Bristol Palin, the 19-year-old daughter of Sarah Palin, attended a 20-minute child support hearing in Palmer Superior Court, but the father of her son did not appear.
Levi Johnston, Bristol Palin's former fiance and current Playgirl model, also did not participate by phone Thursday.
The judge told Johnston's lawyer it would have been better if Johnston had participated.
Bristol Palin is seeking nearly $1,700 a month in child support. Palin's lawyer is seeking to subpoena Playgirl and media outlets to find out how much Johnston made last year.
The judge set a trial date for Sept. 23, but encouraged the two young people to work out child support before then.
The judge encouraged Johnston's lawyer to get his client's financial information to the court and said it was past due.
I am trying to find out why Levi did not make it to the hearing, but so far no nothing.
However I also was not able to make it due to a snowstorm that is currently burying Anchorage. I made it out of town but it took so long, and the roads were so bad, that I knew I would never make it in time.
Anyhow that is a possible reason for Levi's absence. I hope it is something simple like that and not because of recent events.
Update: Levi did not show up based on his lawyer's advice. He was told it was just so the lawyers could agree on a court date for the beginning of the custody trial and that his attendance was not required.
I don't think his absence is in anyway a reflection on his desire to fight for custody of Tripp.
As for a poor reflection on his lawyers judgement? Well that is an entirely different story altogether.
Update: Like I said the amount of child support has yet to be determined. THIS is what Sarah Palin wants her to ask for.
Bristol Palin is seeking nearly $1,700 a month in child support to care for their son, Tripp. She had asked for retroactive payments to the boy's birth, or $19,232 total. That does not include $4,400 Johnston has already paid in child support.
However the judge is still deciding and waiting for Levi to get his financial records to the court.
The court is determining the amount of child support based on Johnston's adjusted gross income, which is estimated between $100,000 and $105,000. Johnston has said his income from the entertainment field can be erratic.
The judge on Thursday encouraged Butler to get his client's financial information to the court, saying it was past due. She granted issuing subpoenas to get that information.
And like some of you I am not sure why Rex did not ask for a temporary visitation schedule so that Levi can see his boy. I hope that does not mean that Levi has to beg for scraps of time from the Palin table to see Tripp while waiting for September 23 to roll around . I went through a divorce when my daughter was about Tripp's age and if I had not been allowed to see her for weeks at a time it would have crushed me.
Was there a deposition yesterday with Levi? Did that happen?
ReplyDeleteI am really dissappointed that Levi didn't show up for the hearing. I have been supportive of him from the beginning. Hopefully there is a legitimate reason he could not attend, and that he is physically ok. I guess I should hope that he is mentally okay too, due to his having to deal with the Palins.
ReplyDeleteAs we all know, it does not look good for him not to have been there.
It is snowing pretty heavy in Palmer and spouse says the roads are really bad.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, Sarah seemed to be doing a lot of twittering about the US hockey teams and then all of the sudden seems to have dropped the ball on their win yesterday... too much going on to watch the Olympics, maybe?
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see that the judge asked Levi's attorney to obtain BRISTOL's financial info. But wondering WHY this was not already done.
ReplyDeleteSo many questions.
I hope Levi is ok - I cannot think of any reason he would not show up for an important hearing.
Levi a no-show? Court date not until Sept 23? No financial info provided by Levi? What is going on? Why is the word "trial" being used? It is usually a custody/support hearing. I would think they would be ordered to mediation first in hopes of making a deal before the court date which, by the way, seems ridiculously far away. Tripp will almost be 2 by then! Something is weird about this whole court thing. The court will usually order an interim decree regarding visitation etc. Strange.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing "weird about the court thing" as Anon 12:32 says. The courts are clogged. My custody case took 2 years before it ever went to trial. The world trial is used is because that is what will happen if the parties can not reach a settlement. There should be an interim visitation order, but perhaps neither has requested it.
ReplyDeleteThe reporters who were there aren't saying much, so we may never know.
ReplyDeleteI say he was snowed in.
ReplyDeleteLevi has nothing to worry about, afterall...we all have HIS BACK!
12:32 absolutely agree, My son and x had to go through mediation for every change in visitation and 7 mos is ridiculous. And why is it called a trial? they are always called hearings. That's forever in a toddler life. You said it STRANGE.
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine Levi missing this hearing. Something is very wrong and it's called "all things Palin" to quote the former mouth of the former governor. I hope that young man is okay. Thanks Gryphen for trying to find out why he missed the hearing and his whereabouts. I also agree with Anon@12:32 pm in that I am puzzled as to the word trial, and why is it so far out? Seven months away and Tripp will be close to two years old. Was Eddie Burke and the Beehive Lady successful in "influencing" the judges? I don't like this at all.
ReplyDeleteLawyers do tell their clients that and it is no big deal. This matters b/c of celebrity. Too bad Gryphen didn't hear what was said. Someone fed the AP. Levi needs a PR firm.
ReplyDeleteRight now this is in the court of public opinion and all that matters is the PR. However, it sounds like that did not go over well with the Judge.
Gryphen, any news on just WHO Levi's lawyer with the questionable judgment is?
ReplyDeleteIs Rex Butler still trying to juggle this along with all his other cases, or has he relinquished the custody case to a family custody lawyer (who dropped the ball)?
ella said...
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see that the judge asked Levi's attorney to obtain BRISTOL's financial info. But wondering WHY this was not already done.
So many questions.
I hope Levi is ok - I cannot think of any reason he would not show up for an important hearing.
12:15 PM
-----
The way I read the article, the Judge was after REX for LEVI's income info.
From the ADN article:
"The judge on Thursday encouraged Butler to get his client's financial information to the court, saying it was past due.
Van Flein said he had 'every confidence' that the child support issue would be resolved in the next two weeks."
Surely a decent lawyer would endure a judge's admonishments if it were in the best interest of his client?
ReplyDeleteMy daughter's trial was postponed twice for ridiculous reasons. Worse to fly 3000 miles prep for trial and have no judge available. If courts are clogged and weather was bad, he probably could not make it.
ReplyDeleteSarah has her close in core staff ready to feed anything out.
Was Bristol there?
Seems like his lawyer should have apologized to the court and said it was on his advice that Levi didn't appear. I hope he did that and it just wasn't reported. Judges can get very testy about their courtrooms.
ReplyDeleteTMZ just posted that Bristol won & has to pay $ 1600 per month & back $$.
ReplyDeleteHow did TMZ get there in the storm ?
I smell a rat.
Levi? Get yourself another lawyer, fast.
ReplyDeleteSo, his lawyer said no need to show up, yet the judge felt it reflected poorly on Levi.
ReplyDeleteNot good.
Why would Levi's attorney NOT know the importance of his client's presence?
Another possiblilty is that the other side is, as usual, "makin' stuff up."
If they put the word out there that Levi was negligent, many will believe it.
I tend to believe that is exactly what happened.
It would be like issuing a press release saying that the judge requested both Levi and Bristol stay home (for attorney's ONLY this meeting), yet Bristol showed up where she had no business being.
See how easy it is to spin?
The games that are being played by the Palins (with the help of the Press)are sickening.
Rex Butler is still Levi's attorney.
ReplyDeleteAnd TMZ is full of shit. The judge has yet to receive Levi's financial information so he has not yet determined the support payments.
By the way, TMZ gets their information from the Palins. Just add it to the list of lies.
Maybe the DNA results are in!
ReplyDeleteMeg Stapletongue quits and right away the flat out lies come pouring from the Palin compound.
ReplyDeleteFolks--I'm a lawyer and have been practicing for 30 years. It is absolutely normal in a scheduling conference not to have clients there. It is equally normal for a judge to say something to the effect that he/she wishes a client were there--without context, inflection, or anything else it is a serious mistake to inflate this to "poor judgment" on the part of Levi's lawyers. Gryphen--I rarely disagree with you but I do on this occasion.
ReplyDeleteJudges--hard as it may be to believe--are human beings. Sometimes they say things that are just throw aways. Rarely do they remember something such as "Party X didn't show up for a scheduling conference." Now, if it had been an evidentiary hearing and someone hadn't shown up without good reason, that would be a different thing entirely, but that's not this.
The fact that something is set for "trial" merely means it's set for an evidentiary hearing. Not simply legal arguments but the actual presentation of testimony.
and add THIS to the list of lies leaked to the Press:
ReplyDelete"The judge told Johnston's lawyer it would have been better if Johnston had participated."
Says WHO? The Palin's - that's who!
Why NOT make up all of this cr*p to make Levi look bad in the public eye?
Because THAT is what is happening.
Believe me, attorney's KNOW when there client's presence is requested and/or required - it is basic!
LIARS LIARS LIARS = Palins
That TMZ stuff is mind games they (Palin$) are playing with Levi. Like that, he will give in and give Bri$tol most of what she wants, since 'most' will be better than 'all'!
ReplyDeleteO/T but, I just read that SP will be the headline speaker at the NRA's annual meeting in Charleston,NC. Anyone here live in the area and willing to attend with signs?
ReplyDeleteI hate intrique. I wish people would just tell the truth. What is going on. What went on. Perhaps the babies had altogether different names used on real certificates. These may just be stage names for the children. This is no way to bring children into the world. It is so disrespectful of all. I can't wait until whatever comprises this pocket of secrecy is lanced. Just a disgrace. The kid's constitutional rights seem to be breached. There is no minimum standard of care if what we have read is true. This may be modern and all but it is AWFUL!
ReplyDeleteAccording to this article, the judge granted support retroactive to the date of Trip's birth, tho no amount has been decided on. She also authorized subpoenas to get Levi's overdue financial information. Not a stellar day for Mr. Butler.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100225/ap_on_re_us/us_palin_johnston_6
Donna, I agree that it is not uncommon for only the lawyer to show up at a hearing to represent their client, and for that client to stay home.
ReplyDeleteBut there is nothing common about this case.
This is not about legality it is about public relations. Now the Palin-bots will use this example to further paint Levi as a "dead beat" dad.
This was easy to predict and even easier to prevent.
Gryph, everyone's gone on for more than a year about what a saint Levi's attorney was -- but every time you mentioned the state of his office (not to mention my opinion of the media situations he and the ever-present Tank guided Levi into) I noted that he did not, in fact, seem to be doing a very good job... and rarely was allowed to voice that opinion.
ReplyDeleteHere we are. Levi was expected in court, his best interests would have been served by being in court -- and his attorney told him that it wasn't necessary.
*I* had an attorney just like this one -- unprepared and mendatious. I understand you are friendly with him, and you've praised him to the sky for... well, I could never tell exactly what he was doing that was so wonderful. And it wasn't just you, it was everyone -- the entire readership seemed ready to toss both money and a crown in his direction.
But this is the reality. He is not a good attorney, he is not upholding Levi's est interests, he did not tell his client the truth about the court date.
As with so much else, Levi Johnston has put his trust in the wrong person, and he was encouraged to ignore the warning signs (and every time he sat in the messy office of that attorney, he was surrounded by warning signs) and continue on a path towards personal loss.
You need to be more careful which horse you back, Gryph -- because this one, which had all your advertised faith riding on it, turned out to be a donkey.
Donna... It is absolutely normal in a scheduling conference not to have clients there. It is equally normal for a judge to say something to the effect that he/she wishes a client were there--without context, inflection, or anything else it is a serious mistake to inflate this to "poor judgment" on the part of Levi's lawyers. Gryphen--I rarely disagree with you but I do on this occasion.
ReplyDeleteMy thought was that is typical. It is being spun to AP and TMZ. Levi can't afford to hire a public relation firm. Sarah/Bristol have that covered.
Gryphen - If Levi had shown up (for "PR purposes") - don't you think the Palin spin machine would just pick something else out of the air to slam him on?
ReplyDeleteOf course they would. One blog took a minor traffic ticket that Levi received and spread the rumour that Levi evaded the troopers. It is amazing to see (even on "liberal" websites) the painting of Levi as a bum and dead-beat dad. This is because the Palins are so well-connected to the Press, and the Press will print anything the Palin's say.
It is a BIG problem - remember the Levi "tweets" that had nothing to do with a real twitter account?
I do not know how to stop these disgusting lies (when the Press kisses Palin's ass and does not verify anything). My only suggestion would be for Levi to try to get his own PR spin going - I cannot imagine Letterman wouldn't love to have him as a guest.
Maybe the enormity of Levi's situation is setting in for him and he just can't handle it: Trig and Tripp are his kids, Trig has DS, he can't afford either son, and he's forced fight against the Palins. That would be too much to handle for any young man.
ReplyDelete"The reporters who were there aren't saying much, so we may never know."
ReplyDeleteWere they invited? Why are they there? That is creepy.
I guess I am stilled bugged by this issue.
ReplyDeleteI think if Levi had shown up (remember, attendance not required at all), then Bristol would have called TMZ to report that Levi was stalking her.
Not kidding. NO WAY to win when the Palin family decides to spread their venom - see Wooten case for proof of that.
I disagree that it is common for people to not show up for scheduling conferences. This is family law and it is a whole different ball of wax. It is never a good idea to not show up for anything. How can you make the case that you are a dedicated parent if you don't show up to everything? I think Levi needs to get rid of Rex and get a family law attorney. Levi should have taken care of this custody/support issue immediately when Tripp was born. Of course he will owe retroactive child support. This is a no brainer. I think he has had some piss poor legal advice.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gryph, Donna, with all due respect. I have some pertinent legal background and my take on this was that it was very damaging in the judge's eyes for Levi not to show.
ReplyDeleteIf you are any sort of lawyer, and have experience in family law, (different from other sorts of law), then you know, regardless of the vagaries of various state family laws, that the judge's discernment can be central in the final determination. . .and even operative in how much sympathy or latitude is given in regards to discovery challenges/production beforehand.
This is not tax law, or real estate law, or even criminal law. Family law inhabits its own universe, based on law, but in my experience, far more affected by the judge's discernment than other types of legal procedings. The judges are given and take more latitude in this respect.
Levi should have been there. Or his lawyer should have fallen on the sword and stated that he was not there because he advised him not to be. . .and made up a very good reason for this basis.
Or, Levi needs an airtight, compelling reason for not having been there. . .a traffic accident, incredibly dastardly weather, airline delays,personal or family medical emergency. . .
This is not good, not good at all. I am all for Levi, but I am the (divorced) parent of four. Hell nor high water - NOR SARAH PALIN - would have kept me from a court appearance regarding my children.
In fact, were the Palins on the other side, I would have camped out on the court doorstep for two days prior, just to ensure that NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING, would keep me from that open door.
Something is wrong here.
And Rex Butler should take himself off the case and a SPECIALIST in family law should be representing Levi. Again, especially in these outlying rural districts of states - I live in such a state and such a district - in such a high profile case, none but a family law expert should be handling Levi's case.
OT, but anyone else have the sneaking suspicion that sarah is going to be in the new cast of dancing with the stars? she's going to be on leno the day after the announcement. It's a lot of money if you do well, and she, the arrogant one, will think she'd do well. Plus they approached Cindy McCain but John said no.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, but at this point, my opinion of Atty Butler is at the same level as Meg Stapleton and CBJ handling the birth of a high risk infant.
ReplyDeleteButler, give up the case. You are not qualified in this area.
In re: the above - all examples of political, medical and legal malpractice, in my opinion.
Levi has already admitted he owes over $20,000.
ReplyDelete1.) My boss called this morning and told me not to drive to work, bad roads. So, I'm working from home today.
ReplyDeleteBAustin: that was my first thought. Levi went instead for the DNA testing!
ReplyDeleteO/T followup - Puppet Palin's NRA next hand exercise is in Charlotte,NC and not Charleston.
ReplyDeleteMore info: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/02/25/first-on-the-ticker-palin-to-headline-annual-nra-meeting/?fbid=2GQAyveLAqF
The comments are enjoyable!
There's hope for us Southerners after all.....
Most of the comments at TMZ are against Miss Hollywood Bristol and the Palins, so I don't think Palin and Fleabags plan is working.
ReplyDeleteI find it difficult to believe that support could be granted retroactive to child's birth. As far as I know (from my own custody issues in AK that are now, thankfully, over), support can only be made retroactive to the date that it was requested. I.e., if on a certain date I requested a change to child support or to begin receiving child support, then, though it may take a year or more to determine the proper amount, the support will be from the date of request (i.e. back support due).
ReplyDeleteIt's been some time since I had to go thru it, so things could have changed. I had this issue in my case, and it was made retroactive only to the date of my request, took approx a year to sort out. The worst bit of it is that someone can lie lie lie about how much they make and there is nothing the court can do about it initially. For instance, my ex lied about how much he made, I said b.s., the judge said it was highly unlikely he made that little but he could only base his judgement on what he received. So, I signed on with child support enforcement asap, waited the mandatory year, then requested an audit. They went thru both our info with a fine-tooth comb and found quite a discrepancy. Bottom line is that if you are self-employed you can claim certain deductions for taxes, but those don't hold water with child support enforcement. It went quite poorly for the ex!
The main thing that I have to say about this is this:
Always go to every court hearing that pertains to your child. They are your number one priority, you show up, even if you don't open your mouth (sometimes especially if you don't open your mouth). This highlights a problem here that is the worst part, and could be disastrous -- custody lawyer for custody issues!!!!!!!!!!!! Rex is a criminal lawyer, van flu is a ??? lawyer, and they are both making a bad situation worse. Rex has obviously been invaluable to Levi in many ways, and he could continue to be so if he would hand this over to a custody lawyer and focus on being a great at other things for Levi's benefit.
I hope that Levi will sort out the attorney issue before things go to heck in a handbasket.
Donna 1:31:
ReplyDeleteYou can correct me, if I am wrong--but:
If the judge considered Bristol and/or Levi to be required to appear in person this morning, instead of simply by counsel, the judge would have likely issued a bench warrant for Levi's immediate arrest.
On the other hand, when a hearing is set (and it is understood to be a hearing that is to be attended by the court officers: judge / attorneys) and the judge looks up and sees someone like little miss bristol there on a brown nose mission, then--as the judge passes his/her legal staff, on the way back to his/her chambers, his/her eyebrows are likely raised and eyes rolling--in disdain.
Most judges are smarter than the average bear, Gryph--they recognize when a party to a case is trying to one-up the opposing party. It doesn't fly. It is the judge's final determination that matters, here, not TMZ spin.
If there is room for concern, it needs to be directed toward the timely filings of docs with the court. Court calendars are jammed...cases stacked deeper than you can imagine. Delays can really honk a judge off...
Anyway that was my observation years and years ago as a Judge's Secretary.
Well, it would be nice if someone from the Johnston camp would relate what happened today because I dont' think it matters a hill of beans whether a client is present at a scheduling conference. And there may not have been a court reporter present, but if by chance there was, and it is possible to purchase a transcript, I would kick in to help Gryph buy one.
ReplyDeleteMy first time posting here. Gryphen, you are doing amazing work.
ReplyDeleteI've been wondering for awhile why some big shot divorce lawyer won't take Levi on as a pro bono type case. Isn't there some lawyer out there who has deep pockets who isn't a Sarah Palin fan and would be interested in doing something like that?
You know, how Gloria Allred jumps into any case, no matter what state it's in, when it involves something high profile - Octomom, Tiger's mistress, etc. Isn't there someone out there who would be willing to take on Levi's case?
The Palin clan has deep pockets and can run this case forever. Levi needs some help.
OT - theres an intersting comment at Palingates by Barbiefingers re: the date that the McCain-palin compliance fund was set up.... Back in feb of 08.....before fake pregnancy is announced. Gryph - any details on this? If true it would blow babygate out go the msm!
ReplyDeleteIt makes much more sense that the TMZ item is just Palin spin. That is an astronomical amount of child support. But TMZ's numbers don't make a lot of sense. They said $1688.42 per month in back support AND said that it was almost $18k. I'm no mathematician, but the amount of support supposedly ordered times 14 months is a little over $23,600 - even if he's credited for the $4k that they said he's paid, that over $19k in back support not less than 18k.
ReplyDeleteThe $18k divided by the monthly support plus credit for amount paid would be about 12 months, which would put Tripp's birthday in February.
The Palin's aren't smart enough to be their own spokespersons AND leak dumb info to TMZ.
Gotta love that TMZ and the Palins are on the same wavelength. TMZ always runs an angelic photo of Bristol and a very unflattering one of Levi, and calls him a deadbeat dad whenever possible. They claim to be quoting the Palin's lawyer. TMZ has gone rogue.
ReplyDeleteperhaps--and you make a good point. But no matter what, they'd spin it. If he'd shown up, they'd say he was a deadbeat who took off of work.
ReplyDeleteI assume that no matter what Levi and his lawyers do, the Palins and VF will distort and spin it. Under those circumstances, all they can do is plow ahead on the merits. And, hopefully, issue document requests (don't need subpoeanas for parties) as to communications by the Palins and/or their lawyers with TMZ and the like.
As for the speculation about this being a "bad" day for Levi (or anyone), absent a transcript or a written order, I wouldn't hazard a guess.
Don't depend on KMUU for your news. The AP reports that Van Flein said they thought the matter could be settled within the next 2 wks. My question is, who and what are they trying to protect? Van Flein, at least, never wanted ths to go to trial. It would expose too much.
ReplyDeleteAnd BTW, clients are NOT required to be a trial conferences, which this was. It's generally an agreement between the lawyers for a trial date set by the court.
This is a civil matter, not a criminal trial.
Grandma68
the ear story is VIRAL. check out the feedjit. amazing - it is moving faster than i can read.
ReplyDeletegood for you gryphon. good for you.
Anon @1:35: It wasn't a stellar day for Van Fleabag, either, though. The judge didn't make a decisions on whether or not he could take depositions from those companies he wants to that "employed" Levi and to get his earnings and contractual agreements, either. That was in the AP story.
ReplyDeleteGryphen, can you get that AP story to get the entire action today? It may be in the ADN.
Grandma68
Anon at 2:16: No, he hasn't. Go back to Trollville.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone thought of the possibility that your story, Gryphen, is pure spin from the Palins? Or that Kari Christiansen might be "in the bag" for the Palins?
ReplyDeleteIt would seem that if she said anything at all about the parties themselves, and not the attorneys, her judicial temperament is questionable.
Hopefully the judge won't be vulnerable to "public opinion" especially when it's planted in TMZ. I can't believe that any judge would order a kid to pay even temporary child support in the amount of $1600 per month.
ReplyDelete7 months from now, where will the all-powerful Mrs. Palin be? Maybe not so influential. And also too maybe Bristol will be a big TV star by then. That couldn't hurt Levi's case.
It appears someone asked for permission to be telephonic in this hearing, according to the court records;
ReplyDelete02/23/2010 Application for Permission to Appear by Telephone Without Confirmation (Rule 99) Attorney: Butler, Rex L (8310105) PPWK ONLY
So, if it was Levi, which I'm assuming it was since he was not at the hearing today, either they knew something was going to interfere with his attendance today or it was just to avoid being in the courtroom for trial-setting conference. Additionally, if Bristol knew Levi was not going to be in the courtroom today, it provided one more opportunity for her to get some press.
Is someone able to provide reliable information which scenario is correct??
How is it possible they are moving forward with custody/child support without DNA being obtained/confirmed? Wouldn't that be required for child support to be court/State mandated?
I don't think Rex Butler's abilities should be judged based on how messy his office is. It appears to me that so far, he is a much better attorney than Van Flein. P
ReplyDeletealin can and will put out as much crap as she can but that doesn't mean it'll work for her. It's not working now in spite of all her expensive "consultants" even though the press hangs on every word she tweets. People are catching on.
Folks--saying that Butler isn't a good lawyer or isn't competent to handle this case or that Levi should get new counsel is, with all due respect, nonsense.
ReplyDeleteFirst, you have no idea who, if anyone, Butler is consulting with. For all you know, he may have someone absolutely terrific that he is working closely with but, for any number of very valid reasons, chooses not to have formally appear.
Second, typically--regardless of the area of law--judges do indicate when they want the parties to be present. In fact, I am looking at a handful of notices right now and some say "Parties are expected to appear" and others do not. Absent knowledge of this judge and her (isn't this a woman, Gryphen?) practices, you simply can't make anything of this.
Third, I absolutely can see articles saying "deadbeat Johnston doesn't work--too busy showing up in court" if Levi had been there. Again, based on the little I have seen, I don't think there's anything in the world to suggest that anything Levi does or does not do won't be criticized.
Fourth, none of us know what Levi actually was doing today (well, Gryphen might have been told). What if it was something that, after consultation with his lawyers, everyone believed had to take precedence?
I will be blunt--people are lousy consumers of legal services. They pick lawyers because of the name or reputation or because someone's sister said the lawyer was good. There is only one real way to know and that is by results and, to date, there have been no results.
If people are bad at picking their own lawyers, they are completely unable to judge a lawyer that is not representing them--particularly based on media and/or blog coverage. I happen to have seen some of VF's pleadings and I think the guy isn't terribly effective. I've also done some public records checking of his results and he's not terribly successful. But even I--who do have a whole career of practicing law and of evaluating lawyers--can't say more than that.
Obviously, everyone has a right to his/her opinion. I believe Gryphen has first hand exposure to the players and certainly believe he has a basis for opining (even though I happen to disagree with him on this one occasion). But it is utter silliness to start clamoring that someone else should change lawyers or that the one who is currently involved isn't up to the task (or have taken steps to make sure he is doing exactly what he needs to be doing--by consulting with someone else).
I wrote to TMZ"s tip line telling asking them where they got there info the replied to my email with this link.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/25/AR2010022503559.html
The story is also on MSNBC.
Though it seems to me the judge ordered that child support would be paid but did not say how much would be paid and by whom. I am also very surprised no temporary visitation orders were placed.
BAustin, as I noted on PG, I found a story saying that McCain added Mrs. Todd Palin's name to the fund on August 29, 2008-- the date is important because it triggered a 30-day period for her to file financial statements (a deadline which, of course, she did not meet).
ReplyDeleteall fluff and bluff. No paylin wants to go to court and say anything under oath, or go thru any sort of discovery process. Discovery is a BITCH!
ReplyDeleteEarly on, Rex Butler acknowledged that Family Law and custody cases were not his specialty. Unlike many many people involved in All Things Palin, he deferred to represent Levi beyond initial paperwork and was going to help the Johnston's get appropriate counsel.
ReplyDeleteThis may not show a strong start, but I have to say that this is how a true professional conducts oneself. Rex let the ego go for the more qualified person or team come in to best represent his clients interests. He's a showman to some extent, but letting this media opportunity go to someone else speaks to some class.
Good luck with your family law counsel Levi.
Grandma 68 - you are right! Having been in court rooms more than I like, if the parties to the action do not have to be in court they do not show up. They let the attorneys take care of house cleaning issues at this stage. Furthermore, most people have to work and if you don't have to be in court you are not going to give up a day's wages.
ReplyDeletePoor kid. He is in a catch-22 situation.
The Palins' have 3 wild kids that they have to ride herd on for the next 7 months. Each misstep by any of those kids will weigh heavily in the "court of public opinion" against Sarah and I would guess, would have a bearing as to how stable a household Tripp is in. When has Sarah herself been able to hold her behavior in check for seven months? That's a long time in PalinFantasyLand.
ReplyDeleteThe more her past actions are exposed by Gryphen and any or all of the AK bloggers, the greater the likelihood that the Palins' may be too busy to worry about Wooteninzing Levi. Don't forget about the 25,000 emails headed toward public scrutiny.
Keep the drip, drip, drip coming.
It's my experience that the chld support will be decided by the judge, not the VF or the Palins. They can talk turkey all day about what they think is due.
ReplyDeleteMy ex SIL was all over the place with finances and numbers. He didn't get anywhere with that in the long run.
Just give the finance statement and the judge will make the decision. Alot of the extra money requested has to be justified. I don't see that that has happed yet by Bristol.
It's all over the internet now that Levi was ordered to pay retroactive child support. You are sure this wasn't decided?
ReplyDeleteGood grief! No hearing until Sept. 23rd. Just think of all the PR the Palins/Johnstons can conjure up between then! And, the big bucks!
ReplyDeletePretty soon we will hear Levi say..."They won't let me see my baby and I have to go on T.V. to tell my side of the story."
Get ready for lots of..."Good cop/bad cop."
I agree with anon @1:51 pm. Butler isn't proving to be a good lawyer or advisor. Seems as if it's time for a change. Also, is it not possible for the judge to order these two youngsters into mediation?
ReplyDeleteMaybe, just maybe...Levi's lawyer told him to stay home b/c Bristol hasn't furnished any of HER financial detail and that nothing would be worked out today if she doesn't so it will have to "go to court" then van flea says. oh I'm confident things will be worked out in 2 wks....YEA b/c DISCOVERY IS A BITCH!!!
ReplyDelete$P is raising money for Michele Bachmann & the Republicks in MN on April 7.
ReplyDeletehttp://tinyurl.com/ycr47o2
Anonymous 5:04--really? Butler isn't proving to be a good advisor? Have you read his pleadings? Have you seen any of his arguments? Has he shared with you his strategy for this case? Do you know whether or not his client has made decisions on his own with which his lawyer does not agree? After all, the old saying is that lawyers make recommendations and clients make decisions. So, for you to speak with such assurance certainly suggests that you--an anonymous poster on a blog--has been privy to both attorney/client communications and the attorney's thought processes. If you have not, then you have precisely zero basis for your opinion.
ReplyDeleteAnd you announce with such confidence that it's time for a change. Really? Have you seen the scheduling order so that you know what the various deadlines might be (other than the evidentiary hearing set for September)? When will the depositions be going forward? How many depositions has Mr. Butler taken or defended? And how has he done?
I normally don't get so exercised but very seriously, anyone who presumes to say that Butler isn't fully competent to handle this representation is talking through their butt. I know a whole lot of extremely good lawyers who save their efforts for when it counts and don't grandstand when it doesn't--and decide when to do one or the other for very sound strategic reasons. I also know a lot of lawyers who work closely with experts in a particular area, whether or not those experts formally appear in a case.
The single dumbest thing that I can think of is the notion of Levi accepting representation from a "name" like Gloria Allred or Gerry Spence or anyone who has managed to get themselves in the public eye. They may do well in certain situations but put them in something like this, where a judge will make the decisions, and it would be wholly counterproductive. It may very well be that Levi is inundated with offers from lawyers who would love to use this representation for their own publicity and, if he's turning down those offers, he is very smart.
The fact is that those of you offering opinions as to how Levi should handle this simply have no basis to do so. Neither do I--and I have a measure of substantive expertise in legal matters. But none of us are privy to what is really going on here. From what I gather, Gryphen does have a basis to offer an opinion since he is at least in communication with these people. But for virtually anyone to chime in here with respect to what should or should not happen is silly.
There are two different stories out there...and I'm sure one was planted by the PaYlin clan!
ReplyDeleteThe first story was threw AP and KTUU
No Where does it say Levi has to Pay anything!!!! It says there will be a trial on Sept 23.
* Email
* Print
* Text Size
Child support trial set in Palin, Johnston case
Associated Press - February 25, 2010 3:04 PM ET
PALMER, Alaska (AP) - Bristol Palin, the 19-year-old daughter of Sarah Palin, attended a 20-minute child support hearing in Palmer Superior Court, but the father of her son did not appear.
Levi Johnston, Bristol Palin's former fiance and current Playgirl model, also did not participate by phone Thursday.
The judge told Johnston's lawyer it would have been better if Johnston had participated.
Bristol Palin is seeking nearly $1,700 a month in child support. Palin's lawyer is seeking to subpoena Playgirl and media outlets to find out how much Johnston made last year.
The judge encouraged Johnston's lawyer to get his client's financial information to the court and said it was past due.
The judge set a trial date for Sept. 23, but encouraged the two young people to work out child support before then.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
****
PAYLINS ARE SPREADING LIES AGAIN!!!!
WTF? There are 2 AP reports...from KTUU also:
ReplyDeleteJudge OKs child support for Bristol Palin's son
Associated Press - February 25, 2010 7:44 PM ET
PALMER, Alaska (AP) - A judge says Bristol Palin is entitled to child support and is urging the former governor's daughter and the father of her son to resolve their differences outside of the courtroom.
The judge set a court date of Sept. 23 in case an out-of-court settlement can't be reached between Palin and Levi Johnston.
The judge approved child support for Palin retroactive to the day her son Tripp was born. That amount still needs to be determined.
Bristol Palin is seeking nearly $1,700 a month in child support to care for the boy.
She attended the 20-minute child support hearing in Palmer Superior Court, but her former fiance did not appear or participate by phone.
Johnston's attorney said he had "every confidence" that the child support issue would be resolved in the next two weeks.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Rex and Tank are into this for one thing only...MONEY they won't be satisfied until they have drained every last penny they can legally from Levi.
ReplyDeleteLong time reader, first time poster (on this site).
ReplyDeleteAs a single parent, I know something about child support payment amounts. $1700-$1750 a month (range of figures reported today) for one child seems a bit high, even when one parent earns $105K per year.
So, I went to Alaska's child support calculator tool (https://webapp.state.ak.us/cssd/guidelinecalc.jsp?_function=calculate). And I find the results very curious.
Based on a early earned income of $105K (no deductions or other payments), child support payments year for one child are $1287 per month. So, why the request for $1700-$1750?
Payments for two children? $1738 per month.
Curious, no?
From my experiences in Alaska a judge will act like you are stupid for coming to a hearing one time because they were just setting a date, then the next time you don't go because they are just setting a date they are upset about it. It's like they have some kind of personality disorder. Of course I had public defenders who on four occasions did not even tell me about hearings. Here is the thing, if there is a miscommunication or issue and they want someone to participate in a hearing it can be done on the phone. Most people have a cell phone, all they had to do is take a five minute break, call him and have him appear on the phone if it was so important. There was a hearing they did not tell me about and not only the court, but unbelievably the public defender agency claimed they did not have my phone number(a clear lie on both sides), and even if it was true I was required to give that information to the court clerk, it was about ten feet from the court room and would have taken about a minute to get. So, they play games, use it for taking a posture(to show, the defendant is irresponsible and is not here kind of thing)of negativity against someone(legal truthiness in action). I had them tell me to appear on the phone all the time, but when they wanted me to appear in the court they would not tell me, I lived somewhere else, so Judge Esch would get all pissy about it when really I was only doing what I thought they wanted me to do. Then the judge tried to block me from being in the court during the restitution hearing which I found puzzling until I realized later he knew before hand what he was going to do, it was not based on fact or reality, was clearly corrupt, they were leaking lies to the news media(editor is a friend of his wife), and the leak was mostly lies. They had gone so far as to have my hearings in a seperate court room or at the very end of the day so others could not hear me speak out in the past. They did not want me there to refute their lies. Judge Esch actually said there was a precident that the defendant did not have to be there for that kind of hearing. So, Levi is probably trying really hard to do what they want, but can't figure out what they heck it is.
ReplyDeleteThis is a p.r. ploy on the palin's part. The wording of that AP article shows clear bias on the Palin's side. Shows you the level they'll stoop to for attention.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what Levi's lawyer's specialty is, but I think he should get a lawyer with child custody experience.
If they hadn't worked things out by now, I doubt they'll be able to before it goes to court.
"But for virtually anyone to chime in here with respect to what should or should not happen is silly."
ReplyDeleteUh, isn't that the whole premise of the "comment" section of a blog?
I went back to look for the AP story that was predominantly on the Yahoo News front page and it was not taken down, but not displayed prominently. I suspect AP took the info from somewhere else ( TMZ?) and are now walking it back. Didn't any local news have a reporter present today, or was it just not that kind of hearing. I mean, if there was no public access, how does anyone know what happened today if it didn't come from one of the parties? I smell a Palin rat f@cking with Levi.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the fact that there is an opportunity to express oneself means that it's appropriate or constructive to offer opinions as to specific factual situations about which one has no personal knowledge. Or to say what someone in that situation should or should not do.
ReplyDeleteIt's like the difference between offering your personal experiences with a medical situation ("I have had cancer.") vs. announcing what treatment a stranger should have ("He really needs to dump his doctor and hire this guy I've heard about from a friend of a friend who has really good ads.") But most people do appreciate the difference, I would think.
September is a long ways off in this soap opera. For all we know, it will be "Sarah, who?" by then.
ReplyDeleteLevi sometimes treats the important events in his life with distain and disinterest... it is at times like this that I believe he doesn't really want to be a father. He needs act like a man and step up to the plate; if he doesn't, then he does not deserve to get any consideration by Bristol Palin.
ReplyDeleteAre you man enough to be the father of that little boy, Levi? Or are you only interested in the same thing that your almost mother in law is interested in: money? Stop being a putz. Be a man.
I don't know why this has to be so difficult. (I know, I know...these are the Palins)
ReplyDeleteThey should use the formula from the state website to figure out the support amount, all you have to do is enter the figures & that is that.
Levi should have done this every month from day one & made it a good faith gesture. It's pretty much based on the 2 parent's income, how much custody each parent has, & how many children are involved. He was a fool to use the money as bait to see Bristol & Tripp.
I know it is just a guideline, but it is fair.
When I broke up with my son's father, I wanted full custody because the man is a douche. But it is not fair to the child to be separated from a parent unless the douche is also dangerous. (he was a bit, but I couldn't prove it)
My point being, even if a person is a douche, they still deserve to see their children. (I pity all of the students/children that have filtered through this man's 2nd grade classroom over the years.)
Anyway, this mystery needs to be cracked by November so that no more Rebilicans get elected.
Keep it up G!
Payments for two children? $1738 per month. Curious, no?
ReplyDeleteThat is like confirmation that they are asking for child support for 2 children. For some reason Levi is gagged.
Levi must pour his poor heart out. If he made a deal with the devil he needs emergency help.
Emma said...
So, I went to Alaska's child support calculator tool
one child are $1287 per month @ income of $105K
Thank you Emma. The AP and followers need this information and to make a correction. Levi needs PR and family law lawyer. The Judge is giving 7 months to mediate, Van Flein says 2 weeks to settle child support.
I just want to comment that *depositions* of the companies Levi worked for is way overkill. If this case was in California where I live it would not be allowed. Just subpeonas for documents would be allowed. And yes it's better to show for a hearing even if your attorney says you don't have to. Why? They might agree to something that you wouldn't. Some family law attorneys presume to negotiate without their client's approval.
ReplyDeleteOT: remember that big drug bust that involved a club near the Palin's home? Club owner was just sentenced in federal court to 1 yr home confinement, plus he lost the club, for distributing cocaine & possessing ~76 grams. http://www.adn.com/2010/02/25/1157136/drug-charge-nets-strip-club-owner.html
ReplyDeleteAnd Sherry got what in state court for selling a couple, 3 pills? Seems disproportionate.
The Draft Palin for Vice President fund was set up AT LEAST AS EARLY AS August 23, 2007, ACCORDING TO THEIR OWN RECORDS. This fund WAS ESTABLISHED BY NONE OTHER THAN SARAH PALIN. See http://palinforvp.blogspot.com/2007/08/smear-campaigns-begin.html
ReplyDeleteDON'T BELIEVE FOR A MINUTE THAT MCCAIN WAITED UNTIL ANY TIME IN 2008, LET ALONG AUGUST 2008, TO SELECT PALIN. SHE HAD CAMPAIGNED FOR THE POSITION FOR OVER A YEAR BEFORE SHE WAS PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED – ACCORDING TO HER OWN RECORDS. TALK ABOUT A STAGED BEAUTY CONTEST: THIS IS A STAGED BEAUTY CONTEST IN SPADES. TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW WHO DOES NOT KNOW THIS FACT; SHE DID NOT FAKE THE PREGNANCY TO INCREASE HER CHANCES: SHE FAKED THE PREGNANCY KNOWING SHE WAS ALREADY IN THE RUNNING.
I am willing to bet money that the real reason that Van Flein and Palin wanted the hearing closed is because the real request IS ACTUALLY FOR TWO CHILDREN. And because Levi signed a confidentiality agreement, it may be that even the existence of the confidentiality agreement itself could not be made public – even by the court. (At least not unless Levi were able to spend a ton of money to overturn it based on fraud in the inducement, violation of public policy, hush money to conceal a crime, etc. – I said from the get-go that he should have hired Alan Dershowitz, who would have torn the Palins new anatomy parts) In fact, it may be that Levi signed a confidentiality agreement that did not include a standard adoption provision. His responsibility may just be to keep his mouth shut, but he may not have gotten completely out from under the total responsibility of paying for this child. After all, I'll betcha he didn't have a good lawyer representing him when he signed the agreement.
ReplyDeleteTHIS IS REALLY GETTING INTERESTING. Yes, once it all comes out, the media will talk about it for months because it REALLY IS A SOAP OPERA, A 24/7 REALITY SHOW, and a major drama show of epic proportion. And it includes sex by definition. Don't worry, though: Sarah is sittin' at home even now, schemin' as to how she will get paid mega-bucks for the movie rights.
hey gryphen, maybe levi is waiting for the results of a dna test before he participates any further! har har
ReplyDeleteGryphen, have checked Alaska vital records for birth, marriage, and death certificates of the important players for the last three years or so? Do you have anyone who is terrific with genealogy working on this as well?
ReplyDeleteEmma,
ReplyDeleteIt may have taken you a while to post, but it was worth the wait. What a good find. I checked your work and you are spot on.
Wow, where to now? Anyone else feel like this is a wild ride we are on?
Emma I got the same figures...
ReplyDeleteMonthly Child Support Payments with Credits/ Debits
1 Child $1,287.00
2 Children $1,738.00
Donna: The judge does not have the paperwork that was due from Levi. His attorney is responsible for entering his financial info into the record. He didn't.
ReplyDeleteHe is NOT doing his job!
VF is a proven non-contender, but it doesn't take a good attorney to win, it takes a bad attorney to lose a case. Taitz? No prep, no info, didn't file anything on time, didn't consult or contact clients and witnesses.
Sound familiar?
Emma, I have been thinking about the numbers and think that she is asking for the 20% support for 1, which would be $1400 + the controversial $300 for healthcare/insurance.
ReplyDeleteOn an adjusted income of $84,000 - it would be $1400 for one child and $1900 for 2.
I think I jumped to conclusions and did the math incorrectly. It is late and I need to sleep on this.
Anon @ 8:59: If he was under a confidentiality agreement, he wouldn't have spent a year going on talk shows & giving interviews that all said one thing: One of these days, I'm gonna talk. I'm gonna write a book. I've got sh*t to spill... someday.
ReplyDeleteWell, it's been a long time, he's getting trampled, and he's taking it. He's got nothin'. If he had anything, they'd treat him more carefully.
Let the hope reign on, I'm not even gonna pop popcorn.
And for the lady who wants to set the rules as to who can say what, and what guidelines they have to use? The internet is wide-open. Feel free to set up a site, and spend hours every day filling it with content. THEN you set the rules, because you earned that right.
Oops. Minor correction to my post at 6:08 (to avoid any confusion).
ReplyDelete... Based on a yearly earned income of $105K (no deductions or other payments), child support payments for one child are $1287 per month. So, why the request for $1700-$1750? ...
Note, there is a very small increase in the child support amount based if the wages are not "Alaskan wages". Answering N to that question increases the child support amount for one child to $1290, and for two children, to $1742.
http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/another-palin-aide-leaves-care-family
ReplyDeleteAnother Palin Aide Leaves "To Care For Family"; Sarah Less Than Gracious About The Departure
IM link is in the comments!
Yes, Meg, write a book...
Thu, 02/25/2010 - 18:29 — Kate
... and tell us what happened to the real Trig Palin, the baby with the ear deformity:
http://theimmoralminority.blogspot.com/2010/0...
Morbidly fascinating...
Don't know about marriage and death, but Alaska birth certificates don't become public records for 100 years.
ReplyDeleteI've asked before and I'll ask again, why doesn't Levi get a competent family attorney? This is not Rex's area of expertise.
ReplyDeleteAlan Dershowitz is a very fine appellate lawyer. He also is strong on criminal and constitutional issues. He has never handled a family law matter and has no knowledge or expertise in that or Alaska law. To bring in Mr. Dershowitz (for whom I have great respect) would be to add a big name, which would not be persuasive to the judge in the least, would look like pandering to the media, and would accomplish nothing constructive. Names do not win cases.
ReplyDeleteI do get your points, Donna, and many of them are good ones. But I stick to my opinion that Levi, and any other parent in his position, needs a family law specialist handling a family law case.
ReplyDeleteAs you suggest, it is possible that Butler has retained a family law consultant. . .but still, that is not the same as having a family law attorney present at actual hearings who is able to think/response on his or her feet to unexpected moves on the part of opposing counsel or unexpected questions/requests on the part of the judge.
I can think of no reason why an attorney would ask a client to not be present in a family law hearing. None. Other types of law, yes, especially when the hearing is just procedural.
Levi had to be there to manifest his devotion to and responsibility toward his child.
Don't get me wrong--I certainly am not (and would not) advocate for someone to "go to school" on a client, particularly in such an important matter. Yes, you need specialization for specialized matters. My point is that we don't know what the game plan is here and it well may be that a family law practitioner appears at a time that makes strategic sense and is directing matters now.
ReplyDeletebig drug bust that involved a club near the Palin's home
ReplyDelete==================================
PJs is in the Spenard section of Anchorage, 40 miles from Wasilla. Nothing to do with the Palins.
Could it be that Levi & his atty are playing for a little extra time in lieu of the recent MIRACLE DISAPPEARING BABIES EXPOSE to see how the Palinistas are going to play it?
ReplyDeletePossibly their whole case against Levi could be false.
7:06 AM
ReplyDeleteThis is Palin neighborhood.
Ricky Reese of Wasilla, part of major meth bust.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Four men, one of them the owner of a Wasilla pool hall, were rounded up in what prosecutors say is quite possibly the largest seizure of methamphetamine headed for Alaska.
Neighborhood: Shooters Billiards is almost next door to the Palin compound
MAP:
Shooters Billiards in Wasilla
Neighborhood: Chimo Guns (Craig Pell, whose family owns Chimo Guns)
VIDEO with Chimo Guns
Again, you make some very good points, Donna. But I wonder: was BRISTOL there??
ReplyDeleteIf she wasn't then I pull in my horns!!
Tripp needs his dad!
ReplyDeleteIn answer to anon, yes Bristol was present.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of being there for the court hearing, I have thought for a long time that Levi is fairly hopeless. Like Bristol, he needs to grow up and take on responsible behaviour. As for this financial demand might push him to publish a book ... gimme a break. That opportunity has come and gone.
Gryphen, this article only asks for Levi's financial statements. Why not Bristol's? Has she already submitted them? If so, are they online anywhere? If she has not supplied them, why didn't the judge ask for them?
ReplyDeleteFrankly...I don't know what to think abt Levi anymore. Even if my attorney told me that I did not "need" to be at the hearing....I would have been there come hell or high water. I would have been there even if I had had to stand out in the cold. What's up with him, anyway.....
ReplyDelete