Klemm v. Superior Court Of Fresno County

75 Cal.App.3d 893 (1977)

Facts

The Klemms decided to divorce, and Gail (W) filed for a divorce in pro per. At the dissolution hearing, attorney Catherine Bailey appeared for W. Bailey was a friend of both Dale (H) and W and because they could not afford an attorney, Bailey appeared without compensation. They agreed upon joint custody of their minor children to be split be two-week periods, and W waived child support. The trial judge granted the decree and awarded what was asked for but W was receiving AFDC payments, and the Family Support Division got involved and filed a written objection to the recommendation that H not be required to pay child support. Everyone appeared that a hearing to discuss that matter and Bailey represented that she was appearing for H. No written consents of joint representation were made between the parties. W testified in a confusing manner about whether Bailey's representation of H was permitted. The matter was continued, and the parties came back again, and written consents were filed by Bailey. The court denied the motion, and then H and W petitioned the court to permit such representation.