May 2026 - Issue 2

Message From the Editor

C.S. Lewis' Enduring and Unpretentious Lessons on Stepparent Child Custody – Part 1: 'A Ticklish Job' | Read More

AAML Tech Tips: CoCounsel | Watch Video

Last Chance to Take Advantage of Elite Vegas Experiences at the National Family Law Conference | Register Now

Develop Future Leaders at the AAML Institute for Family Law Associates | Register Today

Foundation Update: Your Donations at Work | Read More

Reminder: New AAML Admissions Platform Is Live | Learn More

Join Us for June's 'Let's Talk About It' Discussion | Register Now

Show Your Pride: Shop the AAML Swag Store | Shop Now

Showcase Your Expertise: Contribute to the AAML Newsletter | Pitch Your Article

Unlock the 2025 Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff Recordings | Learn More

Message From the Editor

By: Rob McAngus, AAML Newsletter Editor

As you dive into this issue, I am especially excited to introduce a new three-part series on stepparent custody that will run over the next several editions of the newsletter. These articles will explore both the doctrinal framework and the dynamics that arise when stepparents step into primary caregiving roles in litigation. I hope you will find these both engaging and immediately useful in practice.

Looking ahead, we are actively planning the pipeline for upcoming issues and would welcome your ideas and contributions. In particular, we are seeking articles on office management (from staffing and systems to succession planning), “back to school” topics such as allocating schooling and daycare costs, and decision-making around educational institutions, as well as pieces on training and effectively using summer associates in a family law practice. If you have a practice pointer, a war story or a template approach that has worked well in your firm, please consider turning it into a short article or column for your colleagues.

As always, our work in these pages reflects the strength of our connections to one another, and nowhere is that more apparent than at our in‑person meetings. We are continuing to encourage strong attendance at the upcoming AAML National Family Law Conference, which is coming up next month in Las Vegas!

Finally, this is your newsletter, and it is at its best when it reflects the breadth of your experience and the diversity of your practices. Please do not hesitate to reach out with article ideas, topic suggestions, or a quick note about something you wish you had known sooner in your own career. We are always looking for new voices and fresh angles to share. I look forward to hearing from you and to seeing many of you at the National Family Law Conference next month. 

Rob McAngus

C.S. Lewis' Enduring and Unpretentious Lessons on Stepparent Child Custody — Part 1: 'A Ticklish Job'

By: Lynne Marie Kohm

How does a stepparent help their spouse protect the children when the natural parent is facing death? This series explores how custody of C.S. Lewis’ stepsons was handled during the impending death of his wife. Part 1 analyzes four letters revealing the legal issues surrounding custody that unfold within a legal framework that does not naturally favor the stepparent.

AAML Tech Tips: CoCounsel

By: The AAML Law Practice Management and Technology Committee

In this Tech Tip from the AAML Law Practice Management and Technology Committee, Gordon Cruse sits down with David Morgan to explain how CoCounsel, a generative AI assistant, helps his family law practice with research, discovery responses, preparation of discovery motions and more.

If you are unable to view the above video, please click here.

Don't miss your chance to network with the best in family law and hit the jackpot on advanced CLE (with a Vegas twist!) at the National Family Law Conference. Add-on experiences will allow you to build your referral network while enjoying the best of what Las Vegas has to offer.

Time is running out to secure your spot for Absinthe, the high-energy show featuring shocking acrobatics, edgy comedy, and daring circus acts. And if golf is more your speed, you also only have until Tuesday, June 2, to sign up for a championship golf experience at the Las Vegas Country Club.

Give your associates the opportunity to learn from leading family law practitioners at the AAML Institute for Family Law Associates, Sept. 25–28 in Chicago. This immersive four-day program combines practical skills training, mentorship from AAML Fellows and valuable networking opportunities designed to help associates grow professionally and personally.

And it’s not all classroom learning — attendees will also connect through social events and pickleball, creating relationships that extend well beyond the program.

Invest in your associates and the future of your firm.

All attendees must be sponsored by an AAML Fellow and must provide their sponsoring Fellow’s information during registration.

Foundation Update

Your Donations at Work

We are excited to share profiles of one of the 51 current grant recipients so you can read how your 2025 billable hour donations to the AAML Foundation are helping children and families struggling with the breakup of their families.

If you have not already done so, please consider supporting the Foundation’s grants program by making your 2026 billable hour donation today.

Reminder: New AAML Admissions Platform Is Live

AAML’s new admissions platform is live and accepting applications. All previous pre-application and application forms have closed, and all new submissions must be completed through our new portal. This updated system is designed to streamline the admissions process, provide proactive updates through automated communications and create a more efficient experience for all users.

Please create your account on the new platform to ensure seamless access to Fellowship applications and evaluation.

Additionally, please note that admissions@aaml.org is now your primary contact for all admissions-related inquiries. Be sure to save this email as a contact, so you don’t miss any important updates! 

Join Us for June's 'Let's Talk About It' Discussion

The "Let's Talk About It" series is a new discussion series brought to you by the AAML Racial, Ethnic and Religious Considerations in Family Law Committee. The series is a welcoming space where people can come together for real, honest conversations about the issues that shape our interactions with clients, staff, colleagues and other professionals. 

Join us Wednesday, June 10, at 6 p.m. CT, for a discussion about the book "We Can’t Talk About That at Work!" by Mary-Frances Winters, which explores how to address difficult topics in a way that brings people together. Get ahead on your summer reading and purchase the book online or at your local bookseller.

Show Your Pride: Shop the AAML Swag Store

The AAML Swag Store offers premium AAML-branded apparel and accessories that let you celebrate your Fellowship in style. You'll find top-of-the-line brands such as Peter Millar, Brooks Brothers, YETI and more.

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.

If you're interested in submitting an article or would like more information, contact the AAML editorial team at editorial@aaml.org or fill out the Contributor Interest Form.

Unlock the 2025 Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff Recordings

The 2025 AAML Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff recordings are now available on demand! This bundle features six power‑packed sessions taught by AAML Fellows so your support staff team can learn anytime, anywhere.

• Bundle of all six sessions
• Unlimited access — view on demand, on your staff’s schedule
• Perfect for onboarding, upskilling or giving your staff the tools to operate at an elite level

How to Access

Support staff are encouraged to create their own AAML profile to register for the 2025 Elite Training for Family Law Support Staff Recording Bundle. To set up an account, they will need to visit the AAML login page and email office@aaml.org if they need additional assistance.

Visit the AAML Chapters page for the latest updates from local chapters.