Browse Marriage, Divorce & Family Law Articles

What is a Power of Attorney?

Almost everyone needs a power of attorney at some point. Find out what a power of attorney can do, how to get one, and why you need one here. more...

Beverly Rice - Oct 2007 - Estate Planning Basics
How Do Family Courts Split Up Debt upon Divorce?

Many American couples owe a staggering amount of money. They have mortgages on their homes, loans for their cars and use credit cards for both real emergencies and "emergency" luxury purchases. That debt may seem inconsequential when you are nesting in wedded bliss and everything is right in paradise, but if the marriage falls apart, who gets left holding the bills? more...

Ann MacDonald - Oct 2007 - Divorce
Mail Order Brides and the K-1 Visa

You've scoured the catalogs or gone through an international agency and found your foreign soulmate. A few phone calls, letters, maybe a visit, and she said yes to your marriage proposal. Now what? For your fiancée to come to the States, she must obtain a K-1 visa. The following will help you better understand just what to expect. more...

Beverly Rice - Oct 2007 - Immigration
Can you legally adopt an adult?

Maybe you finally found that son you've always wanted, but he just so happens to be 35. But adoption is just for babies and little kids, right? Who has a brand new daughter that's over 21? Regardless of what you think, it is both legal and possible to adopt yourself a healthy, bouncing grownup. Solidify another person's inheritance, formalize an already existing relationship or gain full responsibility for another adult's care with an adult adoption. more...

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy - Oct 2007 - Adoption
Is Your Child a U.S. Citizen if Born Abroad?

It is estimated that between 4 and 10 million U.S. citizens live abroad. And, some of these Americans have children in their current home country. Does being born in a foreign country mean these children can never fully enjoy Fourth of July fireworks, the right to vote, or the chance to become President? Read on to find out more.... more...

Michelle Fabio, Esq. - Oct 2007 - Family Law Basics
Why didn't Michael Schiavo seek a divorce?

When Michael Schiavo stated emphatically that he refused to divorce Terri or turn her care over to her parents, people across America began talking. The question on everyone's mind was: But, why not? It seemed that Americans could all agree on one thing: if he divorced her, the whole dilemma would have ended. So what kept him from doing so? Read more to find out.... more...

Susan Funaro - Oct 2007 - Living Wills
Foreign Adoption: What to expect when you adopt abroad.

The recent Tsunami disaster has certainly spurred new interest in international adoptions. But, if you're thinking of adopting one of the children orphaned by the giant tidal wave (or any bundle of joy from abroad, for that matter) -- you'll first want to make yourself familiar with adoption laws, not only the ones in this country but in the country you're adopting from as well. more...

Karen Edwards - Oct 2007 - Adoption
Gay Adoption: Why did the Supreme Court stay silent?

Was the U.S. Supreme Court making a statement when it declined to hear a gay adoption case? Most legal experts say the court's silence shouldn't be taken too seriously. Yet, given the publicity surrounding Florida's law, the court's refusal to hear Lofton v. Secretary of The Florida Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) would seem to communicate approval for the Florida adoption ban loud and clear. more...

Denise Callahan - Oct 2007 - Supreme Court
Top 10 Things NOT to Do When You Divorce

As anyone who's gone through a divorce can tell you, the process is rarely easy. Tensions run high, and couples often make poor decisions in the heat of the moment. Here are the top 10 tips on what to avoid when filing for divorce. more...

Jessica Zimmer - Oct 2007 - Divorce
Alec Baldwin leads battle over Paternal Rights In Divorce

Lately, fathers' custody rights have been the subject of news headlines... mostly because of the Alec Baldwin case. Baldwin's voicemail message to his daughter Ireland shocked many who heard him call her a "thoughtless little pig." He later accused his ex-wife, Kim Basinger of leaking the message in violation of a court order and said his words were delivered out of misplaced frustration at his former wife. more...

Monica Sanders - Sep 2007 - Celebrity Lawsuits