Message from the Editor

• Publication year: 2018
• Author: Dawn Gray

Message from the Editor

Dawn Gray

Welcome to the first edition of the Family Law News of the new Sections era. As the Chair of the Family Law Section, Avi Levi, explains in his Chair's Message, effective on January 1, 2018, the State Bar Sections separated from the Bar itself and are now an independent, non-profit voluntary organization. That means that the Sections will no longer be subject to the content and activity restrictions imposed by the Bar, which should result in much-expanded educational programs, interaction with members, and improved delivery of informational and educational content. Soon, the Family Law News will also be available online, with archives of past issues and searchable content. Stay tuned for these changes in upcoming months.

Although this issue remains "analog," I think you will find the content anything but old school. Our lead article is a departure from our usual practice of using only original articles; Neil Wertlieb's article on the proposed changes to the Rules of Professional Conduct was recently published in the Los Angeles Lawyer, but was so comprehensive that we are republishing it in this issue. The proposed changes are extensive and will bind us all if approved by the State Bar, and the article is a must-read.

We are fortunate to again have a wealth of original and thoughtful articles from both regular contributors and new authors. Faith Nouri, who practices family law and immigration law in Huntington Beach, discusses federal immigration statutes, Affidavits of Support, and the recent case of Marriage of Kumar. Her article is both valuable and timely.

Jim Crawford, an employee benefits and ERISA attorney, discusses stock-option apportionment under Marriage of Hug and Marriage of Nelson, arguing that the California Supreme Court has ended their hegemony over the division of stock options. I know you will find this article useful.

Stephen Hamilton of Arroyo Grande, a regular contributor to Family Law News, gives us two articles in this issue. First, he details the duties and responsibilities of minor's counsel...