Child Custody & Support
| Role of Income Tax Returns in Determining Child Support Obligations |
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| In order to properly determine a parent's child support obligation, it is important for the court to know what the parent actually earns. Tax returns reveal not only what a parent has historically made, but may also reveal amounts the parent has been concealing or if the parent is intentionally impoverishing him or herself. More... |
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| Change of Circumstances in Child Custody |
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| Before a court will consider a motion to change custody of a child, the person seeking the change is required to allege and prove a change in circumstances affecting the child and that the change is necessary or that the benefits of changing custody would outweigh the disruptive effect of uprooting the child. More... |
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| Former Stepparent Visitation Rights |
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| A stepparent is considered a legal stranger to a child and is not automatically entitled to visitation rights. However, where a close relationship between the child and the stepparent has been established, a court will consider granting rights of visitation and in some case, stepparents have been awarded legal custody. More... |
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| Modification of Custody based of Preference of Child |
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| As a child grows older and begins making decisions affecting his or her own life, a child might decide that he or she wants to go live with the "other" parent. Whether the court approves the move depends on the age and maturity of the child, the reason, for the move, and the ability of the parent to care for the child. More... |
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| Change of Residence in Child Custody |
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| The change of residence of the person who has physical custody of a child does not automatically require a change of custody of the child or relitigation of the issue. The laws vary from state to state as to who has the burden of proving that the relocation will constitute a material change of circumstances affecting the child and whether the change is in the child's best interests. More... |
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