S P R I N G  N E W S L E T T E R 

A P P E L L A T E  N E W S   

Congratulations to Christopher Melcher and Steve Yoda on two recent appellate victories.  In Y.R. v. A.F., Chris and Steve obtained the reversal of a below-guideline child support order, which the trial court had justified on the ground that the guideline amount exceeded the needs of the child.  In In re Marriage of Chapman, Chris and Steve secured the reversal of a constructive trust imposed on a military veteran’s combat related special compensation.  Both opinions are published.
Peter Walzer To Be Honored

We are proud to announce that our founding partner,  Peter M. Walze r,  will be the recipient of this year's Max Goodman Family Law Legacy Award presented by the Southwestern Law School Alumni Association. 

Peter will also be on a distinguished panel of experts from the bench and bar where they will discuss the dos and dont's of Pre-Trial Preparation. 

A R T I C L E S/P R E S S

Peter M. Walzer was interviewed by USA Today regarding the Brangelina Custody Agreement. He was a featured speaker on the Voice of America stories Rise of Childhood Kidnapping During the Holiday Season and A Rising Number of Millennials are Seeking Prenuptial Agreements. He was also featured in the Bravo Personal Space Stories: Mariah Carey Is Still Wearing That $10 Million Engagement Ring, Must She Return It?, Married-to-be Couples Now Protecting Future Wealth They Haven't Made Yet in Prenups and New Family Rule Enacted for the Holiday: Here's What We're Not Going to Talk About.

Christopher Melcher was recently interviewed by the LA Times in their article Ben and Jen back again? Affleck and Garner haven't reconciled but are 'giving things another try'. He was quoted in the Bravo Personal Space Stories: Why Are So Many New Yorkers Rushing to Get a Divorce This Week? We Explain, How Exactly Is A Hollywood Arrangement Made? Many Involve Sex, Weight Clauses and An "Arrangement Contract" Can Be Similar to a Restraining Order, Says Top Lawyer.

Leena Hingnikar was quoted in The Clearing Blog story  What Happens to Your Debt After Divorce?  and was a featured speaker on The Chuck Finney Radio Show episode  Family Law - Issues of Child Support, Spousal Support, Cohabitation Without Marriage.

Jennifer Riemer was featured in the WHDT News segment "Millennials Embrace Prenups."

Edward Lyman was a featured speaker on Voice of America episode Sophia Vergara Sued by Her Own Embryos.

John Chason's article "Has Technology Redefined Abuse Under The DVPA?" has been published in the Spring 2017 No. 2 edition of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists Journal.

     S E M I N A R S

  • April 7, 2017
    Trial Basics Seminar: Session One
    Christopher Melcher
    AAML
    Costa Mesa, CA
  • April 29, 2017
    Trial Basics Seminar: Session Two
    Christopher Melcher
    AAML
    Loyola Law School
    Los Angeles, CA
  • May 27, 2017
    Deferred Compensation and Stock Options
    Christopher Melcher
    AFLC
    Costa Mesa, CA
  • May 28, 2017
    Modification of Support
    Peter M. Walzer & Commissioner Patti C. Ratekin
    AFLC
    Costa Mesa, CA
  • June 9, 2017
    Social Media Meets the Courtroom: Evidentiary Issues   
    Peter M. Walzer 
    AAML
    Albuquerque, NM
  • June 9, 2017
    Divorce and Tax Issues: Simple Answers to Complex Questions
    Peter M. Walzer 
    AAML
    Albuquerque, NM
  • June 10, 2017
    Signing on the Dotted Line: Pre-Trial Preparation 
    Peter M. Walzer, Neal Hersh & Hon. Hank Goldberg 
    Southwestern University School of Law
    Los Angeles, CA
  • November 16, 2017
    Drafting Enforceable Premarital and Postmarital Agreements
    Christopher Melcher  
    Wealth Counsel
    Webinar
  • December 1, 2017
    100 Days Before Trial  
    Christopher Melcher  
    AAML Mountain States Chapter
    Salt Lake City, UT
 S P O N S O R S H I P
Honoring prominent individuals in the Japanese American community



Board of Governors Sponsor
The AAML Spring Meeting is an opportunity to experience high-quality continuing legal education, exciting social events, productive meetings, a worldclass city and camaraderie with the best Family Law lawyers in the country



Supporting the Domestic Violence Advocacy Initiative which provides legal assistance to domestic violence victims and their families within the greater Los Angeles community



Sponsor
YOURS, MINE AND OURS: COMPLEXITIES IN CHARACTERIZING ASSETS AND DEBTS at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa

SMBA Judge's Night - April
Diamond Sponsorship 
The SMBA's annual Judges' Night honors our judges serving the Los Angeles County area and thanks them for their continued dedication and contribution to the community and administration of justice. Meet sitting judges and mingle with friends and colleagues
Gold Sponsorship
California Supreme Court Associate Justices Ming W. Chin and Carol A. Corrigan will be special guests at the SFVBA’s Annual Judges’ Night
S P E C I A L  F E A T U R E S
We are happy to welcome Sarah Menchel, our newest staff member and paralegal to the family. Sarah proudly calls herself a “Saralegal”, (Sarah + Paralegal = Saralegal).  She is originally from New York and attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising here in LA, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business.  She attended the University of San Diego to obtain her paralegal certificate.  Sarah loves the Seattle Seahawks, all types of music and cooking, and she has never met a potato that she didn’t like.  Her favorite life quote is, “Good Vibes Only.” 
We are happy to welcome John Chason, our newest attorney.  John is an experienced attorney and litigator, who has a background in both criminal defense and family law.  John grew up in Woodland Hills, and enjoys seeing how his old neighborhood has changed.  In his free time, John enjoys cooking, playing basketball, and spending time with his family.
Partner Announcement 
We are pleased to announce that Steve Yoda, Leena Hingnikar, & Jennifer Riemer have been admitted as partners to Walzer Melcher. 
Trial Institute Presentation
Steve Yoda served as a panelist regarding the direct and cross examinations of party witnesses at the Sorrell Trope Family Law Trial Institute sponsored by the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Family Law Section.  Over 200 guests were in attendance.
WM Around the World
Holiday greetings from AAML Fellow Ric Roane who took one of our company tote bags all the way to Argentina to carry his wine!
F I R M  E V E N T S
 (Left to Right): Edward Lyman, Leena Hingnikar, and John Chason at the 2017 AAML 2017 Trial Advocacy Institute  
Walzer Melcher holiday party at The Local Peasant

S A N T A  M O N I C A  
O F F I C E  P A R T Y