About this course
What you’ll learn
Family law pertains to the formation and dissolution of domestic relations, including the law of marriage, annulment, separation and dissolution, maintenance, and custody and support of children. This course will study the differences between community and separate property, the classification of property, and the impact of such classification. The role of the paralegal in family law practice and the importance of mediation of domestic issues will also be discussed.
Learning objectives
The course begins with an overview of divorce law and reviews important aspects to consider in property division, alimony, custody and support in a divorce. The course also describes post-divorce collection actions and necessary court actions after a divorce. Other aspects of family law are studied also, including common law marriage, prenuptial agreements, annulments, civil unions, adoptions, paternity and neglect actions. Students will learn common terminology in family law and some of the procedural concerns to consider in these areas of law.
Participants will demonstrate the following skills through successful completion of all required coursework and assignments:
- Identify various source of information available regarding Divorce
- Define and explain the function of a Petition for Dissolution or Legal Separation
- Discuss the importance of a Summons and identify the different types or factors that affect it
- Explain the basic function and purpose of temporary orders
- Distinguish the types of temporary order agreements
- Explain the criteria of a Common Law Marriage
- Explain the criteria of Prenuptial Agreements
- Examine sample states’ formulas for calculating child support
- Describe the requirements of final orders
- Explain how attorney fees are handled in divorce cases
- Examine the following settlement methods: mediation, alternative dispute resolution, separation agreements, legal separation, and property division
- Discuss Paternity Actions.
- Explain child custody and identify parenting time issues
- Discuss visitation rights for grandparents in divorce and paternity actions
- Examine parenting plans and parental education requirements
- Identify when modifications are possible for child and spousal support
- Identify ways to collect support by way of wage assignment, garnishment, lien
- Illustrate when to file a Motion for Contempt of Court
- Summarize appealable issues within Family Law, such as Temporary Orders and Final Orders
- Explain the criteria of Annulments
- Discuss what Civil Action Suits are and explain their purpose
- Differentiate community property and equitable division of property
- Examine procedures for Order of Protection in your state
- Discuss Intimate Partner Violence and remedies for victims
- Examine how Intimate Partner Violence affects child custody and visitation
- Define Juvenile Delinquency
- Review Juvenile Court Proceedings
- Explain the purpose of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)
- Explain the overall process of adoptions
- Examine the procedures for International adoptions
- Summarize the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
- Identify the specifications for adopting children with Birth Parent(s) in the Military
- Explain what an Equitable Adoption is
- Discuss adoption by same sex partners
- Summarize Annulments of Adoption
- Examine child custody and paternity issues related to assisted reproduction
- Discuss surrogacy
- Review assisted reproduction law in your state
- Discuss ethical issues in family law
Continuing Education Information
You will be expected to spend an average of 8 hours per week reading and completing writing assignments. Please note that extensions will not be granted for this online course. 70% is the minimum passing score on all tests and assignments for this course. Students may consider working ahead in the curriculum if they have the time. Coursework in Family Law is equivalent to 45 clock hours of study.
Requirements & policies
Accommodations
The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education is committed to providing equal access to continuing education programs for students living with permanent or temporary disabilities. Learn more about the program accommodations (Opens in a new window).
Prerequisites
Successful completion of Paralegal I and II, or equivalent experience.
Textbooks
Required textbooks for this course:
- Family Law in a Nutshell, Most Recent Edition. St Paul: West Group by Harry D. Krause.
Highly Recommended Legal Resources:
- Gilbert Pocket Size Law Dictionary, 3rd Edition. West Academic.
Organizations
Supporting associations
The Advanced Legal Research and Writing Certificate is offered by the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education in partnership with CLS by BARBRI.
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