Family Law FAQs

What is family law?
Family law is an area of law dealing with family relations including, but not limited to, divorce, adoption, paternity, custody and support.

What is marital status?
Marital status refers to the lawful recognition of the agreement between a man and a woman to be husband and wife. Along with the legal marital status of being married, the husband and wife acquire rights and obligations to their respective spouses. The rights and obligations begin when the couple is married and may continue, to a certain extent, even after the termination of the marriage.

Can I leave my pension to my spouse or child?
In general, if you are married, your spouse is entitled to a portion of your pension if you die first. There is some cost to that, however, that usually serves to reduce the monthly retirement payments you would have received if the benefits were to be paid just during your lifetime. If you and your spouse agree, you can waive this survivor benefit protection, and/or sometimes name some other person(s) (such as a child) as your beneficiary. Consult with your family lawyer and review the plan summary carefully to find out your rights and responsibilities in this area.

What is child custody?
Child custody is a term that refers to the bundle of rights and responsibilities that a parent carries with respect to his/her child. Child custody includes numerous concepts, some of which overlap and some that are distinct. Your family lawyer in your state can help you make these distinctions.

What are the legal requirements for being married?
As in all areas of family law it is wise to consult with your lawyer. The legal requirements for a man and a woman to marry vary from state to state. Although there are differences between the requirements in the various states, a marriage between a man and a woman performed in one state must be recognized by every other state under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the United States Constitution.

What is a divorce?
A divorce, sometimes called a decree of "dissolution of marriage", is a court order terminating a marriage. It no longer exists. Unlike an annulment, which states that the marriage never existed, a divorce is the termination of a valid marriage. IF you feel you marriage is in trouble and divorce is imminent, you will need the services of a family lawyer.

MissouriFamily Law attorneys who specialize in the large practice area of family law can assist you with all of your legal worries pertaining child custody, divorce hearings and settlements, and alimony payments. Contact us know.

	Did You Know?
	There is an area of law that deals with the family. Family law is an area of law dealing with family relations including, but not limited to, divorce, adoption, paternity, custody and support.