Membership in the Family Law Section is indispensable for anyone who practices Family Law in Contra Costa County. The most visible benefit of membership is the dynamic monthly education seminars led by experienced faculty; periodic extended seminars led by experienced faculty; early notification of changes in rules and practice requirements in the family law departments.  These include an annual meeting with the family law judges as well as programs designed for the experienced practitioner (but useful for the new practitioner as well). The bench will often use these meetings as an opportunity to make announcements to the bar. MCLE and specialization credits are provided for these meetings.

Also important is the monthly section newsletter, In Chancery, which is published to keep members abreast of section activities, news from the bench and educational opportunities. This detailed newsletter is delivered every month by email to members.

The section maintains ongoing liaison with the bench, Family Court Services, the Facilitator's Office, the Department of Child Support Services, the Advisory Council Against Domestic Violence (ACAD) and the various legal aid providers in the county.  Approved attorneys may also volunteer as judges pro tem though a program administered by the section.  

The section has been active in developing creative and innovative services to family law litigants through a variety of mediation and unbundled legal services programs. It has also worked closely with the bench and professionals in other fields to develop top quality services in such diverse areas as Custody / Visitation Special Masters, the CPA Pro Bono Program and minor's counsel.

Through its liaison with the court, the section is actively involved when court rules or policies are reviewed,  providing input and assistance in drafting new rules and changes to existing rules. The board oversees 20 standing committees.

Current membership fee is $45.00 for attorney and affiliate members. FYI: Affiliate memberships are limited to professionals in fields with significant family law related activities, e.g. accountants, therapists, appraisers.


2008 President
David Lederman
(925) 522-8889
david@ledermanlaw.net

Resource Links

Notice Regarding Trial Setting Orders That Exist In Your Case

Minors Counsel Website  www.flminorscounsel.org 
     This website is the vehicle by which the Judicial Officers will see which Attorneys serving as Minors Counsel are taking new cases and from which appointments will be made on a rotational basis.  This website shows the attorneys, their levels of experience, the number of current cases and other pertinent details.
     If you think your name should be listed, please complete the interest form and send it to: Jody Iorns, PO Box 5818, Concord , CA   94524 or fax it to her at  925-957-0703 For more information call her at 925-285-2668 
Minors Counsel Interest Form

Limited Scope Representation Panelists
     The Access to Justice Commission has prepared a package of family law risk management materials, including sample fee agreements, change of scope letters and educational handouts for clients. The packet is designed to be used in conjunction with the new rules and forms.  Family law practitioners are advised to use the materials as a guide, but to tailor them to meet their own needs and the needs of their clients. This package also has links to other helpful information regarding Limited Scope Representation.

     Downloadable fillable and non-fillable "Unbundled Services" forms are available in the Family Law Miscellaneous category on the Judicial Council website at  www.courtinfo.ca.gov/form

     For information on how you can provide more services to the community and still make a living at the same time consider joining these Lawyer Referral & Information Service panels:
Limited Scope Representation (Unbundled Services) Panel 
Moderate Means Program Panel

Criminal Conflict Program Rules & Regulations

• IN CHANCERY
  
  September 2008
  August 2008
  July 2008
  June 2008
  May 2008 
  April 2008
  March 2008
  February 2008
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AUGUST 6, 2007 ELKINS DECISION

July 19, 2006  ELKINS BRIEF SUBMITTED
The Amicus Brief on behalf of the Family Law Section was submitted to the Supreme Court on July 14, 2006.   The exhibits contain the tabulated results of the multiple choice survey of our members, as well as the full text of the 516 individual write-ins.
Elkins Brief
Elkins Exhibits