Newsletters

Post Decree Modification of Child Support

Generally, child support is a noncustodial parent's obligation to support a child until he reaches age 18, graduates from high school, or is otherwise emancipated. A child can be emancipated through a statutory process, by entering the military service, or by getting married.

In Loco Parentis

In loco parentis is Latin for "in place of a parent." A foster parent, a county custodial agency or a boarding school which is assuming the parental obligations for the minor, including protecting his/her rights, may be referred to as being in loco parentis.

Cohabitation Agreements

A cohabitation agreement is an understanding between two unmarried persons who live together as to how they have agreed to treat their individual assets and how they agree to manage, control, acquire and dispose of assets in the event the relationship terminates. The advantage of a cohabitation agreement is that, if properly drawn, it will reduce the stresses that would be involved if the cohabitation relationship terminates.

Right of Putative Father to have his Child Bear his Surname

In some instances, a putative father who gains custody or visitation of his child may want the child's surname changed from that of the mother's to his own. Neither parent has a paramount right over the other to assign to the child a particular surname, even in those jurisdictions that statutorily mandate the child's surname initially is to be that of the mother.

Termination of Spousal Support

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.