Valerie V. Staley
Family Law Newsletter
Abortion and Parental Consent
 
Not only is informed consent required prior to obtaining an abortion; in many states parental consent is required in order for a minor to obtain an abortion. States have different requirements with respect to parental consent. More...
 
International Adoption - Home Study
 
United States immigration laws require prospective parents to undergo a "home study" before they can adopt a child from a foreign country. A home study is an investigation into the prospective parents' fitness to raise an adopted child. A home study is conducted by an individual or agency that is licensed by the prospective parents' home state.More...
 
Child Citizenship Act of 2000 - Obtaining a Passport for a Child
 
Some children who are born outside of the United States may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. However, no proof of citizenship will be issued to the child's biological or adoptive parents unless such proof is requested. Parents may obtain proof of citizenship for their child by applying for a Certificate of Citizenship from the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In the alternative, the parents may apply for a passport for the child from the United States Department of State.More...
 
Sterilization of an Incompetent Individual
 
Sterilization of an incompetent individual is a hotly contested area of the law. Some states permit sterilization requests and others do not. From a traditional standpoint, the decision of whether to sterilize an incompetent individual is a family decision. More...
 
Self-representation In a Divorce Action
 
There is no requirement that parties to a divorce action hire an attorney to represent them during the divorce proceedings. Either party or both parties may represent themselves during their divorce proceedings. Whether one chooses to represent themselves or hire an attorney, is a personal choice. One should weigh the advantages and disadvantages involved in self-representation.More...
 

 

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