Child Neglect

Every child has the right to expect that their parent or primary responsible caregiver will reasonably and prudently provide clothing, food, medical care, protection, shelter, and supervision. When a parent or primary responsible caregiver fails to provide the essential things to a child, a child may be neglected. Child neglect is more common and sometimes more devastating than child abuse. Often times child neglect and abuse are referred to in the same type of context.

Changing a Minor's Last Name

The issue of changing a minor's name is a rapidly emerging issue due to divorce, same-sex marriages, and parents using different last names. In the United States, there has been a tradition for centuries and a general assumption that a child born in wedlock will carry their father's last name or surname.

Sterilization of an Incompetent Individual

Sterilization of an incompetent individual is a hotly contested area of the law. Some states permit sterilization requests and others do not. From a traditional standpoint, the decision of whether to sterilize an incompetent individual is a family decision.

Child Support and the Military

Enforcement of child support with respect to active military personnel is different than that of enforcement of civilian child support. First and foremost, locating the military individual can be difficult.

Marriage of Underage Children

In most states, a person must be 18 in order to marry; however, in many states a minor 15 years or older may get married with legal permission from a parent or guardian. You have to be 16 to get married with parental consent in the State of New York. If you are under 16, you need a court order giving you permission to marry.