The Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA) recognizes the right of state courts to distribute military retired pay to a spouse or former spouse and provides a method of enforcing these orders through the Department of Defense.
Read MoreMany courts have standard parenting plans they use when parents litigate custody. These plans differ depending on the time the child spends with each parent and the distance between them.
Read MoreChild support is established by court order. The amount of support is generally determined by guidelines provided by each state. Once established, child support remains in effect at the rate determined by the initial court order unless and until modified by a subsequent order.
Read MoreA power of attorney is a document that lets you name someone to make decisions on your behalf. This appointment can take effect immediately if you become unable to make those decisions on your own. For example, if you become mentally incapacitated or deploy to another country, you may be unable to make necessary decisions personally.
Read MoreIf you have been selected as an Attorney-in-Fact, you may exercise the powers authorized in the Power of Attorney upon signing. As a fiduciary acting on the Principal’s behalf, you must act prudently and reasonably in managing the Principal’s affairs.
Read MoreAll states require drivers to maintain minimum auto insurance coverage. Even so, one in five drivers lacks auto insurance. Make sure you have the right coverage.
Read MoreMost states require that personal injury cases for minors be approved by the court. In cases exceeding a certain amount, the court will require a hearing attended by both the minor and legal guardian.
Read MoreAdopting a stepchild is the most common form of adoption. A stepparent who adopts agrees to become the legal parent and be fully responsible for his or her spouse’s child. After the stepparent adoption occurs, the noncustodial parent (the parent not living with the child) no longer has any rights or responsibilities for the child, including child support.
Read MoreEvery state has laws providing for the termination of parental rights by a court. Termination ends the legal parent-child relationship. Once the relationship has been terminated, the child is legally free to be placed for adoption.
Read MoreApproximately 1/3 of adoptions in the United States involve foreign-born children. The process of international adoption will vary with the child’s birth country.
Read MoreMost adoptions are lengthy, expensive and emotional. Like all family law, adoption is a product of state law. However, most states have very similar adoption laws.
Read MoreA health care power of attorney is a document in which you designate someone to be your representative, or agent, in the event you are unable to make or communicate decisions about all aspects of your health care. Specifically, it empowers your agent to make health care decisions in the event of your incapacity.
Read MoreProbate is a court process to prove the validity of a will and to carry out its provisions.
Probate begins by choosing the proper court. Jurisdiction is normally specified in the will itself.
Read MoreProbate is the court process of proving the validity of a will and carrying out its provisions. As a general rule, assets solely owned by a person who dies is included in his/her “probate estate.”
Read MoreAn executor, or personal representative, is nominated by a person in his/her will and approved by a court to manage and distribute probate assets in accordance with the terms of the will.
Read MoreIf you have minor children, you should always name a guardian for them in your will. You should also name an alternate guardian in case your first choice is unable to serve for any reason.
Read MoreTestamentary trusts are trusts created in a will. Trusts are commonly created to provide for minor children following a parent’s death.
Read MoreSelecting qualified and trustworthy persons to manage your estate following your death can be difficult.
Factors to consider include:
Cost
Security
Permanence
Investment experience and policy
Conflicts of interest
Disinheriting a relative can be more difficult than you would imagine.
Read MoreIn a will, gifts are called bequests.
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