Family Law Newsletters

Abortion and Consent

The medical procedure of abortion is one of the most performed procedures in the United States. Prior to a woman seeking an abortion she should have sufficient information about the procedure. In some states abortion clinics may make the woman wait a period of time prior to performing the procedure. The most common period of time is a 24-hour window between the time that the woman enters the clinic requesting an abortion and the time that the procedure is actually performed.

Divorce and Wiretapping and other Interceptions of a Spouse's Electronic Communications

Divorce is a difficult time for both parties involved. States have different types of divorce and different requirements associated therewith. Some states have no-fault divorces and others have fault-based divorces. If the parties reside in a fault-based divorce state, information such as whether the opposing party was unfaithful, abused his wife, or engaged in other improper or illegal conduct may be admissible.

Elder Neglect

Elder neglect is a serious issue. This involves the neglect of an elderly individual. Elder neglect can range from instances where a caregiver withholds the appropriate attention from the elderly person to intentionally failing to meet the basic needs of the elderly person.

Foster Children

A child may be removed from a household if they are abused, either sexually or physically, or neglected. The child may be neglected in that they are not provided with their basic needs such as food, shelter, and emotional stability. The goal for the foster child is that the child be cared for by capable foster parents for a temporary period of time.

The Multiethnic Placement Act

The Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA) is a federal law, enacted in 1994, that prohibits racial and ethnic discrimination in connection with adoptions and foster care. A 1996 amendment, called "Removal of Barriers to Interethnic Adoption," reaffirmed and strengthened the MEPA.