With marriage laws in a state of flux, it is difficult to give unqualified answers to many of the serious and important questions people ask about law and marriage. To a great extent, each state is sovereign in the laws affecting marriage. Courts are playing an active role in defining and changing the legal consequences of marriage and other…

These hearings transcripts compile testimony before the Subcommittee on Human Resources of the Committee on Ways and Means focusing on the performance of the child support enforcement program and providing information on current child support and fatherhood proposals. Oral testimony was heard from eight invited witnesses. Three members of Congress…

This publication is intended to help women in Alaska learn about their legal rights. Some of the information is of a general nature and will be of interest to women in other states. Some of the laws and resources are relevant to Alaska only. The publication can serve as a model to other states wanting to develop a resource to inform women about…

In recent years, existing family legislation in Sweden has undergone a review process resulting in extensive revisions. The decisive factor behind these revisions has been change in Swedish society during the 20th century, including urbanization, frequent changes in residence, fewer children per family, the labor force participation of most women…

This report presents international statistics on the status of children and families, and thus updates a 1988 fact sheet containing international comparisons of public policies promoting the well-being of children and families. Included in the report are data on basic demographic trends, family composition and marital dissolution, the economic…

This testimony, prepared for presentation to the Crisis Intervention Task Force of the House Select Committee on Children Youth, and Families, begins with an overview of statistics on education, employment, and marriage among adolescents. Subsequently, it reviews data on indicators of youth crises: pregnancy, sexuality, substance abuse, smoking,…

This hearing transcript presents statements regarding programs that facilitate involvement of marginal or absentee fathers in the upbringing of their children. Opening or prepared statements, reiterating the increase in paternal abandonment and its attendant social costs, are presented for Indiana Senator Dan Coats, Chair of the Subcommittee on…