Start Protecting The Public Before Raising State Bar Fees
This morning, I read an article published in the Los Angeles Daily Journal on March 16, 2018 titled Appellate justice recommends increase in State Bar fee . The article stated in part as follows: The appellate court justice tasked with monitoring the State Bar’s finances called for an increase in the annual fee lawyers pay
You Want This Lawsuit Served When?
Imagine particular dates and holidays that bring you joy and that you associate with romance and pleasant memories. Now, imagine how you would feel if you were to experience something traumatic on one such date. For example, imagine you’re a parent and that your child died on Mother’s or Father’s Day, depending upon whether you’re
Why Do People Encourage Conflict Escalation?
On July 10, 2016, I fainted after injuring my back while working out at the gym. On January 11, 2017, I underwent back surgery, which was a complete success. In the six months between the injury and my surgery, a great many family members, loved ones, friends, colleagues, and even people I hardly knew offered
“Trying to Share Custody of My Kids with My Ex”
Someone recently posted the following comment in an online support group: “My biggest issue is trying to share custody of my kids with my ex who is not looking out for my kids best interests right now. I wish he was rational. It is to spite me for leaving him – he makes the wrong
Working with Challenging Family Situations: A Mediator’s Perspective
If, as a result of age or otherwise, you were asked to do any of the following, what feelings and emotions might you experience? Stop driving; Stop managing your own finances; Get your financial affairs in order; Discuss your living situation; Discuss your ability to care for yourself or the caregiving you receive; Discuss other
Children Aren’t Possessions To Be Divided
I recently read the following post on Facebook: “Desperate for advice: My current custody arrangement is 50/50. Her dad has her Mon-Wed and every other Sunday. He went to see a lawyer about taking her away from me on Thursday and Fridays because I work nights, but she is taken care of so I am
I Am Looking To Get Sole Custody of My Son
The following is an inquiry that was just posted on Lawyer.com and an example of the kind of thinking that tends to harm children: “I need a lawyer for a child custody case. I am looking to get full custody.” Please don’t think that such a statement is unusual. In fact, not a day goes
Increased Court Funding Does Not Result in Increased Access to Legal Services
” New State Bar president pushes for legal services, court funding ” I am an advocate for increased access to legal services and I believe that increased funding for the judiciary accomplishes just the opposite. I am therefore a strong advocate against increased funding for the judiciary. The courts and the litigation process have been
Can’t We Learn from Other People’s Mistakes?
Using a retired judge or anyone else to “evaluate legal positions” is NOT mediation, regardless of what people may call it. Anyone can very easily look up the definition of mediation and what is involved. Mediation 101 is to get people off of their positions by flushing out what lies beneath those positions. There are
The Only Way to Properly Address the Police Abuse is through Collaboration
Last night, I was interviewed by Jan Stevens on KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO – CBS Los Angeles . The topic was what must be done in order to properly address the police abuse issue and establish trust between the police and the citizens they are employed to serve and protect. I was appalled over the weekend,