Family Law Newsletter Matrimonial Actions and Life Insurance   There are three different contexts where the subject of life insurance may arise in matrimonial actions. First, there may be a pre-existing policy at dissolution of a marriage and issues arise as to whether such policy is a marital asset subject to distribution. Second, a life insurance policy may be a guarantee of spousal and/or child support obligations. The obligation of one spouse for the support of the other and their children can continue even after the death of the obligor spouse. In order to provide for the dependents' needs, a court may order, or one may be desired by the payor to protect the remaining assets of his or her estate, a life insurance policy naming the dependents as beneficiaries, Third, disputes may arise subsequent to the death of the insured ex-spouse. More...   Tax Considerations Relating to Child Support   For federal income tax purposes, payments of child support are not tax-deductible by the parent who makes the payments but child support is tax-free to the recipient. In order to qualify as child support, the amounts an ex-spouse receives must be designated as child support in the divorce or separation agreement. None of a payment that is lumped together as either family support or alimony is considered child support for tax purposes. In addition, family support or alimony is taxable to the recipient. More...   Common Mistakes Made in Divorce Actions With Respect to Children and Finances   Typically in a divorce action one or both parties have a lot of hostility and animosity toward one another. Individuals make a barrage of mistakes. Some mistakes may not only be harmful to the individual himself but may also be financially harmful. More...   Foster Care   Foster care is defined as the temporary placement of a child outside of her family. The child is removed from the family due to abuse or neglect issues. The child may be removed due to physical or sexual abuse by a parent or someone residing in the household. The goal of foster care is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child. More...   Assisted Care Facilities for Elderly Individuals   An assisted care facility is a facility for elderly people that provides housing with assistance to the elder person. In this environment an individual has an apartment-type area to reside in. The assisted living environment provides both an independent atmosphere for the elder person along with assistance when needed. More...