Assignment
Chapter 9
I. Identify the various types of custody and describe the two most common kinds of custodial awards.
II. Identify the primary purposes of the UCCJEA and the PKPA and describe their bases for jurisdiction.
III. Identify the major purpose of the Hague Convention in custody cases.
IV. Describe how standards for making custody awards have evolved.
V. Describe the best interest standard and give examples of factors considered by the courts in applying it.
VI. Explain what a "gender-neutral standard" is in the context of custody decisions. Do you believe that custody decisions are, in fact, gender-neutral? Why or why not?
VII. Describe the primary caretaker presumption and explain how the courts determine the identity of a child's primary caretaker.
VIII. Identify the majority position with respect to each of the following in the making of custodial decisions: availability, stability, gender, race, religion, parental health/ disability, sexual orientation and conduct, parental lifestyle, child preference, and a history of abuse.
IX. Define visitation (supervised and unsupervised) and describe a common schedule, including a suggested virtual visitation component.
X. Describe the nature and purpose of a parenting plan.
XI. Describe the nature and purposes of a parent education program.
XII. Describe the circumstances under which a modification in custody is likely to be sought and granted.
XIII. Identify the important interests that must be balanced in relocation disputes.
XIV. Describe the two-part inquiry the court engages in when third parties such as stepparents, grandparents, de facto parents, and co-parents seek custody or visitation rights.
XV. Explain what a guardian ad litem (GAL) is. What role do GALs play in custody cases? What other kinds of individuals may advocate for the child in a custody dispute?
XVI. Describe the potential role of the paralegal in a custody case
Textbook: Wilson, Mary E.. Family Law for the Paralegal (p. 219). Pearson Education. Kindle Edition.