Newsletters

Juveniles and Institutional Facilities

A juvenile may be held in a number of different facilities depending upon the particular issue or problem that the juvenile may have. For example, the juvenile may be arrested for assault and battery and may be held in a juvenile detention facility. Or the juvenile may have battered another individual and following a psychiatric examination, it was concluded that the juvenile was mentally unstable, the juvenile may be confined to a mental institution.

Out of State Move by Custodial Parent

In most states, courts permit a custodial parent to move out of state with the child if the parent has a legitimate reason for the move. Thus, noncustodial parents who seek to enjoin the custodial parent from moving or who seek to modify custody on the basis of a proposed move are generally unsuccessful.

Adoption and Safe Families Act - Reasonable Efforts

The Family Preservation and Support Services Act required states to make "reasonable efforts" to reunify families and prevent the permanent removal of a child from his or her home. The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) attempts to clarify the "reasonable efforts" requirement.

Divorce and Debt Division

During divorce proceedings, couples not only have to divide up their assets but they must also divide their debts. There are various types of debt that must be divided during divorce proceedings.

Elder Abuse

Not only are children the victims of neglect and abuse, the elderly are victims too. There are various types of neglect and abuse that elderly persons endure.