The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Joint custody is a family law term that refers to a child custody arrangement in which both parents share the decision-making responsibilities and physical care of the child. Joint custody arrangements are often made during divorce proceedings, at which time they are defined by a court order. The exact terms of joint custody depend on the situation, as well as […]
Read moreWage garnishment is a legal procedure by which an individual’s earnings are withheld to repay a creditor. Wage garnishment takes place after the creditor has filed a civil lawsuit, and been granted a judgment against the debtor in court. In some cases, however, a court order is not required. Wage garnishment laws vary by jurisdiction, but most allow creditors to […]
Read moreSpousal support refers to the obligation of a person to provide financial support to his or her spouse after separation or divorce. The purpose of spousal support, also referred to as “alimony,” is to reduce the unfair financial effects of divorce on a lower-wage-earning spouse, and to help ensure each spouse is able to maintain the same standard of living […]
Read moreWhen a parent or guardian caring for children requests, or is receiving, public assistance, the state requires that the other parent fulfill his or her financial responsibilities toward their biological children. Whether the state welfare agency receives a new application for such public assistance as food stamps, welfare benefits, or Medicaid benefits, or is being asked to enforce a current […]
Read moreIn the United States, the legal system has recognized the importance of confirming a child’s paternity, which refers to who a child’s father is. Modern technological advances have made it possible to determine, without question, whether or not a man is a child’s father. This is important in the legal system, as it affects a man’s parental rights, as well […]
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 […]
Read moreWhen a couple divorces, the responsibility to provide for the family’s needs still exists. A great gulf often exists between the financial needs, earning capacity, and actual income of the individual spouses. The courts maintain that both parties are entitled to maintain the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage, or as close to it as possible. Also, the lower-earning […]
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