2026 Ohio AFCC Conference Materials

Ohio Chapter of AFCC

2026 Innovations Conference

April 10, 2026

When Domestic Violence Shapes the Case: Multidisciplinary

Considerations

Agenda and Participant Materials

9:00 – 12:00 PM

When Domestic Violence Shapes the Case: Multidisciplinary Considerations

Mindy Mitnick explores how domestic violence affects custody cases, focusing on the

nature, context, and impact of allegations and evidence. This session highlights what

attorneys, judges, coaches, evaluators, mediators, and mental health providers in Ohio

can do to assess and respond in ways that protect children’s safety and developmental

needs while navigating the fine line of advocacy on both sides of domestic violence

cases.

12:00 – 1:00 PM - Lunch & AFCC Membership Meeting

1:00 – 2:30 PM

Judge’s Panel with Mindy Mitnik, Moderated by Judge Randall D. Fuller

Ohio judges, Judge Cynthia Martin, Judge James Brown and Judge Denise McColley,

retired, join Mindy Mitnik to discuss real-world DV cases, including what evidence is

most persuasive and how courts apply best interest factors in practice in Ohio.

2:45 – 4:00 PM

Statewide Policy and Program Updates, Moderated by Marya Kolman

Updates on Family Law Reform Senate Bill 174, dispute resolution programs, and

dispute resolution news from around the state

• Family Law Reform Senate Bill 174 – Shawn Welch

• Settlement Week – Judge Randall Fuller, Cassandra Munoz, and Karissa Dodge

• Neutral Evaluation - Magistrate Larry McQuain and Magistrate Patricia O’Malley

• Co-parent Coaching – Amy Armstrong, Laura Bradford and Wendi Stern

• Disclosure Meetings – Jamie Niesen and Laura Bradford

• Court Services Updates – Marya Kolman