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I usually read Hearsay columns in the ISBA Bar News, smile with enjoyment, and turn the page. A recent experience prompts me to actually write concerning your recent column, “Judging amiably,” in the September issue.

One of the major problems that confronts those of us in the domestic relations bar is constant delays and continuances.

I recently appeared before Judge Raul Vega with my associate, Shelly Johnson, on a post-judgment proceeding involving parental visitation with a minor child. There were 11 pleadings pending, two litigants and four witnesses present, as well as the court-appointed child representative.

We were scheduled to commence at 2 p.m., but because of a prior case, Judge Vega did not call our case until approximately 2:45 p.m. Obviously it would have been impossible to complete the case that afternoon.

After having reviewed all of the pleadings and surveying the situation, Judge Vega instructed the parties to step away from the bench and attempt to resolve the case outside the court's purview. My associate's client and her ex-husband agreed to meet and, with the assistance of counsel and the child representative, resolved all pending issues.

This not the first time I have either seen or been involved in a case where contested matters have been resolved because Judge Vega has instructed the parties to gather together in amicable fashion and attempt to resolve pending issues.

Not only does this judicial style save time, effort and, obviously, money, but is “amiable resolution” to often contentious cases and helps resolve the delay issue.

The first time I ever heard the phrase, “justice delayed is justice denied,” was from my father while I was in law school helping him in his law office. The more years I practice, the more that statement rings true.

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