The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Adoption is a legal process that establishes a relationship between a parent and a child that is recognized by the law. After an adoption takes place, the parent is legally and morally responsible for the child in every way. The adoptive parent may be either have a blood relation to the child, or have absolutely no relationship at all prior […]
Read moreThe Latin term in loco parentis, which means “in place of a parent,” or “instead of a parent,” refers to situations in which someone other than a biological parent takes on the role of parent to a minor child without formally adopting the child. This situation applies to legal guardians, stepparents, grand parents, and other situations in which an individual […]
Read moreThe term domestic violence refers to abusive behavior in any personal relationship that allows one partner to intimidate, or to gain power and control over the other. This is often thought of to occur between married spouses or in other intimate relationships, but actually refers to any family relationship, or persons living in the same home. Domestic violence includes physical, […]
Read moreEmancipation is a family law term that describes the process by which a child may become independent of his parents or guardians for legal purposes. The judicial process of emancipation confers on the minor the responsibility for his own welfare, assuming he is self-supporting. When a minor is granted emancipation from parents, he takes on the rights, privileges, responsibilities, and […]
Read moreCommunity property is a family law term used to refer to all of the personal and real property that a couple acquires during their marriage, which legally belongs to both spouses. If the couple divorces, the community property must be divided and distributed to the parties. The goal in most cases is to achieve an equitable division of the community […]
Read moreWhen parents separate or divorce, the issue of child custody comes about. Often, both parents believe they can offer what their child needs, and desire to have him or her live in their home. This sometimes results in bitter custody battles. The court’s focus in these situations is what is in the best interests of the child, when it comes […]
Read moreIn the eyes of the law, the raising of children, and the maintenance of a standard of living adequate for their development, are the responsibilities of both parents, and fundamental human rights for the children. When parents separate or divorce, financial responsibility remains with both parents, regardless of where the children live, or with whom they spend time. In family […]
Read moreThe term “child custody” refers to the legal and hands-on relationship between a parent and his or her child. Custody includes the parent’s right to raise, care for, and make decisions regarding the child. The natural state is for the child’s biological parents to make all decisions involving the child’s residence, healthcare, education, and religious upbringing. However, when couples separate, […]
Read moreAn annulment is a legal procedure that dissolves a couple’s marriage, though it differs from a divorce in that it restores the couple’s status to how it was before the marriage occurred, as though it had never taken place. For some people, divorce is not allowed by their religion, or carries a stigma. Additionally, some people find it easier to […]
Read moreFederal and state laws paint the issue of child abuse with a broad brush, including any type of cruelty inflicted on a child. This includes physical and child sexual abuse, mental abuse, psychological abuse, and exploitation. Specific crimes that may be charged under the umbrella of child abuse may include, among other things, assault and battery. Children subjected to the […]
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