Browse Family Law Basics Articles

Are Parents Legally Responsible if Their Kid Is a Bully?

Can you be held responsible if your kid is a bully? More and more states are enacting strict anti-bullying laws like "Phoebe's Law" in Massachusetts, named for a 15-year-old girl who killed herself after being bullied. These changes in the law may make parents wonder about their legal responsibilities for their children's behavior—and rightfully so. more...

Michelle Fabio, Esq. - Sep 2010 - Family Law Basics
Protect Your Children: Pick a Guardian

A little effort now can save a world of painful problems in the future. Ensure that your kids will get the best childhood possible, no matter what.
 more...

Heleigh Bostwick - May 2010 - Family Law Basics
Sharing Fido: Does your state have pet custody laws?

Conflicts over a pet can be just as important to divorcing spouses as any issue when both spouses have developed a special connection to a companion pet and wish to maintain it. This feeling can be even greater where the couple has no children, and the dog or cat has taken on the role of the couple's "child." But unlike real children, for which extensive case law and statutory measures exist, pets have been largely ignored as a critical concern in a divorce. more...

Tim Clarke - Sep 2008 - Divorce
Having a Baby: Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities

Having a baby is one of the most life changing events you will ever experience. So, once you get past the initial excitement about the impending baby, it is important to consider the practical matters of bringing a new life into the world - legal preparation. Read more to find out how you can protect yourself and your baby. more...

Ann MacDonald - Sep 2008 - Home & Leisure
Can you get a Refund if the child you support isn't really yours?

The mother of your child wants to break up and wants nothing to do with you. And oh, by the way, she has a news flash for you. You know the child you've been supporting? The little girl who's been calling you daddy and snuggling on your lap? Guess what... you're not the baby's daddy after all. What now? more...

Leanne Phillips - Sep 2008 - Child Support
Craziest Name Changes

When a New Zealand court recently stepped in to change the name of 9-year-old Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii because her name "makes a fool of the child and sets her up with a social disability and handicap, unnecessarily," zany name changes caught the attention of the word over. So how crazy is too crazy when it comes to name changes? Here are five of the most recent unique requests. more...

Michelle Fabio - Aug 2008 - Family Law Basics
Top Five Must Dos for Every Parent

You may or may not have read every bit of literature out there on parenting. The funny thing is that very few of those books really discuss how a few small legal steps can go a very long way to not just protecting your child but your entire family and all the memories your family members make together. more...

Sherry Ciurzcak - Jun 2008 - Family Law Basics
Paternity Leave: Options for Dads-To-Be

Are you a working dad looking to take paternity leave? Did you know that dads can look to three main areas for help: federal law, state law, and his employer. Here is a little more to get you on your way to enjoying your family just in time for Father's Day. more...

Michelle Fabio - May 2008 - At the Workplace
Most Outrageous Name Changes

There are numerous reasons why one might change their name; a recent marriage or a business need for a more eloquent-sounding name. But, what some people have chosen just may astound you. more...

Stephanie Paul - Mar 2008 - Family Law Basics
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