Minutes for Family Law Section Meeting
May 9, 2008
 

I. Larry Swall gave an update on the Family Law Conference scheduled for the Lodge of the Four Seasons in the Lake of the Ozarks on August 7-9, 2008. A discussion was held regarding getting more judges to attend. It was pointed out that judges can get their CLE credit at the conference and it is not necessary for them to attend the judicial college to receive credit. Ronald Finley requested that the executive council look into providing financial reimbursement/assistance of some sort for the judges to help with their attendance. Larry announced that we will try to get the conference scheduled at the new John Q Hammons Hotel at the Lake of the Ozarks in 2012.

II. Tricia Scaglia reported that there will again be an excellent Family Law Track at the Annual Meeting in Kansas City on September 18 and 19, 2008.

III. Larry Swall informed us that he designated Tricia Scaglia as the section's representative to the Access to Family Courts Commission, formerly known as the Pro Se Commission. Tricia informed us that they are meeting on May 22nd. Subcommittees have been formed on topics such as judicial education, forms, and lawyer education. The goal is to educate lawyers and fill a societal need concerning pro se litigants. Efforts continue to tell litigants that it is best for them to use attorneys. A discussion was held concerning what Legal Aid is doing to help pro se, poorer, litigants. Ronald Finley requested the executive council get information concerning what Legal Aid is doing and disseminate it to the group, including criteria they use to take a case.

IV. Larry Swall discussed limited scope representation. A motion was made by Tricia Scaglia to put together a subcommittee on reviewing forms regarding limited scope representation with Kathleen Bird. Motion seconded. Motion passed. Susan Jensen and Alan Zvibleman volunteered to serve on the committee.

V. Larry Swall announced that Kathleen Bird requested that the section assist in funding a DVD for a litigant awareness program with the Department of Education for a pro se class. The purpose is to inform the litigant about the process and that they need a lawyer. Concern was expressed regarding spending section funds on an issue that has been controversial within the section. Larry will get feedback from the section as to whether members want to proceed.

VI. Larry Swall discussed legislative efforts for 2008. Although the UCCJEA has its best chance ever to pass, very few bills are passing. It is anticipated that no other bills we recommended will be passed. Tricia Scaglia made a motion that the section recommend to the Board of Governors again the UCCJEA, the UIFSA update, and the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act if these do not pass this session. Motion seconded. Motion passed.

VII. Larry Swall discussed implementing Parenting Coordinators. A FAQ from AFCC was disseminated concerning Parenting Coordinators. There will be Parenting Coordinator training in October 2008 at UMKC.

VIII. Larry Swall updated us on making six total representatives to Executive Council. The division of counties for the additional positions still needs to be determined.

IX. Eric Wulff announced that forms regarding review of judges were ready for review and if anyone wanted to serve on a committee to review those forms, to contact him or Keith Birkes.

X. Larry Swall updated us on the Public Service Campaign.


Meeting adjourned.

Minutes submitted by Susan Jensen.