Get free answers to your Family Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I recently discovered that my ex-wife illegally accessed my medical records at the hospital where she works, multiple times between 2023-2024, long after our divorce. The hospital confirmed this through an audit and is currently investigating for further breaches. I suspect she used this... View More
I live in Trumbull County, OH, and I have full legal custody of my 13-year-old son. I plan to move out of state, and my son wishes to stay with my brother and his wife, who are both ready and willing to take custody. The child's father cannot be located and does not pay child support. My son... View More
My child is 13 years old. I am moving out of state and he wishes to stay in Ohio. My brother is willing to care for him as long as it’s done legally. My child wishes to stay with my brother as well.
I had an attorney for my divorce who failed to inform me of three court hearings and possibly missed two of them. He signed my divorce papers without my knowledge, leaving me with nothing from the settlement, including assets like money in a 401k and a house that was sold—although it was paid for... View More

answered on May 9, 2025
You likely cannot dispute the divorce settlement at this time.
Within two years of the conclusion of your divorce case, you can file a legal malpractice case against your former attorney. In order to recover damages for legal malpractice, you must prove that you would have more in your... View More
I live in a condominium and have a neighbor who abuses marijuana, other drugs, and alcohol. He is aggressive and often hosts similar individuals on his patio, which is next to mine. This disturbance makes it difficult for me to open my windows or use my yard peacefully, and during winter, the smell... View More

answered on May 9, 2025
First of all, does the condominium Association impose any restriction on smoking by the residents? If it does, you need to address your concerns with the condominium Association. Many condominium associations have restrictions on nuisance smoke, particularly smoke resulting from the use of... View More
I got married in June, but we only signed the marriage license and didn't turn it in. We didn't have a formal ceremony with witnesses, haven't lived together, and have no shared assets or accounts. Am I legally married, or can we go our separate ways?
I have a court order with custody and support details regarding my child's biological father, who is now deceased. The county clerk has filed an order against his estate for payment of arrears. My husband, who has been caring for my child for six years, wants to adopt my child. Are there steps... View More
I have been contacted by child protection services regarding a domestic dispute involving my girlfriend and her ex-partner. Although I have not received a formal written request, the caseworker set up an appointment for me to complete a drug screen, which I did not attend. I consider my... View More

answered on May 9, 2025
Even if you did not get a written notice, unless you think the phone call was fake (usually I would expect something in writing. But if you are in doubt, then call CPS and ask. If you have nothing to hide take the test. If you do at some point find yourself involved in a domestic violence... View More
I am considering filing for custody of my child, as her mother has been ignoring my attempts at communication. There have been no previous custody agreements or court orders. I am getting married in five months, and I want my child to be present at the wedding. I've tried texting her mother... View More
I have been married for 27 years and currently receive $967 per month in SSI. My spouse earns $38 per hour, totaling $6,050 per month. I suffer from diabetes, back problems, and severe anxiety. Given these circumstances, what should I expect in terms of alimony, and for how long?
I'm representing myself in a family court case and will be filing a new Spousal Support Request for Order (RFO) soon. At the last Child Support Modification RFO hearing, the opposing party hired a court reporter, and I obtained the hearing transcript from the reporter. I want to include this... View More
I am considering donating sperm to a friend in New Jersey without going through a licensed physician. We plan to have a notarized letter stating my lack of parental rights and responsibilities to avoid any future child support claims. I have no intention of being involved in the child's life.... View More

answered on May 9, 2025
I think the couple seeking the sperm donation are making a mistake, and for whatever money they save by not complying with the statute, it's not worth the risk.
I would also suggest that the statute does not require a medical specialist to handle the insemination procedure in a... View More
My grandparents had full custody of my sister and me. They bought a home together in 1990. My grandmother passed away 11 years ago, and my grandfather remarried her sister. He recently passed away without a will or trust, leaving the house in his and my grandmother's names. His second wife... View More
My daughter feels anxious during her father's temporary visitation, which occurs every other weekend. There have been incidents where he screamed at her, pushed her off the bed, and left her alone at a store, leading to police reports. She recently talked to her lawyer, but no actions have... View More

answered on May 9, 2025
It is totally unclear how a misbehaving father and a do-nothing law guardian (today called an attorney for the child) can result in criticisms against the asker's lawyer. Brooklyn is a mighty dangerous county to make repeated visits to its courts, especially its family court.
There are... View More
Can my child's stepfather adopt my child if the biological father, who showed interest through a paternity test, is not on the birth certificate, hasn't contacted us for three months, and hasn't provided child support as initially ordered in Montana? The stepfather has been involved... View More
I am the sole legal custodian and residential parent of my son who is almost 6. My son disclosed sexual abuse by his father/my ex husband over a year ago. It was investigated but unfortunately no charges were filed since there was no evidence since the abuse happened several months prior. We do... View More
I have been married for 54 years to a farmer and was never allowed to work outside the home. My husband has signed over all assets and deeds to our only son and his wife, leaving me without any money of my own. I am beginning the divorce process, and my husband is not yet aware. There was no... View More
I want to know how much time someone might face in a case of child neglect if they were present at a home but did not reside there. The child, around 8 or 9 years old, was neglected by his mother regarding education and wasn’t enrolled in school. The person being charged initially spoke to the... View More

answered on May 8, 2025
The range of punishment for the crime of child neglect is very broad (not exceeding life in prison), because these types of cases vary greatly. The defendant must be someone responsible for the health, safety, or welfare of the child. If that is not the case, then the person may not be guilty of... View More
I am a US citizen living and working in Morocco, but I own a condo in Florida that serves as my permanent residence. Can I adopt an infant domestically in Florida despite not having official residency but spending the majority of the year outside the US?
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.