Family Law Section

Minutes - February 11, 2009

Present: John Sheaffer, Commissioner Michelle Blomquist, Lauren Barros, Kellie Williams, Stacey Schmidt, Judge Douglas B. Thomas, Russ Minas, Rich Hummel, Lisa Locken, Christina Miller (by telephone), Steve Gunn, Judge Jones, Charlotte Meacham (by telephone),Adam Cardwell (by telehone), Judge Lindberg

Excused: Louise Knauer, Angela Fonnesbeck, Doug Adair, Helen Christian

Approval of Minutes: John welcomes everyone and invites comments on the minutes from January 13, 2009. Kelly Williams motioned to approve the minutes. Steward Ralphs seconded and the motion passed with unanimous approval.

Subcommittee Reports:

Rules and Legislation:

Rule 26 and Rule 108 - Louise Knauer and Gay Schmidt are reviewing and giving additional suggestions. Steve Gunn, John Sheaffer and Jason Grant met.

Section emails seeking comment about proposed bills sent to family law section members: The Bar has not approved any section taking a position. Stewart suggests we make members aware of proposed bills, but explain the Bar's position. Stewart is still able to communicate individually to sponsors and give suggestions in response to requests from legislators. He will advise members to communicate directly to legislators with any concerns or suggestions. Some express frustration about the Bar's stance since we have put so much energy into gathering comments. Discussion was held. Stewart will ask for members' comments.

Monthly Seminars - Doug has lined up Brian Florence and David Dodgion. We still need a speaker for April. Commissioner Blomquist said some members of the judiciary don't attend because they may not feel comfortable having to give an answer if questioned during the seminar. Judge Lindberg has heard similar concerns. Commissioner Blomquist wants judiciary members to attened. In sum, we should ensure the moderator is reminded at each seminar not to put the judiciary on the spot.

Annual Convention - Steve Gunn: Two breakout sessions. 1: What every non-family lawyer should know about family law - Judge Thomas. 2: Brian Florence - Formulaic alimony Both sessions are on Friday morning. July 16, 17, 18. Judge Lindberg stated that there is no money budgeted for judges to attend conferences. Discussion was held about remuneration for CLE speakers. Steve Gunn moves to offer to pay mileage at IRS rate plus one night's lodging similar to the same rate at as Bar Commission members, for jUdiciary (including court commissioners) and all others. Judge Jones seconds; Motion passes.

Annual May Seminar - John Sheaffer reports new date for the seminar, Friday May 1,2009. Presentations on 1) new case law 2) new legislation and rules 3) Commissioner Blomquist will discuss class for children 4) discovering the undiscoverable 5)effective use of administrative resources (ORS, GAL) and 6) Judges' and commissioners' panel on tips from the bench. At annual seminar, we will present the lawyer of the year award. Some suggestions were made, including Ellen Maycock and Nelda Bishop in Farmington, who started a protective order clinic. John will solicit nominees from the committee by email, to be considered at our next meeting.

Other Business

Judge Lindberg: said she spoke with Judge Hilder about returning to this group, but it conflicts with another meeting he must attend as presiding judge. He does want to return sometime. He asked if he could have a few minutes on the calendar at next month's meeting. He is working on putting together an early intervention program for custody and parent time disputes. He is looking for funds. The grant for the Ph.d. person working on case management is ending. He will need the Family Law Section of the Bar to lead because he can't as ajudge. Judge Hilder wants to look at various models and a shortened amount oftime. We agreed to add him to the agenda at the next meeting.

Russ reported on his review of our email list serve requirements. Louise looking into email policy. Connie Howard told Louise if outside groups ask for our list, it is up to the section to decide how to use and regulate the list. The problem is that the AAML wanted to use the list to send out notice of its seminar. Russ suggests criteria to be used before giving out the list, or leave it up to the chair. No decision was made.

John was asked to get volunteer judges for mock trials.

Dixie Jackson, a Guardian ad Litem in Salt Lake County, said she would be willing to be part of the Family Law Executive Committee. Commissioner Faulkner is also Willing. He is a District and Juvenile Court Commissioner in Utah County. Motion to approve and appoint Commissioner Faulkner and Dixie Jackson as members of the Executive Committee. Seconded and unanimously passed.

Adjournment. There being no other business the meeting was adjourned until March 11, 2009.