Family Law Section

Minutes September 13, 2006

MEETING MINUTES
FAMILY LAW SECTION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
September 13, 2006

PRESENT: Rick Hummel, Adam Trupp, Marcie Keck, Lauren Barros, Steve Gunn, Al Pranno, Stewart Ralphs, Louise Knauer, Judge Jones, Angela Fonnesbeck
Guest: Lincoln Mead

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

Bar Resources. Lincoln Mead reported on various resources available to the section. If interested the section can obtain a private domain name to assist attorneys and members of the public in locating the family law section web site. As it stands our section receives a lot of web traffic. The EC also may want to consider use of a “listserv” to communicate with each other. This may be especially useful during the legislative session when immediate responses to proposed legislation are needed. Web casting is available for the monthly luncheons as well as for the annual seminar. Participants can receive self study credit if alone, or live credit is meeting in groups with a moderator. The EC decided to webcast the October 27 luncheon.

Membership. Russ followed up with contacting Doug Adair re possible membership from the 2nd District. Doug would accept if nominated. Doug was then nominated by Marcie. Louise seconded. Unanimous approval.

Russ reported that Judge Hadley indicated he thought he was off the EC. He once filled the commissioner position but was then elevated to judge. He wanted feedback on how much the time commitment would be. Russ followed up and Judge Hadley later indicated that he felt he didn’t have the time but nominated Commissioner Thomas to take his place. Russ to follow up with Comm. Thomas.
Rick Hummel to contact Charlotte Meacham about whether she would be interests in filling the vacant 6th, 7th and 8th District slot.
There was some discussion of possibly amending the by-laws vis-à-vis membership commitments. The matter was tabled until the next meeting.

There still is nobody acting as vice-chair. Russ called Susan Bradford but has not heard back from her yet.

Adam Trupp announced his resignation from the EC as he has taken a non family law related position as counsel for the Utah Association of Counties. Adam served in an at-large capacity.

The bylaws were amended on the web site to reflect 15 at-large members, and a specific position for a juvenile judge. Judge Jones was moved into that slot.

Committee Assignments. Lauren was added to the Legislative Relations Committee. A Fall Forum Committee was formed. Russ to chair. Stewart and Bryant McKonkie will make up the rest of the committee, assuming Bryant will agree. Russ to call Bryant to see if he will agree. No action needed for this year as the family law track is already set.

Steve mentioned the ad hoc committee on investigating a formulaic approach to alimony had completed its work but had not yet generated its report and recommendations. There is a belief that at least one commissioner believes that such an approach would run afoul of the current statutory scheme. A member of the committee will report at the next meeting.

Monthly CLE Luncheons. Cecilia Wainryb will speak at the October CLE luncheon, on the effect of divorce upon adolescents. She previously spoke at the annual seminar on the effect of divorce upon younger children. Subsequent luncheons will occur on December 1, January 19th, March 30 and April 20.

Annual Seminar. We have reserved the Law & Justice Center for Friday May 11, 2007 for the annual seminar.

Legislative Update. Stewart presented the committee with a revised in loco parentis bill that is emerging. The EC voted to not support this bill in its present form, or anything like it, and authorized Stewart to so represent to Rep. Fowlke. Judge Jones abstained on this vote.

Discussion of the dating relationship bill was tabled. Stewart to provide text of the bill to Russ who will email it to the EC for online discussion.

Financials. Russ mentioned that at the section chair training the Bar was encouraging the section to spend its money. Ideas on how to use the money for member benefit were on-line CLE fee waivers, free CLE events, annual seminar scholarships for pro bono service, etc.

Next Meeting. October 11, 2006 – Noon – Law & Justice Center Boardroom

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