Message from the Chair

• Publication year: 2018
• Author: Avi Levy

Message from the Chair

Avi Levy

Are you a Family Law Section member but aren't sure of all the benefits of membership? Do you have a colleague on the fence about joining the Family Law Section? Being a Family Law Section member offers a number of great benefits. One of those benefits is access to the various educational programs offered by the Section.

The Family Law Section's mission is to further our members' knowledge in all matters relating to family law including, but not limited to, marital dissolution, custody and support, community property, adoptions, matrimonial mediation and other matters affecting the rights, privileges, duties and responsibilities of family members. To that end, this year we put on a new live program called "Essentials 2018: Making a Real Difference," which was held on Monday, April 16 in Placerville, and Monday, May 21 in Paso Robles. The presenters were the Honorable Mark Juhas of Los Angeles County, the Honorable Sue Alexander of Alameda County, the Honorable Dale Wells of Riverside County, and two certified family law specialists, Barbara Hammers and David Lederman.

This live program included both a lively discussion and real-world analysis between prominent family law bench officers and certified family law specialists as they addressed today's paramount custody issues. Panel 1 took an in-depth look at the factors that influence a court's decision in fashioning an appropriate parenting plan and provided useful commentary and materials on child preference, age-appropriate considerations, and effective advocacy techniques.

Panel 2 discussed the considerations relevant to determining when to engage in a custody evaluation with specific emphasis on the effectiveness and use of evaluations, and potential procedural and evidentiary issues that may arise at trial. Discussions also included the tools available to both bench and bar when faced with a relocation request, including specifics to be aware of when advocating for or against relocation.

Participants enjoyed a lively discussion from Panel 3 and obtained practical pointers on how to navigate and defend Family Code § 3044 findings, the new marijuana laws, and substance abuse issues (including dependence on prescription medications) and how they relate to custody issues in today's family law courts.

Last but not least, Panel 4 took an in-depth look at how to approach child...