| Actions between Spouses or Domestic Partners for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress |
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| Virtually every state recognizes intentional infliction of emotional distress as a civil tort. Most states have adopted the definition of the tort that provides no physical injury need be shown, but the plaintiff must show severe emotional or mental distress caused by the defendant's ''outrageous'' intentional or reckless conduct.More... |
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| Termination of Spousal Support |
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| Spousal support is defined as a court-ordered obligation to provide support to a former spouse. Spousal support was formerly called alimony in most states. Once a decree of divorce enters, an obligation to pay spousal support will terminate as provided in the parties' support agreement or the court's order.More... |
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| Tax Considerations Relating to Child Support |
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| For federal income tax purposes, payments of child support are not tax-deductible by the parent who makes the payments but child support is tax-free to the recipient. In order to qualify as child support, the amounts an ex-spouse receives must be designated as child support in the divorce or separation agreement. None of a payment that is lumped together as either family support or alimony is considered child support for tax purposes. In addition, family support or alimony is taxable to the recipient. More... |
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| Guardianships for Children |
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| A guardian is an individual who is responsible for the care, decisionmaking, and basic needs of a child. An individual may be appointed a guardian by the court by either the execution of a will or by the normal appointment process. If the parents have a will they may name the individual that they would like to care for their child in the will.More... |
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| Contested Adoptions Initiated by a Biological Parent |
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| The consent of the biological parent or guardian of the child must be obtained before a valid adoption can take place, unless there has been a waiver or forfeiture of parental rights. Therefore, if it can be shown that the biological parent or guardian did not consent to the adoption, there may be sufficient grounds upon which to set it aside.More... |
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