LOUISIANA FAMILY LAW





Final Examination, Spring 2002








QUESTION I

200 raw points



A. Is the Texas TRO entitled to FF&C in Louisiana?

The Texas order is not entitled to full faith and credit in Louisiana 10 points _______
Ex parte orders are not entitled to FF&C under FPKPA 10 points _______

B. Where does child custody jurisdiction lie?

Texas has jurisdiction to hear the custody case 10 points _______
Texas is the home state of the children
10 points _______
Mention of Atkins v. Atkins
10 points _______

"Home state" is where the child has lived for six months 10 points _______
prior to the date suit is filed
10 points _______
If child is less than six months old, since birth 10 points _______
Periods of temporary absence are counted 10 points _______


C. Where does jurisdiction lie to dissolve the marriage?

Both Louisiana and Texas have concurrent jurisdiction 10 points _______
It's a race to judgment on the divorce itself
10 points _______
Jurisdiction in divorce is based on domicile 10 points _______

Husband is domiciled in Texas 10 points _______
Bexar County is a county of proper venue
10 points _______
Wife is domiciled in Louisiana 10 points _______
Orleans Parish is a parish of proper venue
10 points _______


D. Where does jurisdiction lie to determine alimony and child support?

Alimony and child support require in personam jurisdiction 10 points _______
Wife may be longarmed into Texas based on living there
10 points _______
Husband may be longarmed into Louisiana
10 points _______
Both states have concurrent jurisdiction as to support 10 points _______




QUESTION II

117 raw points



Carla wants custody. Where can she file?

Definition of home state Credit this supra
Louisiana is home state and has jurisdiction 3 points _______
Under UCCJEA
3 points _______

Texas may have continuing jurisdiction 3 points _______
Under FPKPA
3 points _______
If a custody decree was properly entered there at the divorce
3 points _______

Family Court of East Baton Rouge Parish has jurisdiction 3 points _______
Family Court of Harris County may have jurisdiction 3 points _______
This may be a race to the courthouse
3 points _______

Discussion of home state definition Credit this supra

Trover was born illegitimate 3 points _______
neither conceived nor born during marriage
3 points _______
Was Trover ever legitimated? 3 points _______
Subsequent marriage and acknowledgment? 3 points _______
Name on birth certificate? 3 points _______

Even if illegitimate, Bubba has standing as to custody 3 points _______
Even if legitimate, is Trover a "child of the marriage"? 3 points _______
Was custody ever granted by the Texas court? 3 points _______
Was it a considered decree? 3 points _______
If so, Bergeron applies 3 points _______

If Bergeron applies, criteria for modification of custody

Change of circumstances test 3 points _______
Present environment deleterious 3 points _______
Clear and convincing evidence 3 points _______
Modification of visitation - best interests 3 points _______

If Bergeron applies, father will win 3 points _______
If Bergeron does not apply, mother could well win 3 points _______


If initial decree, criteria for determining custody

Wishes of parents 3 points _______
Presumption of joint custody 3 points _______
with equal sharing of time
3 points _______

Love, affection and emotional ties 3 points _______
Capacity to provide love, affection & spiritual guidance, education 3 points _______
Capacity to provide food, clothing, medical care 3 points _______

Length of time child has lived in stable environment 3 points _______
Permanence of the family unit 3 points _______
Moral fitness of each of the parties 3 points _______

Mental and physical health of each of the parties 3 points _______
Home, school and community history of the child 3 points _______
Preference of the child if of suitable age 3 points _______

Willingness to encourage relationship with other parent 3 points _______
Distance between the respective residences 3 points _______
Responsibility for rearing previously exercised by parties 3 points _______



QUESTION III

84 raw points



A. Antenuptial contracts

Of right prior to the marriage 3 points _______
Within a year of moving to Louisiana 3 points _______
Any time with judicial authorization 3 points _______
Any time to adopt the legal regime 3 points _______

By authentic act or acknowledgment 3 points _______
Before a notary and two witnesses 3 points _______
Must be recorded to bind third parties and creditors 3 points _______

May define what is community property 3 points _______
or abolish the community regime
3 points _______
or waive permanent alimony
3 points _______

May not waive alimony pendente lite 3 points _______
May not limit child support 3 points _______
May not determine child custody 3 points _______

B. Difference between a 102 and a 103 divorce

102 divorce

File petition, then wait 180 days
3 points _______
from service
3 points _______
or waiver of service
3 points _______

Then file rule to show cause
3 points _______
Nullity if 180 days have not elapsed
3 points _______
Prescribes in two years
3 points _______

103 divorce

Adultery
3 points _______

Conviction of felony
3 points _______
with sentence of death
3 points _______
or imprisonment at hard labor
3 points _______

Living separate and apart
3 points _______
continuously
3 points _______
without reconciliation
3 points _______
for six months or more
3 points _______
on date petition is filed
3 points _______




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