Also known as: domestic relations laws · family law
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A body of law governing family relations.
Daniel Diaz and Dorothy Daniels disagree over physical custody and monthly support payments for their two children after separation. They submit the matter to an arbitration organization under a written agreement. The arbitrator resolves the child-related issues by applying state domestic relations statutes to set a parenting schedule and support amount.
Demetrius Douglas and Delilah Duran contest ownership of a jointly acquired home and retirement accounts following the end of their marriage. The court treats the disagreement as arising under state domestic relations statutes and applies equitable distribution principles to divide the assets.
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Destiny Davis faces a state petition to end her parental rights to her infant after repeated neglect findings. The court requires the state to prove its case by clear and convincing evidence before severing the parent-child relationship and freeing the child for adoption.
Deanna Davenport seeks a share of assets accumulated during her long cohabitation with her former partner. The court recognizes an implied agreement theory and awards her compensation for contributions to the household and business under domestic relations principles.
Dorothy Daniels petitions for visitation with her grandchildren after their mother limits contact. The court applies a presumption favoring the fit parent's decision and denies the request absent a showing that denial would harm the children.
Demetrius Douglas faces jail time for failing to pay ordered child support. The court appoints counsel because incarceration is possible and requires the state to prove ability to pay before imposing punishment.
It governs marriage, divorce, parent-child relations, custody, support, property division, domestic violence, assisted reproduction, adoption, and premarital agreements.
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No. Model Rule 1.5(d)(1) bars contingent fees in domestic relations matters when payment depends on securing a divorce or the amount of alimony, support, or property settlement.
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It defines a family law dispute as a contested issue arising under the family or domestic relations law of the state, which then determines whether arbitration may proceed under the act.
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It includes any family law dispute concerning legal or physical custody, parenting time, visitation, or financial support for a child.
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…for First Principles, Inc., by Ronald D. Ray; for Liberty Counsel by Mathew D. Staver and Rena M. Lindevaldsen; for the Pro Family Law Center et al. by Richard D. Ackerman and Gary G. Kreep; for Public Advocate of the United States et al. by Herbert W. Titus and William J. Olson; for the Texas Eagle Forum et al. by Teresa…