In marriage, abandonment is grounds for divorce in most states. Grounds arise when one spouse physically leaves the other with no intent on returning. Usually, the minimum time allowed to claim abandonment is one year, but it changes from...
family law
Abandon
Definition
Abandonment
See alsoAbandon
Absolute
Definitions
1) Property: Used in property law to describe an estate that is free from any limitations at all. Only a fee simple may be absolute.
2) Divorce: An absolute divorce is a final judgment of divorce that dissolves the marriage and allows...
Abuse
Definition
1) Abuse, generally: physically, sexually, or mentally injuring a person.
2) Child abuse: physically, sexually, or mentally injuring a child either with intent or through neglect.
3) Substance abuse: excessively using or misusing...
Access
Definition
1) In terms of copyright, access refers to the ability of a potential infringer to see or obtain the copyrighted material. Access is important in determining whether a potential infringer has in fact illicitly copied the copyrighted material...
Adoption
Overview
Adoption refers to the act by which an adult formally becomes the guardian of a child and incurs the rights and responsibilities of a parent. At the conclusion of the formal process, a legal relationship between child and guardian will have...
Alimony
When a marriage ends in divorce, one spouse may receive monetary support from the other. Oftentimes, the receiving spouse must be unable to support themselves without the help of their ex-spouse. Depending on the state, support may be based on a...
Child Custody
Child custody: an overview
In cases of divorce, the court of jurisdiction for the divorce proceedings also determines child custody arrangements. Under the common statutory provision, if the spouses have children together while married, the...
Child Support
child support: an overview
Child support refers to the sum that the noncustodial parent must pay to the custodian. This sum serves as a parental contribution for the child's basic living expenses, such as food, clothing, shelter, health care, and...
Children's Rights
children's rights: an overview
A child is a person and not a subperson over whom the parent has an absolute possessory interest. The term "child" does not necessarily mean minor but can include adult children as well as adult nondependent children....