The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The law in the U.S. recognizes that, when parents separate or divorce, the children need to have frequent and continuing contact with both parents, in order to ensure both parents are able to share in the rights and responsibilities of raising healthy, happy children. The court has discretion in accomplishing this goal, and often awards primary physical custody of the […]
Read moreAny property that is acquired during the period a couple is married is considered marital property, belonging to both spouses equally, regardless of which spouse paid for it, or how it is titled. This may include such things as houses, furniture, appliances, and other types of personal or real property. Financial assets and debts acquired during the period of the […]
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 moreA prenuptial agreement is a legal contract made between two people before they become married. The contract details the property rights of each party, as well as the financial remedies in the event that the couple divorces. Prenuptial agreements are also referred to as “prenups,” “antenuptial agreements,” or in modern cases, “premarital agreements.” Such agreements are designed to protect the […]
Read moreA 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 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 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. […]
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