Divorce Strategies for Paralegals and Associates: Jurisdiction, Financial Insights, and Custody Challenges

John J. Schrot | Berry Moorman P.C.

With more than 40 years of experience, John J. Schrot, Jr.’s legal career has predominantly focused on matrimonial and family law, and other complex civil litigation matters. He has been helping people through complex divorces. He is known for handling high-stakes divorce, and for keeping clients’ cases private. He helps families achieve amicable divorces while ensuring clients receive their fair share and/or protection of their children. With experience in all areas of family and domestic relations law, Mr. Schrot skillfully guides his clients through the legal process, always mindful of the fact that he is dealing with emotional and stressful situations. His broad range of services includes divorce, complex property settlement, business valuation issues, child and spousal support matters, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, annulment and separation matters; custody, parenting time and grandparenting time issues, guardianships, stepparent adoption, change of domicile, personal protection orders, Friend of the Court matters, enforcement, and post judgment issues. When disputes end up in the courtroom, Mr. Schrot is a seasoned litigator.

Mr. Schrot is also a trained professional in collaborative divorce practice and can explain the different options for divorce. He is a member of the Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan, as well as the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

Mr. Schrot has been repeatedly recognized as a Top Lawyer in Metropolitan Detroit in the practice areas of family law and litigation; again, this year selected by his peers as a Leading Lawyer in Family law in Michigan; and annually selected as a Michigan Super Lawyer and awarded Avvo 10.0 Superb Rating, Michigan Lawyers Weekly selected him as one of the “Leaders in the Law” Class of 2016. Global Who’s Who has selected him as a Top Lawyer.

Mr. Schrot has served by court appointment as a facilitator, mediator, umpire, arbitrator, receiver, and discovery master. He has consistently (since 1989) achieved an AV Preeminent rating, the highest peer rating by Martindale Hubbell, for his legal ability and ethical standards. Professional memberships include the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, Oakland County Bar Association, Oakland County Bar Foundation (Fellow), and Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association. He is an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association.

Candy Ryan | Ruiz & Associates, PLLC

Candy Ryan, a working mom as well, is a paralegal who has been in the legal profession since 2006. She has been instrumental in navigating the high tech environment unique to Ruiz & Associates, PLLC. Born in the millennial era, Candy is often described as an old soul. She deeply understands the importance of developing tools for the firm’s clients to be in contact 24/7. Burning the midnight oil on behalf of clients while parenting her two children, Candy is a fierce advocate and a compassionate voice for those navigating difficult moments.

Candy’s unyielding resolve to obtain justice for the firm’s clients stems from her personal life experiences, which have instilled in her a great sense of empathy and drive to help those facing adversity. She speaks from the heart, drawing from her own life situations, and finds no greater joy than witnessing clients win their life battles. Candy is known for her knowledge, passion, and relentlessness. She is hands-on every step of the way, ensuring that clients know she has their back.

Methodical and detail-oriented, Candy, along with George C. Ruiz, boasts an impressive professional resume with many important cases yielding favorable outcomes for clients in Family and Criminal law practice areas.

Session I – Divorce Law: Comprehensive Strategies for Effective Practice | 2:00pm – 3:00pm

• Jurisdiction and Standing
• Strategic Approach to Divorce Cases and Intake
• Asset Division and Financial Considerations
• Navigating Spousal Support and Alimony

Break | 3:00pm – 3:10pm

Session II – Divorce Law: Comprehensive Strategies for Effective Practice | 3:10pm – 4:10pm

• Preparation and Strategy
• Agreed Suits and Mediations
• Discovery, Inventory and Appraisement and Financial Statements
• Child Custody and Support: Legal Framework and Practical Insights
• International Child Abduction and the Applications of the Hauge Convention
• Divorce Documents and Legal Drafting Essentials
• Courtroom Procedures and Navigating Legal Deadlines
• Post-Divorce Modifications and Enforcement