| Post Decree Modification of Spousal Support |
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| While a divorce case is pending, a court has the power to dissolve the parties' marriage, to resolve issues of child custody and child support, to divide the parties' debts and liabilities and to order the payment of spousal support. The court has the power to take these actions because it has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter. Once a final divorce decree is entered, the case terminates. |
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| Medical Support for Children |
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| In most states, child support guidelines require that the cost of health insurance and extraordinary medical expenses of the child be included in establishing each parent's child support obligation. |
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| Adoption |
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| An adoption is a legal process by which a person who is not a child's biological parent obtains all of the legal rights and responsibilities of the child's biological parents. |
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| International Child Abductions |
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| Family abduction or parental abduction is the taking of a child by a parent, in most circumstances. An international child abduction involves an additional element of crossing the nation's borders. |
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| Contested Adoptions Initiated by a Biological Parent |
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| The consent of the biological parent or guardian of the child must be obtained before a valid adoption can take place, unless there has been a waiver or forfeiture of parental rights. Therefore, if it can be shown that the biological parent or guardian did not consent to the adoption, there may be sufficient grounds upon which to set it aside. |
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