The divorce process is governed by state law. So, the process can and often does differ from one state to another....more
As a recent post by Stephanie Stecklair Tarantino notes, many family law attorneys are gearing up for what is commonly known as busy season. This is an increase in divorce matters that typically occurs after the holidays....more
National Foster Care Month is an initiative led and promoted by the Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Social Services. At this time each year, the Bureau takes the opportunity to acknowledge foster...more
Covid-19 has created a new world order. With many courts closing their doors to the public for all but the emergent cases, some litigants are concerned that their case will stall. The necessity of social distancing raises new...more
November has been declared National Adoption Month with November 23rd designated specifically as National Adoption Day. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “The designation of National Adoption Month...more
Your bundle of joy has arrived! Naming your child is a significant decision. For some it is an easy decision. For others it is not so easy. So, what happens if birth parents don’t agree and one parent wants to change the...more
In today’s economy, many litigants are searching for a kinder, gentler way to resolve divorce matters. One way to ease the burden may be through Alternate Dispute Resolution (“ADR”). Family Court Civil Rule 16.1 provides...more
Family Court judges are charged with making custody and visitation decisions regarding Delaware’s children. In each case brought before the judge, he or she sets custodial and residential arrangements in accordance with the...more
Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson did it. So did Iggy Azalea and Nick Young. What do these couples have in common? They both called off their nuptials before the big day....more
Divorce cases can involve an array of marital assets. And, what is valuable may change from one state to another....more
November has been declared National Adoption Month with November 18th designated specifically as National Adoption Day. The designation of National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day serve to raise awareness about the...more
During October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, recent posts on Family Matters have explored aspects protection from abuse orders in Pennsylvania. Like Pennsylvania, Delaware can issue civil protection from abuse...more
Many families are built or extended through adoption. Most people are familiar with the purpose and nature of adoption – the creation of a permanent parent/child relationship between a child and the adopting parents. When a...more
Earlier this year Delaware enacted House Bill 337 regarding child marriage. Previously, Delaware law allowed minors to marry if a Judge of the Family Court signed an order allowing the minor to marry....more
In addition to dividing assets and debts, Delaware Family Court has the authority to divide marital personal property such as furniture, dishes, candlesticks and televisions. If the parties cannot agree on the division of...more
There is no question that pets can be – and often are – beloved members of the family. Much as we love them, it probably doesn’t surprise anyone to know that in many jurisdictions pets are considered personal property in a...more
Many spouses change their last name when they get married. If the marriage ends in divorce, they may choose to resume their maiden or former name....more
Although Delaware’s Standby Guardianship Act became law nearly a decade ago, many are still unfamiliar with the concept. This type of guardianship serves such an important purpose and is important to understand....more
More and more divorcing couples are electing to engage in mediation outside of the courthouse in an effort to amicably resolve issues of property division and alimony. This option is often appealing because it can be a...more
There is no doubt that divorce litigation can be a stressful process. While there will be factors and forces outside of your control, there are things you can control and steps you can take to reduce your stress level. ...more
Medical divorce is a term coined some years ago to describe a divorce obtained for medical reasons. More specifically, according to an article by George Diepenbrock, researchers defined “medical divorce” as “an instance where...more
A lawsuit in North Carolina related to the end of a marriage has garnered a great deal of media coverage lately. The Charlotte Observer reported that Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman, Fletcher Cox, is being sued by a...more
Family Court judges are charged with making custody and visitation decisions regarding Delaware’s children. In each case brought before the judge, he or she sets custodial and residential arrangements in accordance with the...more
Virginia Commonwealth University recently announced the results of a new study examining the battle of nature v. nurture in divorce. According to the new study, “’Genetics, the Rearing Environment, and the Intergenerational...more