Featured Articles
View the latest articles, leadership messages and other updates featured in the AAML Newsletter.
Submit an article to the AAML Newsletter to share your thought leadership and expertise in family law. AAML Fellowship is not required to be featured in the AAML Newsletter. Refer to the editorial guidelines for more information.
Should Family Law Firms Hire an Office Manager?
By Rob McAngus, AAML
Among the strategic decisions that growing family law practices face, few are as consequential, or as routinely deferred, as whether to bring on a dedicated office manager. This article lays out the case for hiring an office manager as well as potential drawbacks and emphasizes the importance of viewing the move as an investment in firm growth rather than a mere hiring decision.
Boot Camp or Babysitting? Navigating Custody for Single Parents and Non-Dependent Children in the Military
By Mark E. Sullivan and Kris Hilscher, AAML
So, your client wants to join the military, but they’re a single parent. Or maybe they’re already in and raising grandkids, nieces or a cousin’s child while asking, “Can I get Tricare for this child?” Before you respond with “Sure, let’s draft a power of attorney and call it a day,” take a breath — and read this. There’s a web of Department of Defense instructions, branch-specific rules and federal statutes that say what can and can’t be done. Here’s how to steer your military and military-adjacent clients through the maze — without getting court-martialed by logic.
AAML Mentorship Spotlight: Juliana Yanez
By Juliana Yanez, AAML
In this AAML Mentorship Spotlight, meet Juliana Yanez of AAML Northern California and learn about her journey to Fellowship.
President's Messages
AAML President’s Message – July 2026
By Thomas Sasser, AAML President
By July, the rhythm of summer has settled in for most of us. Our offices grow a little quieter as lawyers, staff and clients take their long-planned vacations, and while the calendar remains full, the pace of the days feels different. That summer rhythm makes this a natural moment for a broader update to the Fellowship.
AAML President’s Message – June 2026
By Thomas Sasser, AAML President
Summer is upon us, and with it comes a welcome change of pace, even for those of us whose calendars do not slow down quite as much as we would like. As our country begins looking ahead to the celebration of its 250th anniversary, I have found myself thinking about institutions, service, leadership, learning and the rule of law. Those values are woven through the history of our country, and they are also central to the work of the Academy and to the work each of you does every day for families across the country.
AAML President’s Message – May 2026
By Thomas Sasser, AAML President
As spring gives way to the beginning of summer, the work of the Academy continues to move forward with remarkable energy and purpose. This is a season of important progress: progress in the way we welcome new Fellows, progress in the standards that guide our profession, progress in expanding alternative dispute resolution in family law and progress in building national programs that reflect the very best of the Academy.
AAML President’s Message – April 2026
By Thomas Sasser, AAML President
As we move into the spring season — a time that naturally brings renewal, momentum and a forward-looking perspective — I am reminded that my term as AAML President has now reached its halfway point. This moment offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the meaningful progress we have made together, while also focusing on the important work still ahead.
AAML President’s Message – March 2026
By Thomas Sasser, AAML President
Our Midyear Meeting at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona, was a tremendous success by every measure. Most notably, it achieved the highest Fellow attendance of any Midyear Meeting in Academy history. That extraordinary turnout reflects the strength of our organization, the depth of engagement among our Fellows and the enduring value of coming together for education, Fellowship and shared purpose.
AAML President’s Message – February 2026
By Thomas Sasser, AAML President
As we move into the heart of 2026 — and a month marked by Valentine’s Day, which is a reminder of both the promise and the complexity of family relationships — I am proud to highlight the extraordinary work being done across the Academy.
Foundation Updates
AAML Foundation Update: The Power of One Billable Hour
For decades, the AAML Foundation has demonstrated that the Academy’s commitment to families extends far beyond the courtroom. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded grants to 178 charitable organizations in 33 states and the District of Columbia, providing more than $3.27 million in support to programs that strengthen and protect children and families.
AAML Foundation Update: Celebrating the Chapter Billable Hour 100% Club
When the AAML Foundation was established in 1990, its vision was clear: to protect families and children negatively impacted by the breakup of the family unit, and to elevate family law through, among other things, collective generosity. We are thrilled to celebrate the stellar members of the “Chapter Billable Hour 100% Club”, representing Chapters with full participation.
AAML Foundation Update: Your Donations at Work — Harmony At Home
We are excited to share a profile of a current grant recipient 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.