Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Who Is a Grandparent?

By Mark Momjian
April 27, 2006

It has been said that 'just definitions either prevent or put an end to disputes.' Perhaps this saying exaggerates the point, but it does highlight the importance of understanding the precise meanings of words. In contemporary family law practice, however, many legal definitions are not precise. Instead, they often express the essential nature of terms and concepts, underscoring the dynamic nature of domestic relations law and the need to alter or expand the legal vocabulary in response to modern social reality. The definition of income for support purposes is one example. Family lawyers and family court judges frequently grapple over what constitutes income (much the same way as tax lawyers and accountants).

Today, the greatest challenge involving definitions is over the word marriage. What is a marriage? Constitutionally speaking, who should be allowed to marry and who should not? A generation ago, this debate was not on the radar screen of most family lawyers, yet few practitioners doubt that the issue will come before the U.S. Supreme Court within the next few years, if not sooner.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment Image

On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.

Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office Image

A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.

Bit Parts Image

Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights

The Bankruptcy Hotline Image

Recent cases of importance to your practice.

How AI Has Affected PR Image

When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.