Debra S. Frank's Message from the Chair appeared in the May 2011 edition of Family Law eNews
Los Angeles, CA, May 2011
Debra S. Frank’s Message from the Chair appeared in the May 2011 edition of Family Law eNews published by the Family Law Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association
Debra S. Frank’s Message from the Chair appeared in the May 2011 edition of Family Law eNews published by the Family Law Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Debra S. Frank, Esq. (https://www.DSFrankLawOffice.com), a Certified Family Law Specialist in Century City, California, currently serves as Chair of the Family Law Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
Family Law eNews, An E-Publication of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Volume I, Number 7, May 2011.
Message from the Chair
Dear Members,
As Chair of the Los Angeles County Bar Association Family Law Section, I am pleased to announce that our 43rd Annual Family Law Symposium was held on May 7, 2011, at the Universal City Hilton, to a sell-out crowd. This event has been co-sponsored each year by the Los Angeles County Bar Family Law Section and the Los Angeles Superior Court. This year given all the changes in the law the Symposium was titled "Family Law 2011: The New Realities". It is a tribute to our section that we had so many great practitioners, distinguished judicial officers, and accomplished professionals at the event. We were honored again to have as our keynote introductory speaker the Supervising Family Law Judge of all of Los Angeles County, Judge Marjorie Steinberg, and seven Judicial Officers who took time from their weekend schedules to be panelists. Special thanks and recognition are due to Robert C. Brandt, Symposium Chair, and also Chair-Elect of our Section, for his efforts in organizing the symposium and to his hard-working subcommittee. Thanks are also due to the moderators and panelists who participated in making this a great seminar, to Seth Kramer for his efforts in obtaining the exhibitors, and to Gail Coleman, our Section Administrator, for all she does for our Section.
This year, our Family Law Section provided programs designed to inform and instruct practitioners regarding the changes initiated by the Elkins Task Force. Thanks are due to our CLE Co-Chairs and all speakers and moderators who worked on our excellent programs.
Our 32nd Annual Child Custody Colloquium focused on the voices of the child in contested custody proceedings in light of the Elkins Task Force recommendations. In December we had a program entitled "Elkins: How To Litigate A Case Under The New Law". In February we had a program entitled: "When Court Proceedings Do Not Go as You Planned, What Do You Do Next?"
Our interactive "Evidence with the Masters Program: Family Code Section 217 Tamed", was of particular relevance to family law practitioners in the new "217 era of live hearings". Our Central District Judicial Officers, at a brown bag lunch, responded to our questions about the effects of Elkins on their courtrooms and current courtroom procedures. Our upcoming Forensic/Financials Beyond the Basics Program on June 18, 2011, at the Universal City Hilton, will demonstrate direct and cross examination of accountants on complex issues in family law.
The Executive Committee also reviews and comments on proposed legislation, proposes affirmative legislation, and is involved with amicus briefwriting and review. Some of our members are also delegates to the LACBA Conference of Delegates.
On January 24, 2011, the Family Law Section Executive Committee provided its comments to the Judicial Council on their proposed Statewide Rules of Court, amendments, and forms. On April 3, 2011, our Executive Committee submitted comments to the February 18, 2011 Proposed Revisions to the Local Rules of the Los Angeles Superior Court, Chapter 5, Family Division Rules.
The Invitations to Comment - Spring 2011 Proposals to Changes to California Rules of Court and Judicial Council Forms are currently circulating for comment. Each of you is invited to comment; your input and viewpoints are critical. The specific items addressing family law include 35-46 and items 52-55.
Other significant contributions made by our Family Law Section Executive Committee members include enhancing and improving the mediation and voluntary settlement officer court panels, including adding mediators, retired judicial officers, and accountants to these groups. Our donation subcommittee recommended contributions to the LACBA Domestic Violence Project and to other family law organizations including those serving lower income families. Judicial Profiles have been prepared and updated of our Family Law Judicial Officers. Our website has been improved. Our E-News has been provided on a regular basis which includes outstanding case reviews. Forms and court rules continue to be reviewed and updated. Outreach has been enhanced to reach other groups and bar associations. We are in the process of creating a mentorship program. We are also reaching out to other LACBA sections. Our listserve continues to be an outstanding resource for practitioners.
Thank you to all of our Family Law Section Executive Committee members, liaisons, and Judicial Officers, for working tirelessly throughout the year and making significant contributions to the practice of family law.
Thanks also to all of you, the members of the Family Law Section, for your participation and support throughout the year at our programs and on our renowned listserve.
I am honored to serve as Chair of the Family Law Section for the 2010-2011 term, a time of uncertainty and challenges in family law, and thank you for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
Debra S. Frank, Chair, Family Law Section
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Contact Information
Debra S. Frank, Esq.
Attorney at Law
Debra S. Frank, APLC
Los Angeles, CA
310-277-5121
