Family law is constantly evolving, and so are the families we serve. That’s why events like the The Colorado Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (COAFCC) 2026 Spring Conference & Annual Members’ Meeting are more important than ever.
Taking place on April 24, 2026, at the Sheraton Denver West, in Lakewood, CO, this year’s conference, “One Size Does Not Fit All: Tailoring Your Approach to Each Family,” is designed for attorneys, judges, mental health professionals, and anyone working with families navigating conflict. Hosted by the COAFCC, and sponsored by Sober Link and Our Family Wizard, the event brings together respected national and local voices to share practical, real-world strategies you can apply immediately in your work.
We’re especially proud that Katy Ellis of The Harris Law Firm will serve as moderator for the afternoon panel, “Ethical Considerations for Professionals Assisting Court-Involved Families.” For Katy, this conference aligns directly with the core of her practice: helping clients navigate deeply personal legal challenges with clarity, compassion, and a focus on long-term outcomes. Her involvement underscores the importance of thoughtful, client-centered advocacy and the value of continued learning in this field.
Why Attend?
This is more than a conference; it’s a chance to deepen your impact.
You’ll gain insight into:
- Child-centered parenting plans that reflect developmental needs and family dynamics
- Parent-child contact challenges and how to approach them effectively
- Cultural competency as a professional responsibility (with EDI credits available)
- Ethical considerations when working with court-involved families
The speaker lineup includes leaders like Mindy Mitnick, Herman Walker Jr., Lynda Limón, and Robert Lung—bringing a rare interdisciplinary perspective that reflects how these cases actually unfold in real life.
You’ll also earn 5.5 hours of educational credit, with CLEs requested for Colorado attorneys, making it a valuable investment in both your professional development and your clients’ outcomes.
Why It Matters
No two families are alike and a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. This conference is built around that reality. It challenges professionals to think differently, collaborate more effectively, and approach each case with greater awareness of the human factors at play.
For Katy, that mission is personal. Her work has always centered on helping clients make informed decisions during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Being part of this conference allows her to contribute to a broader conversation about how professionals can better serve families not just legally, but holistically.
How to Register
Registration is open now through April 17, 2026 via the COAFCC website.
If you’re committed to improving outcomes for families, expanding your professional perspective, and engaging with leaders in the field, this is a conference worth attending.
We hope to see you there and to see the impact of what you bring back to your work.
About The Colorado Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts:
A non-profit organization with members that include attorneys, mental health professionals, mediators, judges, magistrates, and other professional service organizations, the COAFCC offers several conferences each year. AFCC is an interdisciplinary, international association of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through the resolution of family conflict. AFCC promotes a collaborative approach to serving the needs of children among those who work in and with family law systems, encouraging education, research and innovation, and identifying best practices.
About Katy Ellis:
Katy Ellis is a Partner and Practice Manager who has practiced family law since 2007, focusing on appeals, marital agreements, and cases involving international legal issues. Katy’s background includes a clerkship with the Honorable Russell Carparelli at the Colorado Court of Appeals, and she holds both a law degree and a Master’s Degree in International Studies, reflecting her long-standing interest in global legal systems. Active in the legal community and fluent in Spanish and French, Katy is actively involved in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court, and a member of the American Inns of Court among many other legal organizations. She brings a thoughtful, strategic, and client-centered approach to every case she handles.
