Hell hath no fury like a reproachful footnote from an appellate court:
Thomas’s briefing on appeal, in particular, his reply brief, is full of the vitriol that is anathema to civil and professional conduct essential to the resolution of family law disputes. No less than eight times does Thomas’s counsel accuse Elizabeth’s counsel of unprofessional conduct, mainly because Thomas’s counsel disagrees with the way in which Elizabeth‟s counsel interprets the law or the facts. Thomas’s counsel also accuses the trial judge of bias and refers to the judge in a condescending manner. Arguing against Elizabeth’s contention of error in her appeal, Thomas’s brief states that the judge “didn’t get it all wrong.” (Original italics and underscoring.)
“Because of the complex and sensitive nature of marriage dissolution proceedings, it is in the best interests of both parties to resolve all issues expediently and congenially . . . .” (In re Marriage of Norton (1988) 206 Cal.App.3d 53, 58.)
Ouch. That is footnote 2 from Marriage of Knowles (PDF). See page four. Follow the link if you want to see the identity of the offending attorney. See page one; attorney for appellant. And let that be a lesson to us all.