Mediation is one form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that allows parties to seek a remedy for their conflict without a court trial. Parties work with a mediator, who is a neutral third party. Usually, mediators have received some training in negotiation or their professional background...

Stepparent adoption is the most common form of adoption in the United States. Once the adoption is finalized, the stepparent assumes full financial and legal responsibility for his or her spouse’s child and the non-custodial parent’s rights and responsibilities are terminated. Stepparent adoptions are handled according to...

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990, recognized the civil rights of a large class of citizens with physical and mental disabilities by making it illegal to discriminate against them in employment, transportation or public services and accommodations. Since its enactment, much...

As many can attest, going through a divorce can be a difficult experience and the process can become contentious. Even after the spouses reach a settlement, conflict may continue to arise, particularly when a parent fails to make the required child support payments. In these cases,...

“Do it yourself” divorce is fraught with risks – even if your case is “simple” and both parties agree on all issues regarding division of property, support, and child custody and visitation. As many have learned the hard way, it is all too easy to make critical...

Most people think of marriage as a declaration of love and commitment, not as a legal contract that defines the financial and familial obligations of each party. That is, until they start negotiating a divorce settlement and discover their state’s policy on the division of marital...

A divorce is one of the most stressful things a person can experience. In some cases, spouses can amicably work out and settle their differences. But in far too many others, one spouse is determined to make the process as painful as possible. These are some...

For most people, the idea of divorce conjures up worries over stress, money, and time. But divorce does not have to be the knock-down, drag-out fight often depicted in the movies. Most issues can be resolved using something known as a separation agreement. A separation agreement is...

You've proposed to the woman of your dreams, and she said yes. You've set a date, prepared the invitations – and, of course, you gave her an engagement ring. But if the wedding plans fall through and you and your fiance split, who keeps the ring?...

Going through a divorce can be a difficult process, especially when the proceedings become contentious. In fact disputes about spousal support and child support often arise, and it is not uncommon for one or both spouses to attempt to conceal their assets from each other and...