| Same-Sex Marriages, Civil Unions, and Domestic Partnerships |
| Although many people interchange the terms same-sex marriage and civil union, they are actually two different and distinct concepts. A same-sex marriage is defined as a marriage between two individuals of the same gender. A same-sex marriage involves a certain legal status for the couple. Further, each state has its own requirements with respect to marriage. More... |
| Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act |
| The Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act (UMDA) is an extensive uniform law which provides standards governing marriage, divorce, property distribution, alimony, child support, and custody. Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana and Washington have adopted it. The major provisions eliminate fault divorces, eliminate traditional defenses to divorce, provide for equitable distribution of property in non-community property states, provides for distributing community property, provide for alimony only in specific circumstances, and base child support and custody on certain factors.More... |
| Bifurcated Divorces |
| A court may order the termination of the marriage of a husband and wife, while reserving the resolution of certain issues for a later time. This procedure is called a "bifurcated divorce." When a bifurcated divorce is ordered, issues such as the division of the spouses' property, child custody, and child support are decided at a separate trial or hearing, after the marriage is terminated. More... |
| Establishment of a Guardianship |
| A guardianship is a legal right given to an individual to be responsible for the care, housing, and basic necessities of another individual, commonly referred to as the ward, who is deemed incapable or unable to care for themselves. More... |
| Adoption and Safe Families Act - Termination of Parental Rights |
| The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) requires a state to file a petition to terminate a parent's parental rights to a child if:More... |
|
||
|
||
|
