Family Law Newsletter

The Marital Home

The marital residence is often the most valuable asset of the marriage. Sometimes, it is the only asset of the marriage. Thus, its classification for property distribution purposes is very important. 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...

The Hague Convention and International Child Abductions

The Hague Convention is a private civil device that may be used by a custodial parent in their attempt to gain the return of their child that was taken over international borders without their permission. Many countries have adopted the Hague Convention. The countries that have adopted the Hague Convention have agreed that they will assist in returning a child that has been abducted and wrongfully detained in their country. More...

Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act

In 1996, the Federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) was signed into law. PRWORA was enacted to increase efficiency in establishment, enforcement, and collection of child support obligations. The law requires all states to adopt the Uniform Interstate Support Act by January 1, 1998, eliminating the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act (URESA) system.More...

Personal Protection Orders and Family Violence Issues

A personal protection order, or PPO, is an order issued by the court precluding another individual, a respondent, from contact with the petitioner. A petitioner may file an application for a PPO after providing information that would support the grant of the order. More...