AAML President’s Message – April 2025
By Laura C. Belleau, AAML President
On April 14, the House participated in a special meeting to vote on a statement regarding the Rule of Law, similar to what bar and legal associations across the country have promulgated and endorsed in recent weeks.
To ensure we heard from every governor, everyone present at the meeting was offered one minute to offer perspectives and positions on the statement or the option to waive time. The comments were inspiring and heartfelt, including someone who told of his coming to the United States from Canada and becoming a citizen. He explained how important standing up for the U.S. Constitution and the Rule of Law is to him given those experiences. We also heard from governors, including those from my state, who expressed concern over the statement, shared the hard conversations over the statement and informed the House that some Fellows strongly opposed its adoption by our organization.
I know there are Fellows who strongly believe the statement is too political, or is not in “our lane.” I know there are Fellows who disagree that a resolution of this nature should have been brought before the House — but choosing not to have the House decide would have also been an active choice.
I am proud to serve as president of an organization that allows free speech and a democratic process to adopt resolutions that define and further our mission. I am proud to lead an organization that encourages honest dialogue and fosters mutual respect, because it is only through those conversations that we can begin to understand. I am proud to lead an organization that unanimously passed a resolution confirming its commitment to the importance of the Rule of Law and as a guiding principle of our county that must be protected — without politics getting in the way — to ensure justice and fairness for all.
I encourage all Fellows to read the full statement, shared below.
Laura C. Belleau, AAML President
AAML Public Statement Supporting Rule of Law
In light of recent events, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) has issued a public statement which reflects the collective position of the organization in support of the rule of law.
This statement was reviewed and approved by AAML’s House of Governors on April 14, 2025, with 29 votes in favor and five abstentions, pursuant to notice of a special meeting given April 8, 2025.
The AAML joins other legal and professional organizations committed to the protection of equal access to justice and the due process rights of families and the importance of the rule of law. Recent Executive Orders, and other public statements and press releases from the Office of the President of the United States, undermine the public’s faith in an independent judicial process and the rule of law, threaten the safety and security of judges, lawyers and litigants, and erode trust and respect for our profession and state family justice courts. The AAML will continue to honor its mission to ensure justice and fairness for all persons involved in family court matters irrespective of race, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation or religious affiliation.
We understand that our community holds a diverse range of perspectives, and we remain committed to open dialogue, mutual respect and the mission that unites us.
Sincerely,
AAML House of Governors