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What is family law?

Family law refers to the laws governing marriage, divorce (including child custody, child support, alimony, and paternity), and adoption.

What is divorce?

An absolute divorce is a divorce in which a marriage is completely dissolved. An absolute divorce can be granted on the grounds of marital misconduct (at-fault) or on the grounds that the relationship no longer works (no-fault). All states offer no-fault divorce; however, some states require a separation period before the divorce can be granted.

In a limited divorce, also known as "separation", both parties terminate cohabitation but remain married to each other. Some couples decide to separate on a trial basis to determine whether divorce is the best solution to their marital difficulties.

For more detailed information on the different types of divorce, you may want to contact a divorce lawyer today.

What is an annulment?

In addition to divorce, there is another option available to dissolve a marriage, known as an annulment. An annulment treats the marriage as if it never existed. There are several grounds for an annulment, including:

• Misrepresentation - for example, lying about already being married
• Concealment - for example, non-disclosure of a sexually transmitted disease, felony conviction, or drug addiction
• Non-consummation of the marriage - for example, the refusal or inability to consummate the marriage
• Misunderstanding - for example, one party thinking that the other wanted children when they did not

What is child custody?

There are four types of child custody:

• Legal custody - a form of child custody in which one parent has the right to make decisions about the child's upbringing.
• Physical custody - a form of child custody in which one parent has the right to live with the child.
• Sole custody - a form of child custody in which one parent has both legal and physical custody of the child.
• Joint custody - a form of child custody in which parents share legal custody, physical custody, or both.

If either parent is unable to care for the child, a grandparent or other relative may be awarded custody.

For more detailed information on the types of child custody and how custody is determined, contact a family attorney today.