Family Law for Paralegals

by J. Shoshanna Ehrlich

• ISBN13: 9780735545564
• ISBN10: 0735545561
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-12-01
• Publisher: Wolters Kluwer

Summary

Introduce your students to family law with this current and comprehensive text. FAMILY LAW FOR PARALEGALS, Third Edition, Is a thoughtful and carefully written exploration of the many facets of the field. Proven effective in the classroom, The text provides: iquest; the nuts-and-bolts of the law, while also providing a relevant historical framework and exposure to some of the most dynamic issues in family law today iquest; iquest; comprehensive coverage, including the basics of marriage and divorce, plus cutting-edge issues such as nonmarital families, child abuse and neglect, and same-sex marriage iquest; helpful real-life examples that enhance the textual discussions, and sample forms that show students what they will encounter in practice iquest; clear, careful pedagogy, including summaries, key terms, and review and discussion questions that increase comprehension and help students develop critical thinking and writing skills iquest; a short historical overview in each chapter to give students necessary perspective on the topic iquest; a wide range of assignments in each chapter that allows students the opportunity to practice different skills, including research, analysis, memo writing, and argumentation The Third Edition is as current and relevant as possible: iquest; new developments and cases are integrated throughout the text iquest; contains the most recent information on same-sex marriage iquest; provides expanded discussion of the current debate over no-fault divorce, and whether divorce should be more difficult to obtain iquest; discusses ALIiquest;s new approach to custody, which recommends that states move from the iquest;best interestiquest; standard To The iquest;approximationiquest; standard allocating post-divorce custody rights to approximate past caretaking patterns of involvement

Table of Contents

List of Exhibits	xxvii
Preface	xxix
Acknowledgments	xxxi
Marriage	1	(42)
Marriage: Regulating the Relationship	1	(6)
Common Law Origins	2	(1)
The Civil Law Tradition	3	(1)
The Married Women's Property Acts	4	(1)
The Move to Legal Equality	5	(2)
Entrance Into Marriage: Choosing a Spouse	7	(11)
Marriage as a Fundamental Right	8	(1)
Restrictions upon Entry into Marriage	9	(1)
Incest	9	(2)
Multiple Marriages	11	(1)
Marital Age Restrictions	12	(1)
Same-Sex Couples	13	(5)
Marriage Formalities	18	(2)
Procedural Requirements	18	(2)
Consequences of the Failure to Comply with Technical Requirements	20	(1)
Common Law Marriage	20	(2)
Formation Requirements and Consequences	21	(1)
Interstate Recognition	21	(1)
Chapter Summary	22	(1)
Key Terms	23	(1)
Review Questions	23	(1)
Discussion Questions	24	(1)
Assignments	24	(1)
Cases for Analysis	25	(15)
Endnotes	40	(3)
Legal Recognition of Nonmarital Families	43	(42)
The Rights of Cohabiting Couples	46	(12)
The Marvin Decision	46	(2)
Contract Theories	48	(1)
Implied-in-Fact Contracts	48	(1)
Implied-in-Law Contracts	49	(1)
Trust Theories	49	(1)
Resulting Trust	50	(1)
Constructive Trust	50	(1)
The ``Marital-Status'' Approach	51	(1)
Documents That Establish Rights Between Cohabiting Partners	51	(1)
Sample Cohabitation Agreement with Explanatory Text	52	(6)
Domestic Partnership Initiatives	58	(4)
Eligibility Requirements	58	(1)
Benefits	59	(1)
Conferral of a Status	60	(1)
Statewide Registries and a Second Look at Civil Unions	60	(1)
The Debate over Domestic Partnerships	61	(1)
The Functional Family Approach	62	(2)
Adult Adoption	64	(1)
Chapter Summary	65	(1)
Key Terms	66	(1)
Review Questions	66	(1)
Discussion Questions	67	(1)
Assignments	68	(1)
Cases for Analysis	69	(13)
Endnotes	82	(3)
Premarital Agreements	85	(30)
The Traditional Approach	85	(2)
The Growing Acceptance of Premarital Agreements	87	(1)
Legal Requirements	88	(7)
Threshold Considerations	88	(1)
The Fairness Requirement	88	(2)
Requirements of Procedural Fairness	90	(3)
Requirements of Substantive Fairness	93	(1)
The Interdependence of Procedural and Substantive Fairness	94	(1)
Sample Agreement with Explanatory Notes and Drafting Considerations	95	(7)
Chapter Summary	102	(1)
Key Terms	102	(1)
Review Questions	103	(1)
Discussion Questions	104	(1)
Assignments	104	(1)
Cases for Analysis	105	(8)
Endnotes	113	(2)
Domestic Violence	115	(46)
The Traditional Approach	115	(2)
Early Reform Impulses	117	(1)
The Present Legal Approach to Domestic Violence	118	(27)
Obtaining Civil Orders of Protection Under Abuse Prevention Laws	119	(1)
Qualifying Relationships	120	(1)
Dating Relationships	121	(2)
Same-Sex Couples	123	(1)
Covered Conduct	123	(1)
Available Remedies	124	(1)
Refraining from Further Abuse	125	(1)
Vacate and Stay-Away Orders	125	(1)
No-Contact Orders	125	(1)
Custody and Visitation	126	(1)
Support and Monetary Compensation	126	(1)
Treatment/Counseling	127	(1)
Relinquishment of Firearms	128	(1)
Statutory Obligations of Police Officers	128	(1)
Court Procedure: Obtaining Protective Orders	128	(12)
Enforcement	140	(2)
Supplementing the Enforcement Process: Criminal Anti-Stalking Laws	142	(1)
The Federal Response to Domestic Violence: The Violence Against Women Act	143	(2)
Chapter Summary	145	(1)
Key Terms	146	(1)
Review Questions	146	(1)
Discussion Questions	147	(1)
Assignments	148	(1)
Cases for Analysis	148	(10)
Endnotes	158	(3)
The Law of Divorce, Annulment, and Legal Separation	161	(34)
Historical Overview	161	(4)
Religious Underpinnings	162	(1)
Marriage as an Indissoluble Bond	162	(1)
The Protestant Reformation	162	(1)
The English Experience	162	(1)
The American Experience	163	(1)
Divorce in the Colonies	163	(1)
The Rising Tide	164	(1)
Fault Divorce: Common Grounds and Defenses	165	(4)
Divorce Grounds	165	(1)
Adultery	165	(1)
Desertion / Abandonment	166	(1)
Cruelty	167	(1)
Defenses	167	(1)
Connivance	168	(1)
Condonation	168	(1)
Recrimination	168	(1)
Collusion	169	(1)
No-Fault Divorce	169	(9)
The Underpinnings of Reform	169	(2)
No-Fault Laws	171	(1)
No-Fault Grounds	171	(2)
The Divorce Counterrevolution	173	(1)
The Debate Over No-Fault Divorce	173	(2)
Legal Reforms	175	(1)
Covenant Marriage	176	(2)
The Law of Annulment	178	(3)
Distinguished from Divorce	178	(1)
Grounds	179	(1)
Marital Restriction Laws	179	(1)
Lack of Capacity or Intent	179	(1)
Consequences of an Annulment Decree	180	(1)
Children	180	(1)
Spousal Support and the Division of Property	180	(1)
Revival	181	(1)
Legal Separation	181	(2)
The Nature of the Action	182	(1)
Distinguished from an Action for Separate Maintenance	182	(1)
Chapter Summary	183	(1)
Key Terms	184	(1)
Review Questions	184	(1)
Discussion Questions	185	(1)
Assignments	186	(1)
Cases for Analysis	187	(6)
Endnotes	193	(2)
Child Custody	195	(70)
Evolving Legal Standards	195	(20)
Paternal Preference	195	(1)
The Shift to Maternal Custody	196	(1)
The Modern Best Interest Test	197	(1)
Formulating the Test	198	(1)
Applying the Test	199	(6)
Parental Lifestyle and Life Circumstances	205	(6)
Critiques of and Alternative Approaches to the Best Interest Standard	211	(1)
Gender Bias	212	(1)
Lack of Predictability	212	(1)
The Primary Caretaker Presumption	213	(1)
The American Law Institute's Approximation Rule	214	(1)
Custody and Visitation Arrangements	215	(11)
Physical and Legal Custody Distinguished	216	(1)
Sole and Joint Custody Distinguished	216	(1)
Taking a Closer Look at Shared Custody Arrangements	217	(1)
The Joint Custody Controversy	217	(2)
Legal Status of the Noncustodial Parent	219	(1)
Visitation Rights	220	(1)
The Visitation Schedule	220	(2)
When Unrestricted Visitation Is Not in a Child's Best Interest	222	(1)
Procedural Reforms: Parenting Plans and Parent Education Programs	223	(3)
Post-Divorce Custody and Visitation Disputes	226	(4)
Disputes About Custody	226	(1)
Disputes About Visitation	227	(1)
Relocation Disputes	228	(1)
Virtual Visitation	229	(1)
Determining Custodial and Visitation Rights of ``Nonparents''	230	(9)
Grandparents	231	(4)
Stepparents	235	(1)
Co-Parents	236	(3)
Chapter Summary	239	(1)
Key Terms	240	(1)
Review Questions	240	(2)
Discussion Questions	242	(1)
Assignments	243	(2)
Cases for Analysis	245	(16)
Endnotes	261	(4)
Child Support	265	(56)
Historical Overview	266	(1)
Administrative Framework for the Establishment and Enforcement of Child Support Orders	267	(2)
The Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement	267	(1)
At the State Level: The IV-D Agency	267	(1)
Eligibility for IV-D Services	267	(1)
Locating Absent Parents	268	(1)
Child Support Guidelines	269	(18)
Guideline Formulas	270	(1)
Percentage of Income	270	(3)
Income Shares	273	(1)
The Melson Formula	273	(1)
Determining What Income Is Subject to the Child Support Obligation	273	(1)
Defining Income	274	(1)
Setting the Income Base	275	(1)
Consideration of Specific Factors	275	(1)
Income of the Custodial Parent	276	(1)
Income of a New Partner	276	(1)
Income/Resources of the Child	276	(1)
Multiple Families	277	(1)
Extraordinary Expenses	277	(1)
Health Insurance	278	(1)
Custody and Visitation Arrangements	278	(2)
Financial Disclosure	280	(7)
Enforcing the Child Support Obligation	287	(8)
Data Collection and Sharing	288	(1)
Income Withholding	288	(1)
Liens	289	(1)
Federal/State Tax Refund Intercept	290	(1)
Credit Reporting	290	(1)
Licenses	291	(1)
Interstate Cases	291	(1)
The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) and the Full Faith and Credit for Child Support Orders Act (FFCCSOA)	291	(1)
Enforcement by Private Child Support Collection Agencies	292	(1)
Enforcement Under State Law Procedures	293	(1)
Criminal Nonsupport	293	(1)
Contempt	294	(1)
Modification and Adjustment of Support Awards	295	(2)
Modification Based on Changed Circumstances	295	(1)
The Review and Adjustment Procedure	296	(1)
Duration of the Parental Support Obligation	297	(2)
Termination of Support Prior to Majority	297	(1)
Emancipation	297	(1)
Parental Death	297	(1)
Adoption/Termination of Parental Rights	298	(1)
Extension of Support Beyond Majority	298	(1)
The Adult Student	298	(1)
Mental and Physical Disabilities	299	(1)
Tax Implications [of Child Support Awards]	299	(2)
Characterization of Child Support Payments	300	(1)
The Dependency Exemption and Child Tax Credit	300	(1)
Chapter Summary	301	(1)
Key Terms	302	(1)
Review Questions	302	(2)
Discussion Questions	304	(1)
Assignments	305	(2)
Cases for Analysis	307	(10)
Endnotes	317	(4)
Spousal Support	321	(38)
Historical Overview	321	(2)
English Roots: Alimony and Fault	321	(1)
Alimony on the Eve of the No-Fault Reform Era	322	(1)
Impact of No-Fault Reform	323	(3)
Property Division as the Primary Distributive Event	323	(1)
Shifting the Focus from Moral to Economic Considerations	323	(1)
Degendering the Support Obligation	324	(1)
Shifting from an Assumption of Female Economic Dependence to an Assumption of Economic Self-Sufficiency	324	(1)
Critique of the ``Clean Break'' Approach	324	(2)
Support Determinations	326	(9)
Factors to Be Considered	326	(2)
New Directions: Alimony Guidelines and the ALI Compensatory Principle	328	(1)
Alimony Guidelines	328	(1)
The ALI's Compensatory Approach	329	(1)
Different Approaches to Structuring Spousal Support	329	(1)
Permanent Alimony	329	(2)
Lump-Sum Support	331	(1)
Rehabilitative Support	332	(1)
The Professional Degree Cases	333	(1)
The Degree as Property	333	(1)
Spousal Support Options	334	(1)
Medical Insurance	335	(1)
Post-Divorce Modification and Termination of Support	336	(4)
The General Concept	336	(1)
Modifiability of ``Permanent'' Support	337	(1)
Remarriage	337	(1)
Cohabitation	338	(1)
Change in Financial Circumstances	338	(1)
Modifiability of Specific Types of Support	338	(1)
Lump-Sum Support	339	(1)
Rehabilitative Support	339	(1)
Reimbursement Alimony	339	(1)
Agreement of the Parties to Prohibit Modification	339	(1)
Enforcement of Support Awards	340	(1)
Contempt	340	(1)
Other Enforcement Measures	340	(1)
Bankruptcy and the Support Obligation	341	(1)
Tax Consequences	342	(17)
The Basic Rule of Includibility/Deductibility	342	(1)
Unallocated Payments	342	(1)
Recapture of Excess Payments	343	(1)
Chapter Summary	344	(1)
Key Terms	345	(1)
Review Questions	345	(1)
Discussion Questions	346	(1)
Assignments	347	(2)
Cases for Analysis	349	(7)
Endnotes	356	(3)
Division of Marital Property	359	(42)
Overview of the Two Marital Property Systems	359	(4)
The Community Property Approach	359	(2)
The Common Law Approach	361	(1)
Doctrinal Underpinnings	361	(1)
Equitable Distribution	361	(2)
The Property Distribution Process	363	(21)
Defining Property	364	(1)
The Tangible/Intangible Distinction	364	(1)
Divorce and the Family Pet	365	(2)
Unvested Pensions, Accrued Leave Time, and Professional Goodwill: Are They Property?	367	(3)
Classification of Property	370	(1)
Defining Marital and Separate Property	370	(1)
The Significance of Timing	371	(2)
Looking Beyond Definitions: The Complexities of Classification	373	(2)
Transmutation	375	(1)
Valuation	376	(1)
Valuation Methods	377	(1)
The Role of Experts	377	(1)
Time of Valuation	378	(1)
Distribution	378	(1)
The Standard for Division: Equal or Equitable?	378	(1)
Consideration of Specific Factors	379	(2)
Effectuating the Distribution	381	(3)
Tax Consequences of a Property Distribution	384	(17)
Chapter Summary	384	(1)
Key Terms	385	(1)
Review Questions	385	(3)
Discussion Questions	388	(1)
Assignments	389	(2)
Cases for Analysis	391	(8)
Endnotes	399	(2)
Jurisdiction	401	(26)
Overview of Subject Matter and Personal Jurisdiction	401	(2)
Subject Matter Jurisdiction	401	(1)
Personal Jurisdiction	402	(1)
Jurisdiction and the Divorce Action	403	(24)
Does the Court Have Jurisdiction to Dissolve the Marriage?	403	(1)
Does the Court Have Jurisdiction to Award Support?	404	(1)
Does the Court Have Jurisdiction to Divide Property?	405	(1)
Does the Court Have Jurisdiction to Determine Custody?	406	(1)
Jurisdictional Requirements Under the UCCJA and the UCCJEA	407	(1)
Initial Custody Determinations	407	(2)
Modification Jurisdiction	409	(1)
Declining Jurisdiction	410	(1)
Jurisdictional Requirements of PKPA	410	(1)
Chapter Summary	411	(1)
Key Terms	412	(1)
Review Questions	412	(2)
Discussion Questions	414	(1)
Assignments	414	(1)
Cases for Analysis	415	(9)
Endnotes	424	(3)
The Divorce Process	427	(96)
The Initial Client Interview	427	(12)
The Emotional Context	428	(1)
Conducting the Client Interview	429	(1)
The Role of the Paralegal	429	(1)
Ethical Considerations	429	(1)
The Ethical Framework	430	(1)
Specific Practices	430	(2)
Developing Good Listening Skills	432	(2)
The Interview Itself: A Three-Stage Approach	434	(5)
The Divorce Action: Initial Steps and Discovery	439	(29)
The Initial Steps	439	(1)
The Complaint	439	(4)
Filing the Complaint	443	(6)
Service of Process	449	(6)
The Defendant's Response	455	(3)
Discovery	458	(1)
General Purpose	458	(1)
Scope of Discovery	459	(1)
Discovery Methods	460	(7)
Discovery Difficulties	467	(1)
The Middle Phase: Moving Toward Resolution or Trial	468	(33)
Motions for Temporary Relief	469	(1)
Overview of Motion Practice	469	(2)
Specific Divorce Motions	471	(3)
Sample Motion and Supporting Affidavit	474	(1)
The Role of the Paralegal	474	(3)
Approaches to Dispute Resolution	477	(1)
Negotiation	477	(2)
Mediation	479	(4)
Arbitration	483	(1)
Reaching Resolution: The Separation Agreement	484	(1)
Drafting the Agreement	485	(1)
The Role of the Paralegal	485	(1)
Sample Separation Agreement and Comments	486	(15)
The Divorce Hearing	501	(3)
The Uncontested Case	501	(1)
Dissolving the Marriage	501	(1)
Approving the Separation Agreement	502	(1)
The Contested Case	503	(1)
The Pretrial Conference	503	(1)
The Trial	503	(1)
Trial Preparation and the Role of the Paralegal	504	(1)
Post-Divorce Proceedings	504	(19)
Post-Trial Motions	504	(1)
Motion for a New Trial	505	(1)
Motion for Relief from Judgment	505	(1)
Appeals	505	(1)
Overview of Appellate Practice	505	(1)
Appellate Procedure	506	(1)
The Role of the Paralegal	507	(1)
The Complaint for Modification	507	(2)
The Complaint for Contempt	509	(3)
Chapter Summary	512	(1)
Key Terms	513	(1)
Review Questions	514	(2)
Discussion Questions	516	(1)
Assignments	517	(3)
Endnotes	520	(3)
Paternity: The Weight and Meaning of Fatherhood When Parents Are Unmarried	523	(36)
The Emerging Legal Status of Children of Unmarried Parents	524	(8)
Common Law Status: A Child of No One	524	(1)
Early American Reform Efforts	524	(1)
The Roots of Reform	524	(1)
Creating Limited Family Rights	525	(1)
Legitimation	525	(1)
The End of Legal Innovation	526	(1)
Constitutional Developments	526	(1)
The Equal Protection Challenge to Differential Treatment	526	(2)
The Legal Status of the Unwed Father	528	(4)
Establishing Paternity	532	(7)
The Adjudication of Paternity	536	(1)
Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity	536	(3)
Following the Determination of Paternity	539	(1)
Paternity Disestablishment	539	(3)
Considering Best Interest: Conflicting Approaches	541	(1)
What Makes a Man a Father?	542	(1)
Paternity Claims Involving Sperm Donors	542	(17)
Sperm Donation and the Married Couple	543	(1)
Sperm Donation and the Unmarried Woman	543	(1)
Chapter Summary	544	(1)
Key Terms	545	(1)
Review Questions	545	(2)
Discussion Questions	547	(1)
Assignments	548	(1)
Cases for Analysis	549	(7)
Endnotes	556	(3)
Child Abuse and Neglect	559	(34)
Historical Overview	560	(4)
The Colonial Period	560	(1)
The Emergence of the Privatized Family	561	(1)
Child Rescue: Preventing Cruelty to Children	561	(1)
The Rescue of Mary Ellen	561	(1)
The Emergence of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children	562	(1)
The Rediscovery of Child Abuse and the Initial Legislative Response	563	(1)
The Child Protective System	564	(29)
Defining Abuse and Neglect	564	(1)
Physical Abuse	564	(1)
Sexual Abuse	565	(1)
Emotional Abuse and Neglect	565	(1)
Neglect	566	(1)
Drug Use by Pregnant Women	567	(1)
The Reporting of Suspected Abuse or Neglect	568	(2)
Screening and Investigation	570	(1)
Substantiated Cases: Federal Law and the ``Reasonable Efforts'' Requirement	570	(1)
Reasonable Efforts Prior to Removal	571	(1)
Removal of a Child	572	(1)
The Dependency Proceeding	572	(1)
The Reasonable Efforts Requirement	573	(1)
Permanency Planning	573	(2)
Chapter Summary	575	(1)
Key Terms	575	(1)
Review Questions	576	(1)
Discussion Questions	577	(1)
Assignments	578	(1)
Cases for Analysis	579	(10)
Endnotes	589	(4)
Adoption	593	(46)
Historical Overview	593	(2)
The Distinction Between Agency and Independent Adoptions	595	(3)
Safe Haven Laws	596	(1)
Agency Adoptions	596	(1)
Independent Adoptions	597	(1)
The Adoption Process	598	(6)
Adoption Based on Parental Consent or Relinquishment	598	(1)
Parental Consent to a Private Placement Adoption	598	(1)
Relinquishment to an Agency	599	(1)
What If a Parent Changes His or Her Mind?	599	(1)
Adoption Based on the Involuntary Termination of Parental Rights	600	(1)
The Adoption Placement	601	(1)
The Home Study	601	(2)
Configuration of Relationships During the Placement	603	(1)
The Social Study	603	(1)
The Adoption	604	(1)
Judicial Review and Approval	604	(1)
Making Adoption More Open	604	(3)
Open Adoption	605	(1)
Access to Adoption Records	606	(1)
Adoption in Specific Situations	607	(13)
Stepparent Adoptions	607	(1)
Adoption by Gay Men and Lesbians	608	(1)
Single Parent Adoption	609	(1)
Co-Parent Adoption	610	(1)
Joint Adoption	611	(1)
Unwed Fathers	611	(7)
Transracial Adoption	618	(2)
Adoption Abrogation and the Tort of Wrongful Adoption	620	(19)
Chapter Summary	620	(2)
Key Terms	622	(1)
Review Questions	622	(3)
Discussion Questions	625	(1)
Assignments	625	(1)
Cases for Analysis	626	(9)
Endnotes	635	(4)
Glossary	639	(18)
Index	657