Family Law Section

Minutes April 12, 2006

PRESENT: Judge Jones, Judge Hilder, Russ Minas, Comm. Blomquist, Susan Bradford, John Sheaffer, Louise Knauer, Harry Caston, Al Pranno, Kellie Williams, Steve Gunn, Rick Hummel, Rob Parrish, Adam Caldwell (phone)

Approval of Minutes. The minutes from the March 2006 meeting were read and approved as drafted.

CLE Webcast. The April CLE and the May seminar are set to be webcast to any attorney in the state. It is expected that a group from St. George will gather with Adam as moderator, so that they can receive live CLE credit.

Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Alimony Guidelines. John Sheaffer, Louise Knauer, Paul Morken, and Comm. Blomquist will make up the Subcommittee. John Sheaffer will chair. There is nothing to report at this time.

Monthly CLE Luncheons. LeVar Christensen has agreed to present the April luncheon on H.B. 148. Although vetoed by the governor, the bill is being redrafted. The next CLE luncheon will be in August.

Annual Bar Convention (Huntington Beach). Although contact was made with Judge Fermot out of California, he won’t be presenting after all. However, we have lined up Commissioner Robert Vogel, a very experienced Los Angeles domestic relations commissioner, who will present a topic entitled “California Money: What Do Lawyers Ask for in Court?” We also have lined up as a presenter Raymond Hurscht, a celebrity divorce attorney in California

Summer Party. The summer gathering will be held at Harry Caston’s home on June 16th at 5:00 p.m. Rob Parrish offered up his band.

Legislative Update. HB 180, concerning mandatory divorce orientation class prior to filing, passed the Senate but died in the House. Stewart participated in the post legislative session discussion. Concerns about the bill were (1) requirements prior to filing, and (2) content and personnel presenting the orientation. Stewart suggested something like the ADR video that we currently use. Stewart will keep the EC apprised of ongoing discussions, as this bill is likely to be reintroduced.

We need to start working on future legislation now. The AG’s office is drafting a bill to streamline child support modifications, and other pending bills will include a requirement of filing a financial declaration at the time of filing of a divorce, and the redrafting of the child support guidelines bill that died in the 2006 session. Stewart will contact John Bowen and Rep Wyatt and report back.

Internet Usage. Tabled. To be addressed at the August meeting. Lincoln Mead to be invited to join the August EC meeting.

Job Announcements. Judge Hilder announced the creation of a new commissioner position. For the first year the position will be a half-time juvenile and half-time district court position, and then eventually become a fill-time district court position. Also, three district court judges are retiring.

Acknowledgment. Stewart was thanked by the EC for his extraordinary efforts in following the legislation and representing the position of the Executive Committee during the 2006 legislative session.

PROCEDURE FOR TELEPHONIC ATTENDANCE. For those who want to attend by telephone, please call 1-888-727-6732. When prompted enter Passcode 815866. Once you do this you will be joined into the conference. You no longer will be called at the time of the meeting. You need to initiate your own call to join the group.