Assignment 1.2- Click to submit assignment
1.2 Written Assignment (Due Tuesday) (100 points)

This written assignment requirement is for well-researched, comprehensive analyses, submitted in APA format, using 12 point font.  In addition, your paper should include a cover page, abstract and reference page.  (Successful minimum content in satisfaction of the assignment has ranged from five to ten pages.)  Answer the following questions and post your assignment as a .doc file attachment to the link provided under Assignment under 1.2.

PLEASE NOTE: Only suggested page or word count limits are provided for each written assignment within this discipline. It is assumed that you have sufficient experience in writing and research to know when you have answered the question to your satisfaction. That, of course, may differ with the instructors expectations. Each student will define completion and satisfaction differently and that is why there is a full range of grade options available for the instructor.



FAMILY LAW HYPOTHETICAL SCENARIOS:



Susan and Jack married immediately following graduation from college. Throughout their lives they jointly operated a successful business and amassed a small fortune in savings, investments and personal property. Jack died suddenly at the age of 62, leaving a will which specifically excluded his wife from inheriting his share of the assets. Instead, he bequeathed the entire share of his estate to the Church of Sciences, a small fringe religious sect which intends to continue operating the joint business with various representatives from the church. Please advise Susan of her rights, if any, under the statutes within your jurisdiction.


Karen and John met in a Singles Over 50 club. Both had been married previously and had lost their respective spouses to disease. Karen had inherited a sizeable fortune and John was wealthy in his own right. Each had two children by their first marriage, and each of those children had given them grandchildren. When they decided to marry, they discussed the wisdom of crafting an antenuptial or prenuptial agreement which would isolate their pre-marriage fortunes for the benefit of their own blood children. After their marriage, John convinced Karen to invest heavily in a speculative venture which failed. Upon Karens death, it was learned that she had invested over $1 million while John had not put up a penny of his own funds. Karens children, as beneficiaries of her estate, sue John on the prenuptial agreement in an effort to recapture the losses. Please advise them of their likelihood for success under the statutes in your jurisdiction. You may also refer to any relevant case law in your state.


Bill and Erica met in law school, moved in together in 2001, had two children and practiced law for separate law firms until Bills death in 2013. The couple had never officially tied the knot but they maintained a joint household account throughout their relationship and had joint ownership over two vehicles and a parcel of rental property. Their residence, however, was in Bills name. Bill died without a will. Please review your state statute for intestate succession and determine if your state allows marriages created by common law. Once you have done that, please advise Erica on her rights and tell her whether she better get packing.


Donna and Mike are in the process of obtaining a divorce. They have three small children under the age of nine. Both parents have been active in their childrens lives, sports activities, church, and supervision. Determine whether joint custody arrangements are allowed in your jurisdiction and, if so, what is the process for determining the terms of the joint custody agreement?


REMEMBER: When citing specific state laws, statutes or case law, please provide accurate and appropriate citation information as a part of your answer to the questions above.


Required Reading
http://family.findlaw.com/:
Use this as a general research tool for determining family law rules and regulations. This link is complete with a variety of resources and is helpful in your search for family law information.