Message from the Editor

Dawn Gray

It’s summertime, and the reading is easy. I call this the "advice issue" because it is full of "how-to" articles, warnings, reminders, and even suggestions for automating your law office.

B J Fadem leads off with an excellent article about what it means to be minor’s counsel, both logistically and emotionally. He tells us why children are his favorite clients and why his office is known as "Neverland." Rhoda Chandler contributes an informative discussion of guardians ad litem, when they are required and how they protect the rights of our most vulnerable clients.

Steve Hamilton, who writes something for us every issue, joins with Hon. William Howatt to suggest that the Evidence Code really does apply to family law cases. In the first of a three-part series, they outline evidence basics and how knowing the Evidence Code leads to litigation success. Nathan Gabbard challenges us to say what we mean and mean what we say, discussing a recent case that reminds us to be very explicit when drafting settlement agreements and stipulated judgments.