Emily’s Blog

January 20, 2012: Happy New Year, and Happy New Family Court Judge!  The Honorable B. Scott Thomsen has only been on the Nevada County Family Court bench for about a month, but he has already made positive changes.  Judge Thomsen announced that ex parte communication (improper behind-the-scenes discussion between the mediators and the judge) will not be tolerated.  The “216 Waiver” has been abolished.  We think family court clients are in good hands in his courtroom.  Unfortunately, the Family Court Reformers continue to hear complaints about the mediation part of the process.  It is important for clients to file a written complaint when problems arise.  Suggestions on how to complete the paperwork is available under the “Filing a Complaint” link on this site.  In addition, we have created a suggested distribution list, to ensure that clients’ complaints receive the attention they deserve.  In the past, complaints about mediation never went past the director’s desk.  This must change.  Our “5 Essential Tips” flier has been updated, and now contains more detailed information about the complaint process.  Our new fliers will begin to be distributed on the courthouse steps next week.

August 18th: How amazing was it to have a whole film crew here with us for four days?  I’m so grateful that James Scurlock has taken an interest in the Nevada County Family Court story.  James thinks his feature-length documentary on the divorce industry will be premiering in June of 2012.  I hope that public exposure of the court’s shortcomings will prompt internal reform and legislative intervention.  Thank you to everyone who participated in the filming.  I am especially grateful to Don and Ellen for hosting our BBQ on August 9th.

July 11th: Our next Reformers meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 2nd, from 6-8PM at the Nevada City Library.  Please join us, and invite others who may be interested.  There was a good turnout for our last meeting, but I’ve been getting feedback that we may have spent a little too much time processing our personal stories.  The challenge is that the Reformers is part support group and part activist organization.  My proposed solution is this: Don and Ellen graciously offered to host a barbecue at their home in late August.  I think this would be an ideal time for us to share our stories and support each other.  At the formal Reformers meeting on August 2nd, we can focus on our activism efforts.  Please email me if you have any objections to this proposal.

I want you all to know that our activism efforts thus far have been making a difference already.  Since we began the courthouse flier campaign, there has been a significant increase in the number of parents revoking 216 waivers and filing motions to have minor’s counsel removed or replaced.  We are empowering other family court clients to stand up for themselves.  I have gotten so many phone calls from the public about the Family Court Reformers that I recruited Brenda to act as our Communications Chair.  We now have a dedicated Family Court Reformers phone number: 559-0826.

I’ll be posting and emailing you again soon with more information about our leadership positions.  I am grateful to everyone who has volunteered their time and energy.

Thank you,

Emily

P.S. Still no McManus on the bench.

June 15th: I guess The Union was wrong about the return of McManus.  I’ll be watching for her possible return on July 1st.

May 21st: 5 Essential Tips:

Please check out my new “5 Essential Tips” section.  We agreed at our last Reformers meeting that we need to help prepare other family law clients for court and mediation.  The “5 Essential Tips” campaign will target families on their way into orientation on Tuesday afternoons and into court on Wednesday mornings.  If you’re able to help the Reformers get this information out to families who need it, please contact me at emilygallup@yahoo.com

May 18th: Singing Like Birdies

I keep waiting for Sean Metroka to come forward with the story he said he was eager to tell about the family court situation. Here is Metroka’s quote from The Union on April 8th:

“We want people to know what really has been going on here without undermining our legal position and without appearing to be defensive or vindictive,” said Court Executive Officer Sean Metroka.

“We are trying to keep this aboveboard, and as a result we’re not talking about many of the details … It will all come to light in due course and I’m looking forward to the day.”

Judge Dowling made a similar comment at a meeting with the family law bar back in March.  Dowling said that he wasn’t able to make any comments at that time, but added that court staff would soon be “singing like birdies.”

I’m still waiting to hear that song.