Family law

Family law

Law that deals with family-related issues such as spousal abuse, legitimacy, adoption, surrogacy, child abuse, and child abduction.

Industry: Legal services

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Family law

The area of law, also known as domestic relations law, which generally refers to divorce, dissolution, custody, visitation, support, and paternity. While families also come to the court for adoption, ...

contested case

Legal services; Family law

A case in which the defendant opposes, resists or disputes what the plaintiff has asked for in the complaint.

domestic partners

Legal services; Family law

Generally, the phrase refers to two people who live together in a committed relationship intending to be emotionally and financially responsible for each other, but are not legally married.

affidavit

Legal services; Family law

A written statement that is signed under the penalty of perjury and sworn to before a person who is officially permitted by law to administer an oath.

legal separation

Legal services; Family law

When married people decide to separate but remain legally married because they no longer get along, but want to protect significant religious, social, legal or financial interests. A legal separation ...

lawyer

Legal services; Family law

A person licensed to practice law, such as as an attorney, counsel or solicitor.

opening statement

Legal services; Family law

The introductory statement made each party (or their lawyer) at the start of a hearing or trial. Typically, this statement explains the version of the facts best supporting each side of the case, how ...