The Law Dictionary for Everyone
A couple that no longer wants to be married, but needs time to work out certain financial issues, may obtain a legal separation in most states. Also referred to as a “judicial separation,” a legal separation must be obtained through a court order, and is usually a prelude to actual divorce, though not always. It is not necessary to obtain […]
Read moreWhen parties to a dispute come together before a court or tribunal to present information and evidence fore the purpose of allowing the court to make a decision on the dispute, it is considered to be a trial. In the U.S., a trial occurs in a formal judicial setting before a judge with the authority to adjudicate disputes and claims, […]
Read moreFamily court is a delegation of authority from the states’ superior courts, tasked with hearing matters specific to family law, such as divorce and child custody. First established in the U.S. in 1910, the purpose of family law court is to provide families specialized services and obtain the best possible results in family law matters. Each state has specific laws […]
Read moreGuardianship is a legal relationship established by the court in which a person is given legal authority over another person when he or she is unable to make safe and sound decisions regarding his or her person, or property. Legal guardianships commonly involve minor children, but may also be ordered for developmentally disabled adults, or incapacitated adults. To explore this […]
Read moreAlternative dispute resolution refers to any methods used to resolve a dispute between parties without resorting to litigation. Alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) may make use of a third party, such as a mediator, but it is not required. One of the benefits of alternative dispute resolution is that it reduces the load on an overburdened court system. In addition, it […]
Read moreA person showing contempt is one who views another person, entity, or situation with disdain or scorn, or who treats people with dishonor, or considers them disgraceful. Contempt of court involves an individual showing a lack of respect for the court, or for the rules and procedures of the court, or who defies the court’s authority. To explore this concept, […]
Read moreWhen a family falls apart due to the death of a family member, a divorce, a separation, or any other circumstance, many grandparents fail to recognize that they have certain legal rights when it comes to their grandchildren. Most states have laws that allow grandparents legal rights to seek visitation, or even custody of their grandchildren when they find it […]
Read moreThe legal term grounds for divorce refers to the legal reasons for which a couple may be granted a divorce. Such grounds for termination of a marriage may be based on the fault of one or more parties demise of the relationship, or it may be no fault, in which neither has to state the other has done something wrong. […]
Read moreThe foster care system is responsible for placing at-risk children with families other than their own, in group homes, or in institutions when they are unsafe, or are at risk of harm in their current situation. Other situations in which a child may be placed in foster care include the loss of his parents due to death, the inability of […]
Read moreThe term imputed income refers to the treatment of an individual’s income as if it is greater than what he is actually earning. While income may be imputed for a variety of purposes, from taxation to healthcare, it is most commonly used in reference to the determination of child or spousal support in family law matters. For example, if the […]
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