Family Law Flashcards
What is the purpose of a pre-marital agreement?
To address economic matters in case the marriage fails
Governed by the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act.
List the requirements for a valid pre-marital agreement.
- Freely made (no duress)
- In writing
- Signed by both parties
- Full financial disclosures
- Fair and reasonable economic provisions
True or False: A pre-marital agreement can set forth grounds for divorce.
False
What happens to a pre-marital agreement if the couple does not marry?
It is void.
What is required for spousal support in a pre-marital agreement?
It cannot make one spouse poor.
What happens to gifts in contemplation of marriage if there is no wedding?
They are recoverable by the other party.
Is breaking an engagement actionable in any state?
No
What rights do non-marital children have compared to marital children?
- Can inherit
- Get economic support from biological parents
- Bring wrongful death suit
- Participate in government programs
What are the basic requirements for who may marry?
- Mutual consent
- Mental capacity
- Legal age (or parental/judicial approval)
- Must be single
- No close relation
- Same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states
What are the procedural requirements to marry?
- Obtain a license
- Participate in a solemnization ceremony
- No duress
- Not under the influence
What are the requirements for a ceremonial marriage?
- Solemn vow to wed
- Before an officiant
- Witness (usually one each)
What characterizes a common law marriage?
- Consenting parties with capacity
- Circumstantial showing of marriage
- Co-habitation and holding out as husband and wife in public
True or False: Common law marriage is recognized in all states.
False
What are the responsibilities of marriage?
- Sexual exclusivity
- Economic support of one another
What is the requirement for economic support in marriage?
Fair and reasonable support based on resources.
What is interspousal immunity?
Allows suing a spouse unless it is for private activity.
What can a spouse seek damages for in tortious interference with marriage?
Loss of consortium.
List the five ways to terminate a marriage.
- Declaration of nullity
- Annulment
- Divorce
- Death
- Divorce by mutual consent
What makes a marriage void?
- Bigamy
- Incest
- Blood relation
- Non-age subject to collateral attack
What is annulment?
Setting aside a voidable marriage due to an impediment at the time of marriage.
What conditions can make a marriage voidable?
- Non-age
- Mental incapacity
- Duress
- Fraud
- Incurable physical incapacity
What are the grounds for divorce?
- Cruel and inhuman treatment
- Adultery
- Desertion
- No-fault divorce
- Voluntary drug addiction/alcoholism
- Insanity
What is required for a no-fault divorce?
Unilateral decision that the marriage is irretrievable, with separation for more than 6 months.
What defenses exist for fault grounds in divorce?
- Recrimination
- Condonation
- Connivance
- Collusion