Exam (90%): This is a course in general family law with the majority of the reading focused on the family law of Florida. There will be one final exam consisting of forty multiple choice questions. Each student may prepare a single 8.5x11 inch, two-sided paper document for use during the exam. A midterm is offered, but it is optional and does not count toward the grade.
Class Presentations and Discussion (10%): A small number of cases that are either important, controversial, or recent and illustrative of current thinking in the courts will be posted on the website. Reading these cases is mandatory and every student must be prepared to present, in a clear way, the facts, question presented, and rationale of any case assigned for that night. But: students will be called on at random only if no one volunteers to present the case.
Week | Date | Topic | Reading |
1 | 1/16 | Introduction To Family Law. | Intro. |
2 | 1/23 | Formation and Validity of Marriage. Bigamy. Marital Rights and Obligations. Legal Consequences of Marital Relation. | Ch.1 & 2 |
3 | 1/30 | Annulment and Dissolution of Marriage. Void and Voidable Marriages. Ratification. | Ch. 3 |
4 | 2/6 |
Marital Contracts | Ch 4 |
5 | 2/13 |
Paternity (Maternity?). | Ch. 5 |
6 | 2/20 | Constitutional Family Law | Ch. 6-7 |
7 | 2/27 | Adoption. Practice Midterm KEY | Ch. 8 |
8 | 3/6 |
Child Custody Generally. Territorial Jurisdiction over Children. | Ch. 9 |
3/13 | Spring Break- No Class |
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9 | 3/20 |
Child Custody Disputes Between Parents. | Ch. 10 |
10 | 3/27 | Modification of Custody, Relocation | Ch 11 |
11 | 4/3 |
Dissolution- Distribution of Assets | Ch. 12 |
12 | 4/10 |
Alimony | Ch.13 |
13 | 4/17 |
Child Support Review | Ch. 13 |