Family Law Section

Minutes November 14, 2007

MINUTES FAMILY LAW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
November 14,2007

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PRESENT: Doug Adair, Lauren Barros, Commissioner Michelle Blomquist, Harry Caston, Helen Christian, Steve Gunn, Rick Hummel, Judge Larry Jones, Louise Knauer, Charlotte Mecham, Russell Minas, Al Pranno, Stewart Ralphs, Dena Sarandos, John Sheaffer, Judge Douglas Thomas.

Approval of Minutes. The minutes from the October 10, 2007, meeting were unanimously approved as drafted.

Bi-Annual Bar Report. John Sheaffer is completing the Bi-Annual Report. Section Finances. The current balance in the checking account is $20,956.55 after receiving Section member fees. Bar fees were $11,460. Administrative expenses were $2,300. It was the consensus that the account should generally not have a balance lower than $5,000. With the anticipated expenses of the annual Christmas Social and the revenue/expenses of monthly CLE luncheons and seminars, the Section can expect to be able to disburse approximately $9,000 towards total funding requests.

Funding Requests. Stewart Ralphs reported the funding request of $5,000 from "And Justice For All" to fund programs and the pro bono clinic through the Legal Aid Society, Legal Services and University of Utah Law School. Louise Knauer reported that the scholarship committee is formulating its criteria for grants and scholarships through the University of Utah and BYU. Stewart Ralphs further reported on behalf of Adam Caldwell, a request from the Southern Utah Community Legal Center that is being developed. On amended motion by Lauren Barros and seconded by Doug Adair, it was unanimously approved that $5,000 should be provided to "And Justice For All", $3,000 should be set aside for scholarships as that program develops and $1,000 should be reserved for potential gifting to the Southern Utah Community Legal Center.

Replacement Members for Executive Committee. There are four "at large" openings on the Executive Committee and two additional openings, one of whom would be judicial. Commissioner Blomquist agreed to speak with the Judges and Commissioners to explore their interest in filling the judicial opening. Others will explore interested persons in filling the openings with members outside of Salt Lake County, and working in the Juvenile Court/GAL area.

Christmas Party. Helen Christian reported that the annual section Christmas Social will be hosted at the offices Of Corporon & Williams at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12,2007.

Other Committee Reports.

A. Monthly Seminars: Doug Adair reported that Lauren Barros and Steve Gunn presented the October monthly seminar, Lori Fowlke will report on legislation at the November luncheon and Dr. Doug Goldsmith will present on parental bonding at the January CLE luncheon.

B. Steve Gunn reported that the annual Convention is being planned in Sun Valley, beginning Wednesday July 16 to Saturday, July 19; the Family Law Section has two slots available. Topics being considered are: tax effecting assets, personal/subject matter jurisdiction, stock options, adoption basics, GAL program discussion, and tax issues.

C. John Sheaffer reported that the annual May seminar is in the planning stages; topic outlines include a judge panel, legislative update, military issues, ADR/Collaborative training and website resources.

D. Stewart Ralphs reported that the legislative committee will be working with parent-time amendments and changes sponsored by Representative Fowlke and expedited enforcement of parent-time being sponsored by Representative Fisher.

Next Meeting. January 9, 2008.