Marriage
This document is required along with consent and an officiant for a legal marriage in New York.
marriage license
This type of custody determines where the child lives.
physical custody
This is the standard courts use in custody cases.
best interest of the child
This is the minimum level of care parents must provide for the state to NOT intervene. (the individual things that need to be met)
basic needs being met (food, shelter, supervision, education, medical care)
This is the method courts use instead of a strict 50/50 split.
equitable distribution
This is the legal role required to perform a valid marriage ceremony.
authorized officiant
This type of custody determines who makes major decisions for the child.
legal custody
Name one factor courts consider in custody decisions.
safety, stability, relationship, ability to care, etc
This term describes when parents fail to meet the minimum legal standard of care for a child.
neglect
This is what child support is designed to cover.
basic needs of the child
This is the type of agreement made before marriage about property and debt.
prenuptial agreement
This is when both parents share decision-making authority.
joint legal custody
This factor becomes most important when abuse or danger is involved.
safety
The state does NOT step in just because parenting is strict or unpopular. What must be present instead?
risk of harm or failure to meet minimum standard of care
Name one factor courts consider when dividing assets in divorce.
income, length of marriage, contributions, debt, needs
This describes marrying someone mainly for money, housing, or legal benefits.
marriage fraud
This is scheduled time a child spends with a parent who does not have primary custody.
visitation / parenting time
This is NOT a deciding factor on its own in custody cases.
money and/or who the child prefers
This is the difference between “bad parenting” and “illegal parenting” in the eyes of the law.
whether the minimum degree of care is crossed
This is why equitable distribution is not always equal. (they value ____ over ____)
Fairness over Equal
This is the reason engagement is not legally enforceable as a marriage contract.
people can change their minds / personal freedom
This arrangement allows visits with a parent only under supervision for safety.
supervised visitation
This explains why courts may choose one parent even if both are capable.
overall well-being of the child/ best interest of the child
A parent provides food, housing, school attendance, and basic medical care, but uses very strict rules and punishments. Does this trigger state involvement? Explain why or why not.
No, because the minimum standard of care is being met even if parenting style is strict
This explains how courts divide property, debt, and assets after divorce.
based on fairness and legal factors, not personal opinion