Launched in November 2010, the popular forums provide quick access to detailed information and live interaction with Cleveland professionals who know law the best — local lawyers.
A big plus is forum admission is free and the expertise offered comes at no charge to audience members, according to Cleveland attorney Jack Tapper, who traditionally moderates the panel discussions. At the coming forum, Tapper will serve as moderator and panelist.
The year’s first forum topic will be “Family Law Issues,” the same subject covered in the event’s inaugural session. It has returned by “popular demand,” as has the entire Community Legal Forum concept, Tapper explained.
Joining Tapper on the “Family Law Issues” panel will be Cleveland attorneys Jerry Hoffer and Philip Jacobs.
“We’re looking forward to an enthusiastic turnout as part of an ongoing public service project of our county Bar, in association with the Bradley County Law Commission and the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library,” Tapper said.
All local attorneys participating in the Legal Forums are doing so as unpaid volunteers.
The year’s first Legal Forum will get under way at 7 p.m. and should conclude by about 8:30. The event will be held in the Community Room at the downtown library, located at 795 Church St.
Although admission is free, area residents planning to attend should call ahead in order to confirm their attendance because of limited space. Those wishing to register their attendance may contact the library at 423-472-2163, ext. 126. Seating is first-come, first-served.
“This is part of the Bradley County Bar Association’s support for ‘equal access to justice’ for all citizens, helping them to better understand the legal process on specific topics,” Tapper explained.
Some of the topics planned for discussion at the Feb. 16 forum include grounds for divorce; absentee spouses; procedures for obtaining a divorce; how the court divides assets and debts between spouses; the assets that are subject to distribution; the factors that decide alimony and support; the elements of a Parenting Plan, including child custody and support issues; entitlement to shares of spouse’s retirement plans such as 401(k)s and other pension and profit sharing arrangements; the process of mediation for contested divorces; what to expect in the ups and downs of a contested divorce process; and other related topics of interest to the audience.
“This is the public’s chance to find out what they need to know about divorce, custody, support and equitable division of assets and liabilities in a friendly open forum, free of charge,” Tapper said.
All coming forums will feature prominent Cleveland attorneys. Tapper said the coming event is the fourth in a continuing series for local community residents.
Interaction with the audience will be welcomed throughout the event; however, near the end of the forum a question-and-answer session will also be offered.
