Can a child decide which parent to live with?
The child’s preferences are only one of many factors and in disputed situations, the court will decide based on the child’s best interests. See also… Family Law, Divorce, Custody
What does a will do?
What A Will Can Do… A testator is a person who leaves a will in force at his or her death. A will is a legal instrument which states how the testator’s property is to be distributed at death. A valid will avoids many of the problems that may arise from dying without a will […]
Changing a child’s last name after a divorce
Traditionally, courts ruled that a father had an automatic right to have his child keep his last name if he continued to actively perform his parental role. But this is no longer true. Now a child’s name may be changed by court petition when it is in the best interest of the child to do […]
Child Citizenship Act (international adoptions)
The Child Citizenship Act, approved by Congress, grants automatic citizenship to most adopted children born abroad, provided they are under 18 and at least one parent or legal guardian is an American citizen. About 20,000 such adoptions occur every year – about 15 percent of the adoptions in the United States – and the average […]
Child neglect — Definition
Child neglect may be defined as negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child, including the failure to provide adequate food, medical treatment, clothing or shelter. The exception is a parent or guardian legitimately practicing his or her religious beliefs who does not provide specified medical treatment for a child for that reason. However, such an […]
Which court in child custody cases?
Most custody decisions are made by family courts. However, where a juvenile court has found that a minor poses a threat to society if current custody arrangements continue, the juvenile court may turn over physical custody to the state. Jurisdiction is an issue that receives much attention. A court has the power to settle a […]