Magazine Archive
All in the Family – Following in the Family Footsteps
Part 1, Family Practice Corner Sometime in late June, I went to the bank to make a deposit. The banker, Kate, has known me since I was an intern in Tim Hyden’s office, which was some years ago. Kate knew that my son, Garrett, was born in early December of last year. In the course...
Read ArticleQuality of Life and Family Law in New York & California
When my Brooklyn granddaughter arrived two years ago, I came to New York thinking that I’d split my time between there and California. But I fell in love, not just with my granddaughter, but also with New York: the place, the people, the climate and the law, so I decided to move here. Clearly, New...
Read ArticleAfter ADR Fails in Family Law… What Happens Next?
COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AND MEDIATION Recently, there has been a focus on utilizing different Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practices to (in theory) help clients avoid costly and emotional litigation. Some questions that arise are 1) What types of ADR are available in family law?; 2) What happens when the ADR process is not successful?; and 3)...
Read ArticleHelp is Coming with Limited Scope Court Appearances
According to the Judicial Council, between 70% and 80% of California Family Law litigants are self-represented. Any attorney looking for new clients who does not see this as a marketing opportunity is not paying attention. Most of these people can afford some legal services, but not the traditional full-service representation. Others are simply “ornery DIY’ers” who...
Read ArticleSenate Bill 917 Requiring Court Clerks to Prepare Orders after Hearings for All Litigants in Family Law Hearings
Senate Bill 917 was introduced on January 27 by Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to ensure Family Courts provide clear, timely, written orders to litigants. The bill attempts to address concerns raised by the observation that many Family Law litigants are self-represented and often English learners, struggling to comprehend, let alone comply with spoken orders....
Read ArticleAn Update from the Front-Lines of Contra Costa County’s Legal Incubator Program
Carlos Carbajal is busy. As a Lawyer for Family Justice attorney, his appointment slots are booked solid every week and he has taken on over 50 paying clients (in addition to dozens of pro bono consultations) since joining Contra Costa County’s Legal Incubator program in February. “The need for pro and low bono services is...
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