A Review of the Year in Family Law: Increased Mobility Creates Conflicts

Abstract

This article provides a brief review of pertinent cases in family law between September 2001 and September 2002. Whether families were impacted directly by the tragedy of September 11th, the nation as a whole suffered a psychic trauma. The tragic events reaffirmed the importance of family and family ties. This year's cases reveal continuing struggles over who can marry, who can adopt, and who can challenge paternity. Same-sex couples seek to legitimate their relationships with each other and with children through adoption and marriage laws. As families become more diverse and more mobile, custody disputes arise between same-sex partners, grandparents, stepparents, and others who have stood in loco parentis.

Chart 1: Alimony/Spousal Support Factors Chart 2: Custody Criteria Chart 3: Child Support Guidelines Chart 4: Grounds for Divorce and Residency Requirements Chart 5: Property Division Chart 6: Third-Party Visitation Chart 7: Appointment Laws in Adoption, Guardianship, Unmarried Parent and Divorce Cases.

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