The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The absence of fathers in the lives of their children in the United States is an issue of epidemic proportions. While some fathers choose to not share in the upbringing of their children, others seem to be left behind, as they fail to understand their rights as fathers under the law. Both biological parents have a legal right to request […]
Read moreThe Latin term ex parte is used in law to refer to court proceedings for the benefit of one party to a controversy, without the other being present. This is an exception to basic court procedure, which requires that both parties be present at any argument or proceeding, and that neither party may have contact with a judge without previously […]
Read moreEquitable distribution in divorce is the legal principle of dividing marital property during the dissolution of marriage. The majority of states recognize the principle of equitable distribution, using it when the court must determine how the property will be divided in the event the divorcing couple is unable to reach an agreement. In divorce, the term “equitable” does not mean […]
Read moreGetting married symbolizes more than just an emotional commitment, it entails a life-long commitment to mesh lives, commingle assets, and parent children. Ending a marriage through divorce also has life-long consequences, both legal and financial, as well as consequences for any children of the marriage. Because separating joined lives can be difficult and messy, each state has specific steps that […]
Read moreChild Protective Services (“CPS”) is a governmental agency tasked with receiving and investigating reports of child abuse or neglect. The Child Protected Services agency in each state must identify children who are being abused or neglected, monitor domestic violence that relates to children, and remove at-risk children to a safe environment when necessary. The agency also helps maintain preventive programs […]
Read moreThe Equal Protection Clause of Fourteenth Amendment took effect in 1868, specifying that no state will deny any person equal protection under the law. This amendment to the U.S. Constitution was put in place to prevent state and local jurisdictions from passing laws that were discriminatory in nature, thus making it illegal for states to pass laws that benefit only […]
Read moreIn law, the term “abandonment” may be used in a variety of legal issues, from contract law to real estate law, referring to the giving up or renunciation of an interest, privilege, possession, or right, with the intent of never reclaiming it. As the term applies to matters of Family Law, an individual may abandon a marriage, spouse, child, or […]
Read moreThe Safe Drinking Water Act (the “SDWA”) was put into effect in order to protect the quality of drinking water for people living in the United States. The Act comes from the Environmental Protection Agency’s responsibility to set safe drinking water standards for all states and water supplies. As a result, the Safe Drinking Water Act applies to every one […]
Read moreMarriage is the legal or formally recognized union between two people as partners in a relationship. Getting married requires the couple obtain a marriage license in the jurisdiction in which the marriage takes place, and involves a wedding ceremony of some type. Many states recognize what is known as “common law marriage,” which refers to a relationship in which two […]
Read moreCohabitation refers to situations in which two people live together, and are involved in an emotional and/or sexually intimate relationship. The term is commonly used regarding unmarried couples who choose to live together without officially getting married. Over the years, social values have changed in the U.S., making this an increasing popular option for people in a long term or […]
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