The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The legal guardian meaning refers to someone with the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of another person. Typically, the courts appoint guardianship over a child or an incapacitated individual. Each state has its own statutes that outline the duties, powers, and responsibilities of a guardian. To explore this concept, consider the following legal guardian definition. Definition of Legal Guardian […]
Read moreThe term Order of Protection refers to a document issued by a court to protect victims of domestic abuse. The order limits the adverse party’s behavior by specifying the conduct allowed and prohibited. Failure to comply with an order can result in arrest and prosecution. To explore this concept, consider the following Order of Protection definition. Definition of Order of […]
Read moreThe term “child endangerment” is used to describe an act, or the failure to perform an act, that puts a child’s safety in danger. Examples of child endangerment can include any threats to a child’s physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing. Child abuse that is the result of child endangerment is typically charged as a misdemeanor, though abuse that results in […]
Read moreFamily law refers to the body of laws that pertains to family matters and domestic relations. It encompasses a wide range of issues including child custody, divorce, and adoption. Family law lawyers represent clients facing legal issues that involve any member of their family. Read on to learn more about family law lawyers. What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do? […]
Read moreA non-custodial parent is one who does not have custody of his or her children. While a non-custodial parent may enjoy visitation with the children, and may even be actively involved in their lives, the children do not actually live with the non-custodial parent. This means that a non-custodial parent does not have primary physical custody of his or her […]
Read moreThe term pendente lite is a Latin term that translates to mean “pending the litigation.” For example, pendente lite is used to describe court orders that are put into effect while litigation is still pending, in order to facilitate fair administration of justice. Pendente lite orders are most commonly issued in divorce actions. In divorce actions, pendente lite orders are […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, 798 N.E.2d 941 (Mass. 2003) Case Summary of Goodridge v. Department of Public Health: Seven same-sex couples were denied marriage licenses in the State of Massachusetts. They sued the government, stating that denying marriage to same-sex couples violates Massachusetts law. The state Superior Court granted the government’s motion […]
Read moreCovenant marriage is a type of marriage that only exists in three U.S. states: Arizona, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Louisiana was the first state to pass such a law back in 1997. In a covenant marriage, the spouses agree to seek pre-marital counseling. They also agree to accept more restrictions insofar as the grounds on which they can file for divorce, […]
Read moreWhile perhaps not as well known as adoption of a child, adult adoption remains a legitimate practice. An example of adult adoption might occur if a mother reunites with her adult, biological child, and wants to change the birth certificate to reflect herself as the mother. Another example of adult adoption might occur if an adult child seeks out his […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57 (2000) Case Summary of Troxel v. Granville: A Washington State statute allowed any person to petition the court for visitation rights at any time, and gave the court complete authority to make a determination in the best interest of the child. Petitioner grandparents sought, and the trial court […]
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