Opinion ID: 1297972
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Candor before the family court

Text: Respondent represented Deanna Morse in an action seeking child support. However, paternity had not yet been determined. An initial temporary hearing was held before Judge Johnson on March 23, 1993. Since paternity had not been established and the defendant had not answered and was not present at the hearing, Judge Johnson refused to order child support. Respondent asked if she could request another temporary hearing after the expiration of 30 days. Judge Johnson told her she could take it up with Judge Kittredge, the administrative judge. During the second temporary hearing, respondent did not reveal that she had been before Judge Johnson the month before for a temporary hearing on the same issue. She stated she had never been denied child support even when paternity had not been established. She acknowledged the prior hearing only after Judge Kittredge asked her about the notes which Judge Johnson had made in the file during the prior hearing. Respondent basically contends there was a misunderstanding about what exactly she was to take up with Judge Kittredge (i.e. the issue of whether to be allowed a second hearing or actually having a second hearing). Furthermore, respondent contends she thought Judge Johnson declined to rule on the child support issue; rather than declining to award child support. We think respondent was well aware of what was happening. The clerk of court testified respondent did not request a hearing in front of the administrative judge; it was just coincidence respondent was scheduled to appear before Judge Kittredge. The Panel failed to find misconduct by clear and convincing evidence. The Executive Committee, however, found misconduct. We agree with the Executive Committee and find respondent acted improperly in this matter.