| Bankruptcy and Family Law |
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| In recent years family law has expanded to take into account issues concerning grandchildren, stepchildren as well as agreements and obligations between unmarried cohabitants, including gay and lesbian couples. The bankruptcy laws have lagged behind in addressing these developments. As initially enacted in 1978, the Bankruptcy Code did not except from discharge orders for the support of children born out of wedlock, the rights of parties to annulled marriages remain unclear, and other family-related obligations are not even addressed in the Bankruptcy Code.
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| Child Custody in Divorce Actions |
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| In most divorce cases involving parents of minor children, the parents resolve the issue of child custody in a parenting agreement. A parenting agreement is a plan for raising a child after the parents are divorced.More... |
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| Requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act |
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| The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is a federal law that sets minimum standards for the removal of Native American children from their homes. The ICWA applies to foster care placements, terminations of parental rights, and adoption and pre-adoption placements. When the ICWA applies to a proceeding, a state court must comply with the requirements of the act.
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| Termination of Spousal Support |
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| Spousal support is defined as a court-ordered obligation to provide support to a former spouse. Spousal support was formerly called alimony in most states. Once a decree of divorce enters, an obligation to pay spousal support will terminate as provided in the parties' support agreement or the court's order.More... |
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| Self-representation In a Divorce Action |
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| There is no requirement that parties to a divorce action hire an attorney to represent them during the divorce proceedings. Either party or both parties may represent themselves during their divorce proceedings. Whether one chooses to represent themselves or hire an attorney, is a personal choice. One should weigh the advantages and disadvantages involved in self-representation.More... |
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