Family Law Section

Minutes January 12, 2005

Present: Susan Bradford, Kellie Williams, Dena Sarandos, Russ Minas, Judge Jones, Louise Knauer, Judge Hilder, Lori Nelson, Stuart Ralphs, Bob Steele.

The meeting convened at approximately 12:00 p.m.

Prior Minutes
Kellie moved to approve the prior minutes. The motion was seconded. No discussion. Unanimously approved.

Membership
Bob Steele informed the EC of his resignation due to his taking a position at the federal public defender’s office. Bob nominated Michelle Blomquist to replace him as the Guardian Ad Litem representative. The EC thanked Bob for his service as Guardian Ad Litem. Kellie then moved for a vote on Michelle Blomquist as the new Guardian Ad Litem representative to the EC. The motion was seconded. No discussion. Unanimously approved.

Pending Legislation
HB 4 and HB 56 were discussed. The EC has concerns about HB 56, which removes irreconcilable differences as a cause of action in divorces with children, more than 10 years, or where one party objects. The major concern relates to the effect upon victims of domestic violence who seek to get out of abusive marriages. Lori thinks HB 56 will die based upon her conversations with Peggy Wallace, the bill sponsor. There is now a fiscal rider to the bill.

There was no real concern about HB 4, that if passed will make mediation a requirement statewide in all domestic proceedings, except as screened out by the State’s ADR coordinator, or the mediator. There was discussion about whether the bill would have the effect of preventing parties from seeking temporary orders until they have first attempted mediation. The general consensus was that it would not.

Section Newsletter
Russ is continuing to work on the Section newsletter. Louise will get to Russ the message from the chair. Stewart gave Russ materials regarding Legal Aid’s fee for services program. Russ hopes to have the newsletter out within a week.

Community Service
Louise mentioned that there is a Pro Bono Project at the law school on Thursday evenings, once per month, where lawyers supervise law students in helping low-income individuals with questions about domestic relations matters, and invited members to participate.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:15.