Family Law: Child Custody

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses a hypothetical custodial and child support-related case (Smith vs. Smith), in which the father is suing for child support payments from his ex-partner, despite the fact that neither is the child's biological parent. The paper essentially discusses the issue of child custody when reproductive technology is used and the extent of responsibility by the parties involved.

From the Paper:

"Still, child support modification cases have increasingly stressed appropriateness of situation, in lieu of traditional family structures, such as Graham v. Graham (Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia, 1991, Areen 822-825). This case stressed how cohabitation and remarriage should not necessarily be a factor in deciding fitness, unless these issues adversely affect the life of the child, as well as the fact that states are taking a more active role in ensuring that individuals continue to take an active financial and personal life in the lives of their child, even subsequent to a divorce. This goes even so far as to suspend driver's licenses for individuals who shirk appropriate court-ordered support payments, as in State Department of Revenue v. Beans (Supreme Court of Alaska, 1998, Areen 853-856)."

More papers on Family Law: Child Custody:

• Persuasive Essay # 103820 : "Child Custody, Women and the Law"
• Essay # 45336 : "The Law is a Blunt Instrument"
• Term Paper # 22862 : "Child Support Distribution"

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