Minutes April 2008
The Family Law Section Council met on this date, via conference call. Participating members included Melissa F. Brown, Pat Forbis, Martha L. Hamel, Jimmy Long, Bett Myrick, Connie F. Payne, Vicki J. Snelgrove and C. Vance Stricklin. Representing the Bar were Tara Smith and Kali Turner.
Chairperson Snelgrove called the meeting to order.
In the first item of business was discussion on a proposed bill to reinstate alienation of affection. Ms. Turner announced that the subcommittee reviewed the proposed revisions and suggested to include additional language and clarification. She welcomed feedback from the Council.
The next item of business was approval of the minutes from the December 3, 2007, meeting. Ms. Forbis moved approval of the minutes. Ms. Brown seconded the motion, and it was approved.
Next was discussion on the SC Bar Convention. Ms. Smith reported that the Section CLE was well received and that over 182 attended. She announced that the 2009 Convention was scheduled for January 22-25 in Myrtle Beach. Ms. Hamel welcomed suggestions for potential speakers and topics. Immigration law issues was suggested as a potential topic.
Next, Ms. Snelgrove reported that she was approached by an attorney in Columbia regarding concern on appointing a Guardian ad Litem at commencement of action. The attorney's request was distributed to the Council for comment and suggestions. After discussion, Ms. Forbis agreed to contact the attorney to further discuss.
Next, Ms. Brown provided an update on the 2008 Family Law Intensive. She reported that Mark Powers had been confirmed to speak at the CLE. Ms. Smith asked if the Council was interested in hosting a dinner for the Council members and faculty. It was the consensus of the Council to schedule a dinner for Friday night. The following restaurants were suggested, Bistro & Winery, Biltmore Inn, Savoy and Deer Park. Ms. Smith was to convey the Council's recommendations and ask Sally Davis to research transportation options. Ms. Smith reminded the Council to recruit exhibitors/sponsors for the event. Ms. Brown was to contact a representative from Lexis Nexis.
Next was discussion on the SC Family Lawyers Tool Kit. Ms. Smith announced that the publication was released in 2003 and asked the Council its interest in revising the publication. The Council agreed that significant changes should be incorporated and recommended adding as a goal for the upcoming year. Mr. Long suggested to table further discussion for the FY2008-09 Council. Ms. Smith was to inform Alicia Hutto of its decision.
Next was discussion on the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Families Forever request. Ms. Smith announced that the project was created to promote adoption awareness throughout the state. She asked whether the Council was interested in assisting with the adoption fairs and GAL training. Ms. Forbis volunteered to assist and was to further discuss with the upcoming YLD President, Tiffany Spann-Wilder.
Next, Ms. Forbis expressed her concern on Act 199 (S9), which states children must be appointed legal counsel and a Guardian ad Litem by the family court. If the appointed Guardian ad Litem is an attorney, that individual shall serve as both the guardian and legal counsel for the child. She announced that the Children's Law Center was to draft a request for an ethics advisory.
It was reported that the next Council meeting was scheduled for May 15, 3:00 p.m., at the Bar building.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Chairperson Snelgrove called the meeting to order.
In the first item of business was discussion on a proposed bill to reinstate alienation of affection. Ms. Turner announced that the subcommittee reviewed the proposed revisions and suggested to include additional language and clarification. She welcomed feedback from the Council.
The next item of business was approval of the minutes from the December 3, 2007, meeting. Ms. Forbis moved approval of the minutes. Ms. Brown seconded the motion, and it was approved.
Next was discussion on the SC Bar Convention. Ms. Smith reported that the Section CLE was well received and that over 182 attended. She announced that the 2009 Convention was scheduled for January 22-25 in Myrtle Beach. Ms. Hamel welcomed suggestions for potential speakers and topics. Immigration law issues was suggested as a potential topic.
Next, Ms. Snelgrove reported that she was approached by an attorney in Columbia regarding concern on appointing a Guardian ad Litem at commencement of action. The attorney's request was distributed to the Council for comment and suggestions. After discussion, Ms. Forbis agreed to contact the attorney to further discuss.
Next, Ms. Brown provided an update on the 2008 Family Law Intensive. She reported that Mark Powers had been confirmed to speak at the CLE. Ms. Smith asked if the Council was interested in hosting a dinner for the Council members and faculty. It was the consensus of the Council to schedule a dinner for Friday night. The following restaurants were suggested, Bistro & Winery, Biltmore Inn, Savoy and Deer Park. Ms. Smith was to convey the Council's recommendations and ask Sally Davis to research transportation options. Ms. Smith reminded the Council to recruit exhibitors/sponsors for the event. Ms. Brown was to contact a representative from Lexis Nexis.
Next was discussion on the SC Family Lawyers Tool Kit. Ms. Smith announced that the publication was released in 2003 and asked the Council its interest in revising the publication. The Council agreed that significant changes should be incorporated and recommended adding as a goal for the upcoming year. Mr. Long suggested to table further discussion for the FY2008-09 Council. Ms. Smith was to inform Alicia Hutto of its decision.
Next was discussion on the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Families Forever request. Ms. Smith announced that the project was created to promote adoption awareness throughout the state. She asked whether the Council was interested in assisting with the adoption fairs and GAL training. Ms. Forbis volunteered to assist and was to further discuss with the upcoming YLD President, Tiffany Spann-Wilder.
Next, Ms. Forbis expressed her concern on Act 199 (S9), which states children must be appointed legal counsel and a Guardian ad Litem by the family court. If the appointed Guardian ad Litem is an attorney, that individual shall serve as both the guardian and legal counsel for the child. She announced that the Children's Law Center was to draft a request for an ethics advisory.
It was reported that the next Council meeting was scheduled for May 15, 3:00 p.m., at the Bar building.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.