Message from the Editor

Nathan Gabbard

This publication is an outstanding resource because of the contributions from all of our authors and the devotion of countless hours of hard work by previous editors, not least of which is the immediate past editor, Dawn Gray. Dawn has set a high standard for providing meaningful information in an interesting way. Carrying on this tradition of excellence of the Family Law News is an honor and a joy for me. As my mother always told me: if it’s a job worth doing, it’s a job worth doing well. To that end, I have unwavering certainty that this is a job worth doing, and I will give the best of my abilities to do it well. Assistant editor Alexandra O’Neill and I eagerly approach our service here with great pride and respect for the Family Law Section of the California Lawyers Association and the family law bench and bar. Your contributions of articles continue to provide the practice of family law with substance and intrigue.

This issue is filled with fundamental skills, tools of the trade, and thought-provoking challenges. It brings reminders of the importance of organization, refreshers on admitting documentary evidence, and reflections on balancing of the best interest of children with the important protections of restraining orders.

In a continuation of a three-part series, Judge Mark Juhas provides a clear and captivating review of the potential for asserting rights as a putative spouse. Justin O’Connell takes a measured approach in his detailed description of several aspects involved in challenging the validity or seeking enforcement of premarital agreements.