Caryn Waxman

Within the range of family law disputes, Caryn is a skilled litigator with substantial courtroom experience, and she has also successfully negotiated resolutions in even the most contentious and contested matters. Caryn’s work with her clients is focused, where possible on reducing conflict and creating long-term sustainable solutions to what often appear to be insurmountable circumstances.

Where appropriate, Caryn incorporates negotiation and mediation as alternative dispute resolution in divorce and parenting matters where a favorable outcome would encompass the ability of spouses to maintain and continue a co-parenting or otherwise amicable relationship. Caryn also serves as a Mediator for individuals represented by counsel or as a Mediator for self-represented parties in an effort to resolve disputes as an alternative to litigation.

Professional Activities

Caryn is a member of the Family Law Section of the Vermont Bar Association, and presents advanced trainings in family law matters to audiences that include lawyers, paralegals, accountants, financial advisors, business valuation professionals, family and marriage counselors.

Caryn is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). In order to become an Academy Fellow, AAML applicants must have focused primarily in the area of family law for at least ten years and must pass written and oral examinations, receive recognition as first-rate matrimonial lawyers by judges and peers, aspire to high ethical standards and demonstrate involvement in activities that elevate the standards and improve the practice of matrimonial law. AAML fellows are widely recognized by judges and attorneys as preeminent family law practitioners with a high level of knowledge, skill and integrity.

Caryn served as the President of the North Eastern States Chapter (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island) of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (2020-2022) and served as the President elect of the Academy’s North Eastern States Chapter from 2018-2020.

Appointed by the Vermont Supreme Court in September 2022-2023, Caryn serves as a Board Member of the Vermont Professional Responsibility Board.  The Vermont Professional Responsibility Board administers and oversees the Vermont Professional Responsibility Program, which assists the Vermont Supreme Court in regulating the ethical standard in the legal profession in Vermont.

Caryn is a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. The AFCC is the premier interdisciplinary and international association of professionals dedicated to the resolution of family conflict.

Appointed in December 2017-2020, Caryn served as a member of the Vermont Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Rules for Family Proceedings. The Advisory Committee assists the Vermont Supreme Court in reviewing the operation and effectiveness of the Family Rules as well as making proposals to change rules or adopt new rules for the efficient practice and procedures for the Family Division of the Vermont Superior Court.

Appointed in July 2012- 2020, Caryn served for 8 years as a Hearing Panel Chair for the Vermont Professional Responsibility Program. The Vermont Professional Responsibility Program assists the Vermont Supreme Court in regulating ethical standards in the legal profession.

Caryn was selected from a competitive pool of applicants for membership in the Excellence in Executive Leadership (ExcEL) Class of 2012. The four-month program is presented by the Champlain College Center for Professional & Executive Development and the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Teleos Leadership Institute. Caryn is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Champlain, a year-long leadership development program also presented by the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Presentations

Caryn lectures frequently on matrimonial and family law matters in continuing legal education seminars and teaches Pro Se Education at Chittenden Family Court. Recent and upcoming presentations include:

• “Relocation: Should You Stay or Should You Go? A review of trial Court and Vermont Supreme Court cases concerning relocation” (presenter), Vermont Bar Association Family Law Day, South Burlington, Vermont, May 2019

• “Changing Family Law 2018 Case Review and Statutory Updates” (presenter), Vermont Bar Association Annual Meeting, Manchester, Vermont, September 2018

• “Personalize Your Practice: Starting your own Firm” (panelist), Vermont Bar Association Solo and Small Firm Conference, Basin Harbor, Vermont, May 2017

• “Starting Your Own Firm” (co-presenter), Vermont Bar Association Solo and Small Firm Conference, Basin Harbor, Vermont, May 2015

• “Issues and Strategies for Representation of Same Gender Couples and Their Families” (moderator/presenter), American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers New England Regional Symposium, Boston, Mass. May 2013

• “The Laws They Are a-Changing (Family Law)” (panelist), Vermont Bar Association 56th Mid-Year Meeting, March 2013

• “Same Problems, Different Solutions: Issues and Strategies for Same-Sex Couples and Their Families” (panelist), Vermont Association for Justice Second Annual Family Law Conference, The Long and Winding Road: Changing Perspectives on Vermont Family Law, March 2012

• “Family Law in Vermont: Constructive Conversations? Addressing Expectations, Efficiency, Advocacy, Civility and Professionalism in Vermont Family Courts” (co-organizer/co-moderator), Continuing Legal Education sponsored by the Vermont Association for Justice, June 2011