Three-Year Term)
Currently held by Cassie Chin, who is completing her first term and is eligible for re-election.
• Second Vice President (Three-Year Term)
Currently held by Jason Naimi, who is completing a partial unexpired term and is eligible for election to his first full term.
• Secretary (One-Year Term)
Currently held by Lisa Spencer, who is completing her second term and is eligible for re-election.
• Treasurer (One-Year Term)
Currently held by Melissa Avery, who is completing her first term and is eligible for re-election.
• At-Large Chapter Delegate (Three-Year Term)
Currently held by Helen Davis, who is completing her second full term and is not eligible for re-election.
• At-Large Non-Chapter Delegate (Three-Year Term)
Currently held by Richard Wagner II, who is completing his second full term and is not eligible for re-election.
| | Sponsored: Join Soberlink's Attorney Map | | |
Family Law Professionals who are trained in handling alcohol-involved custody cases are more well-equipped to mitigate conflict and protect child safety.
Want to get trained, showcase your expertise and connect with clients who need your expertise?
Soberlink’s trusted remote alcohol monitoring system provides objective, real-time data that helps eliminate hearsay and reduce disputes over alcohol use. With features like facial recognition, advanced reporting and tamper detection, Soberlink has become the go-to tool for 10,000+ family law professionals across all 50 states.
Join Soberlink’s Attorney Map to gain increased visibility as a “Soberlink-Trained” family law practitioner — signaling your understanding of the most reliable tools and strategies to support both sides of custody disputes involving alcohol.
| | Showcase Your Expertise: Contribute to the AAML Newsletter | | |
Share your knowledge, elevate your profile and position yourself as a recognized expert in your field. The AAML Newsletter offers a valuable opportunity for Fellows to highlight best practices, offer fresh insights and reflect the forward-thinking work happening at their firm — all while contributing to the broader conversation shaping our profession.
Consider yourself a leader in one of the below practice areas? The Newsletter Committee invites you to submit an article on:
- Military law: relocation and custody
- Generative AI uses and ethics
- Red flags to identify in cases
- Or other family law related topics
If you're interested in submitting an article or would like more information, contact the AAML editorial team at editorial@aaml.org.
| | Strategies for Success: Building a Standout Summer Associate Program | | |
Join AAML on Tuesday, May 6, for an engaging webinar that will explore how to design, manage and evolve a summer program that attracts top talent, fosters meaningful engagement and sets the stage for future firm leaders. From structuring assignments to creating authentic connections, we’ll share practical insights and proven approaches to ensure your program delivers real value — for both your firm and your associates.
This webinar is complimentary to AAML Fellows.
| | Build Your Team's Skills With the Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff | | |
As an AAML Fellow, you understand the critical role that a highly skilled support team plays in the success of your practice. The Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff is a new, comprehensive virtual training series to address the unique challenges and complexities support staff face in highly acclaimed family law offices like yours. All courses are taught by AAML Fellows, providing your team with top-tier training without requiring your billable time. Your team will enhance their professional skills and gain confidence in handling complex family law support tasks.
Session topics and speakers will include:
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Conflicts of Interest
Jorge Cestero, Senior Partner, Sesser, Cestero & Roy P.a. (Florida) and Cash Eaton, Senior Associate Attorney, Sasser, Cestero & Roy, P.A. (Florida)
Confidentiality and Protection of Client Information
Cassandra Chin, Partner, Nichols Zauzig (Virginia)
Value of Services: Timekeeping and Billing
Adam Wolff, Partner, Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP (New York)
Record Retention
Susan Myres, Managing Partner, Myres & Associates, PLLC (Texas) [Past AAML President]
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Dealing with Emotional or Abusive Clients
J. Benjamin Stevens, Senior Partner, The Stevens Law Group LLC (South Carolina) [Past AAML President] and Jenny Stevens, Managing Partner, Stevens Law Group LLC (South Carolina)
Answering vs. Advising
Rebecca Millenbach, Partner, Nelson, Krueger & Millenbach, LLC (Wisconsin)
| | AAML Missouri Chapter Holds 2025 Annual Meeting | | The Missouri Chapter of the AAML held its annual meeting on April 4-5, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri. President Michelle Spirn presided over the welcome reception and dinner, then the business meeting, which included the election of new officers and the Chapter’s representative to the national House of Governors. The AAML’s First Vice President Scott Mann (Kansas) and Second Vice President Amanda Trigg (New Jersey) attended on behalf of national AAML President Laura Belleau and the Board of Directors. | | What's Happening in Your Chapter? | | | | |
