Rob Scuka, Ph.D. identifies two forms of domestic violence in the “Checklist for Differentiating Two Different Forms of Interpersonal Violence.” In his introduction to the checklist, Scuka writes (excerpt): Broadly speaking, the following distinctions can be made. With classic cases…
FLS Officers
The 2006-2007 Officers of the State Bar of Michigan’s Family Law Section are: David Sarnacki, Chair Karen Sendelbach, Chair-elect Carlo Martina, Treasurer Barbara Kelly, Corresponding Secretary Amy Yu, Recording Secretary
Your money or your life?
CNN/AP reports on the ‘scorched earth’ divorce case between H. Beatty Chadwick and Barbara Jean Crowther Chadwick, now Bobbie Applegate. Mr. Chadwick has spent 11 years in jail on a charge of civil contempt. Ms. Applegate says–and the courts believe–he…
2006 SBM Awards
The State Bar of Michigan will honor 13 members of the legal community at its 2006 Annual Meeting, which takes place Sept. 13-15 at the Ypsilanti Marriott at Eagle Crest. Eleven of the award recipients will be recognized at the…
Civility
The American Bar Association’s Section of Family Law has adopted Civility Standards. The Standards address the responsibility of the family lawyer to be civil to clients, opposing counsel, and the court. I. To Client 1. Treat the client with respect.…
Murkowski in, another to follow
The Grand Rapids Press reports on Helen Brinkman and Mark Trusock advancing to November’s general election. John Agar writes(excerpt): Assistant Prosecutor Helen Brinkman and attorney Mark Trusock are used to putting together the best case and leaving it to a…
“Roe v. Wade for Men” loses frivolous suit
The AP reports on U.S. District Judge David Lawson’s dismissal of the lawsuit filed to declare Matthew Dubay’s child support obligation to Lauren Wells, his ex-girlfriend, unconstitutional (excerpt): But Lawson disagreed and rejected Dubay’s argument that Michigan’s paternity law violates…
From technology in the courtroom to the philosophies of sentencing to dealing with children
The Grand Rapids Press reports on the candidates forum sponsored by the Family Law Section. Elizabeth Piet includes comments from her interviews with two members of the audience (excerpt): Alan Bedell, 66, of Grand Rapids Township, came into the forum…
Ferriferous recognition
Kent County Family Division Referee Jon Ferrier is being honored with the State Bar of Michigan’s 2006 Champion of Justice Award. Jon is a past chairperson of the Family Law Section. The State Bar award is given to practicing lawyers…
Don’t send, don’t read?
The ABA Litigation Section updates us on developments related to disclosure of privileged materials. Michael Yablonski writes (excerpt): With little fanfare, the ABA has withdrawn a controversial 1992 ethics opinion requiring a lawyer who inadvertently receives privileged material from an…
Informing voters
The Judicial Candidate Forum for Kent County Circuit Court Candidates is this Thursday, July 13, 2006, at 7:00 PM, at the Wealthy Theatre. Each of the four candidates will field questions on their qualifications to serve as judge, and the…
Hugging epidemic
Andrei Codrescu is worth listening to as he traces the history of public hugging on NPR’s All Things Considered (6/23/06).
Divorcing Myths
20/20’s John Stossel addresses several myths of divorce (excerpt): MYTH: Divorce hurts women much more than men, and many men abandon their kids. TRUTH: Both men and women suffer after divorce, and lots of men want to give more to…
Opting in with Direct Deposit
Though not posted on its website, Kent County Circuit Court adopted an administrative order “opting in” anyone who tries direct pay without “opting out.” The order reads: IN RE: INTERPRETATION OF UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY: CHILD SUPPORT ORDERED/NO. 2006-01 FOC SERVICES…
Judge Gregory A. Presnell’s opinion
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT–MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA–ORLANDO DIVISION AVISTA MANAGEMENT, INC., d/b/a Avista Plex, Inc., Plaintiff, -vs- WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS INSURANCE COMPANY, Defendant. Case No. 6:05-cv-1430-Orl-31JGG (Consolidated) ______________________________________ ORDER This matter comes before the Court on Plaintiff’s Motion to designate location…
Kent County Child Support: Direct Deposit/Debit Cards
Kent County’s Friend of the Court is planning to move to direct deposit/debit card in June 2006. After that date, checks would no longer be issued for Kent County payments. The Kent County FOC is recommending that clients sign up…
At the end of suffering, of mystery
The Grand Rapids Press shows how a moment of kindness can affect profound changes in another person. Ted Roelofs writes (excerpt): Sitting in a court hearing in January 2002, Cheryl Orean abruptly crumpled to the floor, her body twitching in…
The Roberts Court
USA Today focuses on five members of the United Supreme Court and their evolving roles on the bench.
Rewriting history
The New York Times discusses patterns of deceit in teenage sex surveys. That phenomenon extends to our perceptions of relationships, marriage and divorce. Consider the excerpt below in light of our human tendancy to rewrite our personal history. Eric Nagourney…
Waiver by signing judgment
The Michigan Supreme Court issued its decision in Sweebe v Sweebe (April 26, 2006, Docket No(s) 126913), holding that life insurance benefits can be waived by signing a judgment of divorce. Justice Cavanagh wrote: The issue in this case is…