Navigating a Nation of Rules: Understanding Cross-State Alimony and Child Support Laws

Katy Mickelson is an Equity Partner at Beermann LLP, a 50+ attorney family law firm founded in 1958. After transitioning from a lucrative career in consumer public relations, Katy began her family law career with Beermann as a clerk during law school. Since she joined Beermann as an attorney in 2005, Katy has helped grow the firm to be one of the largest and most well-respected family law firms in the United States. 

Katy's trial and courtroom experience is extensive, and she believes that each family law client has a story to tell, whether it is related to complex financial matters or parenting issues. However, she also subscribes to the philosophy that public disputes in court should only be a last resort to resolve family law conflict. When costly litigation can be avoided, Katy will draw on her experience as a certified mediator to settle cases efficiently and expeditiously. It is this commitment to practical, no-nonsense problem-solving that has clients entrusting their most complicated, sensitive and nuanced family law issues to Katy.

Katy’s unique background in business and marketing, and her understanding of the importance of effective storytelling and messaging in family law, set her apart from her peers. Katy considers her audience – whether it is the client, judge or opposing counsel – carefully. She listens and then speaks, which allows her to come up with creative solutions that are uniquely tailored to that specific case or client. 

In addition to her support as a Fellow of both the IAFL and AAML, including serving on the Board of Governors for the Illinois Chapter, Katy gives back to the family law community in other ways.  She serves as a faculty member for the National Family Law Trial Institute in Fort Worth, Texas; as a mentor for younger family law attorneys; as chair of Beermann’s Law Clerk and Externship Program; and as a frequent panelist, author and lecturer. 

Katy is also an avid supporter of and mouthpiece for her native Chicago. A University of Michigan alumnus and graduate of Chicago-Kent College of Law, Katy is a Midwest girl at heart. She is an active member of the Economic Club of Chicago and the newest member of the Board of Trustees for the Tony award-winning Court Theatre, a professional theatre in residence at the University of Chicago.  Katy has been consistently recognized for her contributions to family law by Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, and Best Lawyers, was selected as one of the 40 Under 40 Attorneys to Watch in 2012 by Law Bulletin Media and has been honored with awards and recognition from Crain’s Chicago Business and other local publications and media outlets.

Attorney Battey, partner at Ferro, Battey & Eucalitto, LLC,  is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She was admitted to practice in 2008. She practices exclusively in the area of matrimonial and family law.

Attorney Battey has been selected to be included in The Best Lawyers in America each year from 2017 through the present in the field of Family Law. She was also recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as a Rising Star in the field of Family Law each year from 2011 through the present. Attorney Battey was also named a Top Attorney in Connecticut by Connecticut Magazine in 2013.

Attorney Battey serves as a Special Master in the Stamford/Norwalk judicial district.  She also serves on the faculty for the American Bar Association Family Law Trial Advocacy at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy in Boulder, Colorado, at which she teaches trial skills to other family law attorneys from across the country.  She graduated with honors from Quinnipiac University School of Law.  While in law school, she was a Dean’s Fellow Scholar.  In addition, Attorney Battey serves as a member and past president on the Executive Board of the Westport Young Women’s League, as well as on the board of St. Paul’s Christian School.

Ms. Kelling has been practicing family law in NC for over 25 years.  Ms. Kelling is a board-certified specialist in Family Law as well as a Fellow in the AAAML and IAFL.  For many years, Currently, Ms. Kelling is secretary of the North Carolina AAML chapter.  Ms. Kelling has been actively involved in the North Carolina State Bar Family Law Council including serving as chair of the Section and co-chair of the CLE Committee.

Kevin Segler is a shareholder with KoonsFuller, PC in Plano, Texas. Kevin is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, and a member of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists. Kevin regularly writes and speaks on a wide variety of family law topics.