Chapter 2 -
Parents and Children - Questions for Discussion1. Discuss the various bases considered by the court in making an award of custody and visitation>
2. What are the jurisdictional bases described by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act? Discuss and give an example of each one in operation.
3. Compare and contrast legal custody and physical custody.
4. Define, compare, and contrast sole and joint custody.
5. What are the factors considered by the court when making custody determination? What are the fundamental concerns of the court in making a determination of custody?
6. Describe the circumstances under which a county agency would be interested in brining a paternity action against a presumed father.
7. Under what circumstances may a minor petition for emancipation? If granted, what will the effect of such a declaration be? (Be thorough, do no simply say "he or she will be treated like an adult.")
8. Under what circumstances will the court terminate a parent's parental rights?
9. List the factors that the court cannot consider when making a child custody determination?
10. At what age may a child decide for himself/herself where to live?
11. Describe a Freeman Order (concerning visitation) in detail.
12. Under what circumstances will a custodial parent be allowed to relocate her or his residence (and that of the minor child)?
13. Explain the circumstances under which grandparents would be allowed to request orders of the court relating to their grandchildren.
14. Describe the circumstances under which the Department of Social Services will intervene on a child's behalf. What is the mechanism of this intervention? Where are these issues heard, and how (if at all) does this differ from the "Family Law" Department.