Family Law Section

Minutes for September 12, 2007

MEETING MINUTES FAMILY LAW SECTION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

September 12, 2007
PDF Version

PRESENT: Rick Hummel, Russ Minas, John Sheaffer, Louise Knauer, Steve Gunn, Doug Adair, Kellie Williams, Lauren Barros, Al Pranno, Judge Larry Jones, Marcie Keck, Judge Douglas Thomas, and by phone: Angela Fonsbeck, Rob Parrish and Adam Caldwell, Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the August 2007 meeting were unanimously approved as drafted.

Seminars: Russ Minas will do presentation for new lawyer training. Need to find someone to cover the planning meeting for the Spring Convention. Steve Gunn will serve as our representative on the Annual Convention Committee again.

Bar Commission Report: John Sheaffer accepted assignment to prepare the Biannual report that the Bar Commission is now requiring of each section. It is due November 1, 2007.

Governmental Relations: Bar policy requires that sections cannot take position on legislative matters unless approval by 60% of section members who are polled and then must have approval of the Bar Commissioners so as not to conflict with a Bar position. Discussed the logistics. Much concern voiced by committee members. Matter tabled for further discussion at next meeting where we will have a bar commissioner come and explain the policy and hear our concerns.

Report on Child Support Guidelines Committee: Adam Caldwell reported on actions of the committee which approves a presumption that that parents should share equally the cost of transporting children for parent time if under 150 miles and approves proportionate sharing of the children’s medical expenses. The committee rejected proportionate sharing of child care expenses, 25% cap on child support increases, and temporary changes when someone loses job for less than a year. (ORS was strongest opposition on last item). The most controversial item being discussed by the committee is an offset or credit for exercise of parent time.

Report on Southern Utah Community Legal Center: Adam Caldwell reports that a southern Utah community legal center will be opening. It will offer limited free legal services, similar to Tuesday Night Bar. Funds have been secured to open the center. It has an independent board of attorney and non attorneys. Utah Legal Services will provide a full time paralegal. An attorney will be hired soon. Southern Utah Bar Association will provide a Tuesday Night Bar. Doors open in two weeks. Adam made a funding request which will be discussed at our next meeting.

Luncheon Seminars: Doug Adair reports that Steve Gunn will give a presentation on October 26 and that the November 30 seminar will be about children’s attachment issues. Discussed other ideas for upcoming seminars.

Section Website: Russ keeping updated email to membership. Solicited comments for blog.

Fall Forum: Will be covered by Russ Minas and Doug Adair.