I found a Judge!

And that was no easy task in Denton County this afternoon. Filing a Petition and needing a Judge's signature on an order was on the list to do today, but after filing I discovered the courthouse was largely vacant. Come to find out most of the Judge's are at the Denton County Bench/Bar conference out at Lake Texoma (not great weather for that today!) So I set out on my task of finding someone to sign my order, I thought I had found one only to discover I just missed him- gone for the day. Two more....nope at the conference. As I was beginning to ponder having to wait on this till next week (which I really did not want to do) I hit jackpot! The 158th Judge was on the bench and sign he did! My lucky day, got to visit with the "new" (in January) Judge and really enjoyed getting to know him a bit and I sure am thankful he was working on Friday afternoon! 
So here is to a great start to the weekend. Have a great one everyone!

Headed to Child Support Court

So I am in an interesting position. I worked for the Office of the Attorney General for over a year establishing and enforcing child support on behalf of the State of Texas and I loved my job, I loved the work.
 Now I am on the other side of the fence. Tomorrow will be my first visit to child support court (IVD court in Texas) as an attorney for the "other side" i.e. the one who owes the child support. 
I have been blessed to be court appointed to represent individuals who owe child support and have fallen behind in doing so. At first glance one may think this is an awkward position being as though I used to be on the other side but I have to say, having gotten the chance to know my clients and hear their side of the story I can see that I love this side of it also. Come to think of it this is no different than the criminal district attorney who turns defense attorney and we all know there are plenty of those out there. 
Also I can say having worked for the OAG gives me a unique perspective in IVD court. I know many attorneys who would not touch IVD court with a ten foot pole, they want nothing to do with it. Not the case for me, I love this work and would do it every day of the week. 
So, no problem switching sides for me, can't wait to see some of my colleagues tomorrow and jump into my new role with both feet! 

Be grateful!

I am grateful for so many things, too many to list really. Today I met with a beautiful young man who is disabled and unable to care for himself. I am blessed to be his attorney in guardianship proceedings and meeting with him today reminded me to be thankful for all that I have. This may sound silly to some, but the reality is with our busy everyday lives, the hectic schedule and the constant demands, we can forget to be grateful for the things that we take for granted. So today, I am reminded to be grateful, for all things but especially for the health of my beautiful children and for the opportunity to serve for those children who are  disabled or incapacitated and to be an advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. So today, just slow down a little and think about it!

BOY DID THEY PROVE ME WRONG....

So I went into mock trial thinking the kids would find the defendant guilty, hands down. Boy was I wrong!! First vote of the jury only one believed the defendant was guilty, all the rest not guilty! You know what...they were right. They completely changed my mind because of the way the statute was worded- and the seventh graders picked up on it. These kids were great, they had fun and did a great job. 
Many thanks to Texas Municipal Courts Education Center, The State Bar of Texas and Texas Department of Transportation for the grants that make the Driving on the Right Side of the Road curriculum possible. It is so important that we reach our youth with the message of being good, safe citizens, stay safe everyone!

Mock Trial is Coming!

I really enjoyed working with seventh graders on Monday to prepare them for mock trial. The facts of the case are a 17 year old was driving, his 14 year old passenger put her shoulder belt behind her back and was subsequently injured when the driver braked to avoid hitting a dog. The driver was ticketed for failing to ensure his passengers were properly restrained. Most of the kids think the driver should not have received a ticket- that is at first read of the facts. 
I explained to the students that the jury will get to decide whether or not the driver broke the law, not if the law is a valid one. I think once they actually do the trial and hear all the facts/evidence that the jury will have no choice but to find him guilty.....but you never know! Stay tuned....trial is Wednesday!

Kind Words

Well, it was kind of funny how today ended up- let me explain. I had to go to Court in a small town and the Judge was quite unfriendly- unfortunate but not entirely uncommon. However it had me thinking, as a Judge myself (albeit of a lower court) I believe in treating everyone impartially and not being outright unkind and I find it very disappointing when other Judges don't live up to the standards I think they should have. So I was thinking....
And then it was bedtime for my girls, as I was tucking in my seven year old she was telling of a friend who had hurt her feelings by rolling her eyes at her today, twice no less.  My twelve year old chimed in and said you know what you do when someone acts like that...you just be as kind as you can and they will learn from your example. What great advice....
So that is what I will continue to do, be mean, be nice, whatever your mood floats my way- I am going to do my very best to be nice to you.  
Thanks girls for keeping mom on her toes!!!! 

Out of the mouths of babes....

Well who would believe it? I spent an hour and a half talking to a great group of middle school kids yesterday. I talked to them about all sorts of issues they may be facing as the get older and go to high school. We talked about how they need to listen to their "internal monitor" and have a gut check when they get into a questionable situation.  
So one of these "questionable situations" would be in an environment where there is alcohol around, a party or some similar situation. I explained the ramifications of minor in possession and minor in consumption citations etc. We covered a lot. So imagine my surprise when I ran into a couple of the moms tonight and they say "guess what our kids took away from the talk, that you can drink with your parents". Oh my goodness....seriously! Yes, if you are under 21 and in the presence of an adult you can legally drink alcohol but my dear.....kids....this was not the point of the talk!!

Well, I made it through the middle school class! They were great and I may even be going back to do a mock trial....super fun!

Getting ready for the classroom!

So tomorrow I have the task of teaching 7th and 8th graders about the law. When I asked the principal what topics she would like me to discuss, her only guidance was "you have kids this age- what do you think is relevant?" Mmmmm- guess I am taking this in a direction that is interesting to me, sure hope I can keep the kids attention! 

Another Stormy Day

It looks like another stormy day here in Denton.  I woke to the phone ringing (too early I might add) and on the other end was the emergency alert system-severe thunderstorm watch. It sure has been a crazy weather week in North Texas!  here we go...working on the new webpage to fine tune and get all the kinks out. So excited to be getting "up and running"! I know it will be great.