International Adoption - Orphan Petition

Persons who wish to adopt a child from a foreign country must file an "Orphan Petition" with the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The full name of the petition is "Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative."

An Overview of Voluntary Sterilization

There are various different methods of birth control available in the United States. One such method of birth control is voluntary sterilization. The process of sterilization is intended to be permanent in nature. In some instances sterilization may be reversed however reversal is not guaranteed once the sterilization process is completed. Sterilization may involve surgery and a hospital stay or may involve outpatient services.

Postmarital Agreements

A postmarital agreement, or postnuptial agreement, is an agreement executed by a husband and wife after they are married.

Financial Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a document in which one individual gives another individual, the agent, the power to make decisions on their behalf in the event that they become incapacitated or if they are directed to perform. A financial power of attorney gives power over an individual's financial affairs.

Same-Sex Marriages, Civil Unions, and Domestic Partnerships

Although many people interchange the terms same-sex marriage and civil union, they are actually two different and distinct concepts. A same-sex marriage is defined as a marriage between two individuals of the same gender. A same-sex marriage involves a certain legal status for the couple. Further, each state has its own requirements with respect to marriage.