Marital vs Separate Property

There are two distinctions with respect to property and property division in divorce proceedings. The distinction involves which type of property the property constitutes for purposes of division.

Gifts to Grandchildren

Many grandparents want to give their grandchildren gifts. Giving gifts to grandchildren is also advantageous for the grandparents' estate because it may reduce the overall size of the estate and lower the estate tax burden.

Domestic Violence and Custody Issues

Domestic violence is conduct perpetrated by a spouse, family member, or any other person residing in the household. The State does not get involved in domestic violence issues unless the abuser has violated a criminal statute such as assault or battery. Violent events in the household constitute domestic violence if the victim is a family member or lives with the abuser.

Child Support Enforcement and Paternity Issues

At common law, a putative or alleged father of a child produced out of wedlock had no duty to support that child. However, the statutory law changed the common law and required both parents to support the child.

International Adoption - Home Study

United States immigration laws require prospective parents to undergo a "home study" before they can adopt a child from a foreign country. A home study is an investigation into the prospective parents' fitness to raise an adopted child. A home study is conducted by an individual or agency that is licensed by the prospective parents' home state.