| Dependency Proceedings |
| There are several circumstances that may lead to the removal of a child from his or her parents to become placed as a dependent of the juvenile court. Some of these grounds are the removal of children who have suffered or are likely to suffer neglect or abuse. Other situations include the inability of the parent or guardian to provide regular care for the child due to mental illness, developmental disability, or substance abuse. A child may also become a dependent of the court if the child's parent has become incarcerated or institutionalized and has been unable to arrange for care of the child during that time. More... |
| Post-Adoption Contact with Grandparents |
| Traditionally grandparents were generally assumed to have no legal standing to seek visitation or custody of their grandchildren over the objection of the children's parents. Occasionally, a court exercising the state's parens patriae power would place a child with a grandparent when a parent died, was abusive, or was otherwise incapacitated. When parental fitness had not been challenged, however, both common law and constitutional precedents supported the right of parents to determine whether or not their children could spend time with grandparents.More... |
| Civil Harassment |
| Domestic violence cases involve a special relationship between the parties. The special relationship may be created by: (1) a family relationship, such as husband and wife; or (2) cohabitation, i.e., the parties live together. Civil harassment cases do not involve a special relationship between the parties. A civil harassment complaint may be filed against any person, even if that person is not a spouse or a cohabitant. More... |
| Areas of Concern During Divorce Proceedings |
| There are numerous questions that are raised during divorce proceedings. Whether the parties are represented by counsel or are representing themselves, numerous issues should be discussed. More... |
| Guardian Ad Litem |
| What is a guardian ad litem? A minor cannot be a party to a lawsuit without assistance. Therefore, when a minor is a party to a lawsuit, the court appoints a guardian ad litem to represent the minor. More... |
Law Offices of Henry B. Hurvitz
