Cases designated as “high conflict” often include risks, including those associated with access to firearms given the increased prevalence of guns in families and communities. Attorneys, mental health professionals, mediators and other family law professionals play a critical role in working with families to screen for, identify, and address these risks. In this workshop, faculty will share examples of how these cases may include potential for lethal outcomes including suicide and homicide, or severe injury, and significant trauma; how California law can be leveraged to address those risks; and offer concrete tips for working with clients to increase safety for them and their children and the professionals involved.

Learning Objectives:

  • Attendees will become familiar with the current landscape around families, conflict, and gun ownership/access.
  • Attendees will gain a clear understanding of what family law professionals may be expected to do, or can do, regarding screening, providing information, and planning for safety to reduce risks.
  • Attendees will gain a working knowledge of California and federal law in this area.