Sunshine has worked over the years to change many of the rules that pertain to his court, getting results that many didn’t expect. Through changes he has helped make and others, he came to Wednesday’s meeting with a message: Lawyers must read the rules before appearing in matrimonial court, especially if they don’t regularly practice there.

“Kings County has new revised matrimonial rules that people need to read,” he said. “There is new legislation, issues involving venue, transfer of cases, new uniform rules for matrimonial parts in Kings County.

“We now have a uniform compliance conference order,” Sunshine continued. “People need to make sure that these conferences are not complaining conferences, that you are really complaining. Statewide, there is a new page limit rule which judges can opt to utilize. There are new statewide rules regarding post-judgement cases and transferring cases to where kids may be located.”

The judge also offered practical advice for those who practice in his court: Try not to be so serious. The judge explained that because of the tough nature of some of the cases that come before him, that his sense of humor is essential for not letting the harsh reality of those cases affect his personality.

“We deal with some very difficult things during the day, but you still have to maintain your sense of humor,” Sunshine said. “You have to maintain the fact that you are dealing with people’s lives. It’s important to you as a judge and also them as litigants.”

The Bay Ridge Lawyers are hosting a “Breakfast with Santa” at the Fort Hamilton Army Base Community Club starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Registration is required to attend and guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift which will be donated to the children living on the Fort Hamilton army base.

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