Family Law Newsletters

Child Citizenship Act Of 2000 – Overview

The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 is a federal law that went into effect on February 27, 2001. The Act provides that certain children who are born outside of the United States automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when they meet the requirements of the Act.

Establishment Of A Guardianship

A guardianship is a legal right given to an individual to be responsible for the care, housing, and basic necessities of another individual, commonly referred to as the ward, who is deemed incapable or unable to care for himself or herself.

Requirements Of The Indian Child Welfare Act

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is a federal law that sets minimum standards for the removal of Native American children from their homes. The ICWA applies to foster care placements, terminations of parental rights, and adoption and pre-adoption placements. When the ICWA applies to a proceeding, a state court must comply with the requirements of the act.

Separation

A separation constitutes the living apart of spouses. The spouses are not yet permitted to remarry because they are still legally married. The separation can be either legal or non-legal in nature. A legal separation generally refers to a separation that is ordered by a court.

Sexual Harassment In Schools

A school cannot be held liable for ignoring the usual schoolyard behavior such as teasing and cruel behavior. However, the school may be liable for failing to take reasonable action against serious and long-term student sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is defined as harassment of an individual on the basis of gender.