Description:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to describe the substantive and procedural principles of family law, including issues related to adoption, divorce, custody, support and visitation. The student will also be able to draft pleadings including petition for divorce, petition for adoption, decrees, settlement agreements and motions for modification. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Explain the fundamental principles underlying Family Law.
2. Identify the key Kansas Statutes concerning domestic relations.
3. Describe the difficulty of interacting with clients in emotionally charged atmosphere often surrounding family law issues.
4. Draft the following documents: a) Initial pleadings in an annulment, separation, or divorce action; b) Settlement agreement including property division, child issues, and maintenance arrangement; c) Pleadings, decree and certificate of adoption; d) Antenuptial agreement; e) Guardianship.
5. Describe the mediation process and explain the use of mediation in family law matters.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Introduction to Family Law
   A. Identify and explain historical changes in fundamental principles of
family law.
   B. Locate and identify Kansas statutes concerning family law.
   C. Identify and explain the process of interacting with family law
clients.
   D. Identify and demonstrate techniques for interacting with family law
clients.

II. Marriage
   A. Locate and identify Kansas statutes relevant to marriage.
   B. Identify and explain the requirements for common law marriage.
   C. Identify and explain the requirements for ceremonial marriage.
   D. Identify and explain the rights and duties between spouses.
   E. Draft an antenuptial agreement.

III. Adoption
   A. Locate and identify Kansas statutes relevant to paternity and
adoption.
   B. Identify and explain the procedural requirements for adoption.
   C. Identify and explain the child in need of care proceedings.
   D. Identify and explain termination of parental rights.
   E. Draft an Adoption Petition.

IV. Divorce, Annulment and Separate Maintenance
   A. Distinguish between proceedings for divorce, annulment and separate
maintenance.
   B. Identify grounds for divorce and annulment.
   C. Identify and explain Kansas statutes relevant to divorce, annulment
and separate maintenance.
   D. Identify and explain Kansas statutes relevant to property division.
   E. Identify and explain Kansas statutes relevant to spousal support.
   F. Identify and explain Kansas statutes relevant to child custody and
child support.
   G. Describe and explain the mediation process as it is used in family
law matters.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

4 Tests @ 100 points each     400 points   70% of grade
3 Projects @ 50 points each   150 points   30% of grade

   Grading Criteria:
   90-100% = A   
   80- 89% = B
   70- 79% = C
   60- 69% = D
   Below 60% = F

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.