Family Law Forms Key Terms

Understand the key terminology associated with family law forms and documentation

The field of family law encompasses such areas as divorce, marriage annulment, child custody, child support and alimony. Family law pertains to any area of the law that affects the structure or status of a family. This specialized area of law has paperwork and documentation unique to the field.

It's important to understand the forms and documentation associated with family law when practicing. Forms are used to document court order or to petition for legal action. Learn about some of the key forms used often in family law.

Community property agreement

A community property agreement is usually used during estate planning. The document verifies that all property is jointly owned by spouses, that all future properties will be equally owned, and that the property will be inherited by the surviving spouse in the event of a spouse's death.

Petition for name change of a minor child

A petition for name change of a minor child is used in cases in which parents want to change the name of any child under the age of 18 for reasons other than adoption or paternity action.

Prenuptial agreement

A prenuptial agreement is a document filed prior to marriage in which a couple establishes an agreement regarding the ownership of residences, division of properties, alimony arrangements and other conditions in the event of divorce or death. Prenuptial agreements may not cover child custody or visitation rights.

Reconciliation agreement

A reconciliation agreement is a document filed by a married couple that has separated and wishes to reconcile legally. This agreement is usually filed after provisions regarding financial issues in the event of divorce or death and some nonfinancial issues.

Surrogate parenting agreement

A surrogate parenting agreement protects the rights of both the intended parents and the surrogate mother by regulating what genetic material can be contributed by certain parties and confirming legal guardianship of the child.

Separation agreement

A separation agreement is a form filed resolving issues of child custody, support and property division by a couple when they choose to separate. This form is not required in all states when applying for legal separation, but is recommended by most family lawyers if there are such issues involved.

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