Speaker:  Steven Paul, Esq. – Mediator/Arbitrator/Special Master – Alternative Resolution Centers

Date:  February 28, 2012

Time:  12:00 Noon

Place:  University Club of Pasadena, 175 North Oakland, Pasadena, CA

Cost: Members – $35; Non-Members – $45

RSVP to Jeanette Dean at (626) 796-9123 or JDean@hahnlawyers.com

On Wednesday February 8, 2012, a evening event hosted by the Pasadena Bar Association, Family Law Section, proved to be extremely informative and beneficial for those in attendance.  At the meeting, the complexity of the “parental alienation” problem was addressed by three renowned child custody experts.  At the meeting, a three-panel presentation was given by Leslie M. Drozd, Ph.D., Kathryn Kuehnle, Ph.D., and Lisa Kiriakidis, certified family law specialist.

The presentation began with Kathryn Kuehnle’s overview of the research and misconceptions related to parental alienation.  Ms. Kuehnle introduced numerous concepts in her presentation, such as:

1.         Gate keeping (restrictive and protective);

2.         Estrangement and abuse;

3.         The fact that parental alienation is not a “syndrome”;

4.         Her belief that pre‑existing relationships can matter with respect to the success of reunification; and

5.         Her belief that various parental behaviors and beliefs can cause parental alienation, such as the custodial parent’s desire to replace the other parent with a stepparent, or where feelings of betrayal interfere with acting in the children’s best interest to foster a positive relationship with the other parent.

Next, Leslie M. Drozd discussed the complexity of the problem and introduced the concept of “and”, rather than “or”.  Ms. Drozd explained that in many custodial evaluations, where there is alienation there is also abuse and/or estrangement.  Consequently, Ms. Drozd suggested that family law professionals should not view alienation in a vacuum but should look out for other problems in the family dynamic.

Ms. Drozd and Ms. Kuehnle also emphasized that a lot of research still needs to be done in this area and that many of the existing studies are flawed.  Finally, Ms. Drozd and Ms. Kuehnle cautioned those in attendance not to jump to conclusions with respect to parental alienation and to think carefully before assuming this exists in a family dynamic.

The third panelist, Lisa Kiriakidis, gave a powerful personal account of her own child custody battle where parental alienation existed.  Mr. Kiriakidis gave a detailed account of how her family was impacted by the problem and at the conclusion of her summary those in attendance could have no doubt of the excruciating impact that parental alienation could have on a parent-child relationship.  Ms. Kiriakidis concluded by describing how she addressed the problem in her own custody battle and how she was able to save her son from an unhealthy situation by bringing her matter swiftly to the court’s attention and obtaining an order to change custody, as well participating in reunification therapy.  Ms. Kiriakidis explained that reunification came swiftly in her case and that her son was appreciative of her efforts.  Ms. Drozd and Ms. Kuehnle added at the conclusion of Ms. Kiriakidis’ account that they observed that the success of reunification is often related to the strength of the parents’ relationship prior to the custody dispute.

At the end of the meeting, I was struck by the thought of how many children do not receive the benefit of having an parent like Ms. Kiriakidis or a competent family law attorney intervene on their behalf.  As a family law attorney, I am more resolved than ever to protect clients and their children where the other parent is engaging in parental alienation.  I also understand the importance of prompt judicial intervention and assertive lawyering when faced with parental alienation.  By the reaction of those in attendance, I know I was not the only one who appreciated this presentation.

The breakfast will be held from 7:30 am to 9:00 am at the University Club at 175 N. Oakland Avenue in Pasadena.  Please stay tuned for more information about the event.

Some of the most difficult cases that family law attorneys face are those which a child resists or refuses contact with one of his or her parents.  In order to assist members deal with these issues, the Pasadena Bar Association will host this special evening event where three expert guest speakers will address the problems in a panel type of forum.      Our three guest speakers for the evening will be Leslie Drozd, Ph.D., Kathryn Kuehnle, Ph.D.; and Lisa Kiriakidis, Certified Family Law Specialist.

Leslie Drozd and Kathryn Kuehnle have also agreed to sign copies of their latest book, being released in the near future, which includes a chapter specifically devoted to the topic of alienation.  The book will be available for sale at the meeting.

We look forward to this interesting and informative meeting and expect a very large turnout among local family law professionals.  For those interested in attending this meeting, reservations can be made by contacting Linda Dugan at Ldugan@duganlittle.com.

Submitted by Donald P. Schweitzer

Speaker: Honorable Mary Thornton House

1 hour GENERAL MCLE credit provided

Date & Time Thursday, February 23, 2012 – 12:00 noon

Venue University Club of Pasadena – 175 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena CA 91101

Cost $35 PBA Members ~ $55 non members ~ $30 Judicial Officers

Reservations Requiredinfo@pasadenabar.org

Speaker: Rob Wada, Esq., Supervising Probate Attorney, Los Angeles Superior Court

Date & Time Monday, February 13, 2012 12:00 PM

Venue University Club of Pasadena – 175 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101

Cost $35

Reservations 626-441-1707 or pasadenaprobate@hotmail.com

Date & Time Wednesday, February 29, 2012 11:30 AM

Venue NOOR – 260 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101

Cost $35 members ~ $50 non members

Reservations 626-296-8670 or linda@duganlittle.com

Date & Time: Friday, February 17, 2012 12:00 PM

Venue: Mijares Restaurant – 145 Palmetto Drive, Old Pasadena, CA

Cost: $20 PBA members ~ $40 non members

No Reservations Required 626-799-7219 or krtaxlaw@yahoo.com