Hurricane Katrina: Legal Issues - Columbus School of Law
Hurricane Katrina: Legal Issues - Columbus School of Law
Hurricane Katrina: Legal Issues - Columbus School of Law
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
10.1 Child support<br />
10.1.1 Are FEMA benefits counted as part <strong>of</strong> income for purposes <strong>of</strong> child support?<br />
10.1.2 Are unemployment benefits counted as part <strong>of</strong> income for purposes <strong>of</strong> child support?<br />
10.1.3 Should child support be reduced if a payor has become unemployed or otherwise lost<br />
income because <strong>of</strong> the disaster?<br />
10.1.4 What is the amount <strong>of</strong> the modified support?<br />
10.1.5 When does a modification <strong>of</strong> support become effective?<br />
10.1.6 Is an out-<strong>of</strong>-court agreement between parents for a temporary reduction in support<br />
valid?<br />
10.1.7 How does a temporary change in custody affect child support?<br />
10.1.8 What if someone other than the parents has temporary custody?<br />
10.1.9 How can a parent collect support from a noncustodial parent who has relocated?<br />
10.1.10 How is support modified if the parents live in different states?<br />
10.1.11 What if the noncustodial parent cannot be found?<br />
10.2 Child Welfare, Foster Care and Youth Court Information<br />
10.2.1 How do I find provisions <strong>of</strong> the Mississippi Code related to child welfare?<br />
10.2.2 Who administers and supervises public child welfare services?<br />
10.2.3 What powers do Mississippi counties have over child welfare services?<br />
10.2.4 How can I find a list <strong>of</strong> children who are in the custody <strong>of</strong> the State or agencies<br />
licensed by the State?<br />
10.2.5 Does Mississippi have a baby drop-<strong>of</strong>f law?<br />
10.2.6 Can children be voluntarily placed in child care?<br />
10.2.7 What about children classified as destitute or abandoned?<br />
10.2.8 How does the foster care system work in the state <strong>of</strong> Mississippi?<br />
10.2.9 What kinds <strong>of</strong> placements are available for children in the foster care system?<br />
10.2.10 What statutes govern the courts that address child welfare issues?<br />
10.2.11 How is the court organized?<br />
10.2.12 What jurisdiction does the court have over these issues?<br />
10.2.13 Are there special rules governing Youth Court?<br />
10.2.14 Are Youth Court records confidential?<br />
10.2.15 Do parents and other adults have a right to legal representation in Mississippi Youth<br />
Court proceedings?<br />
10.2.16 Do children have a right to legal representation in Mississippi Youth Court<br />
proceedings?<br />
10.2.17 Are children represented by lawyers, guardians ad litem or volunteers?<br />
10.2.18 What are the criteria for appointing a guardian ad litem for a child?<br />
10.2.19 Is there an assigned counsel system for either parents and/or children?<br />
10.2.20 How do formal court procedures work?<br />
10.2.21 What is a shelter hearing?<br />
10.3 Additional Practice Information<br />
10.3.1 Are there any organizations which represent parents and children in Youth Court<br />
proceedings?<br />
10.3.2 Does the American Bar Association Provide legal assistance for disaster victims?<br />
10.3.3 Where can I find additional information about children in Mississippi Foster Care?<br />
10.3.4 Where can I find general information, statistics, and progress reports on child welfare in<br />
Mississippi?<br />
10.4 The Role <strong>of</strong> a Guardian Ad Litem<br />
10.4.1 What is a Guardian ad Litem (“GAL”)?<br />
10.4.2 How does a Best Interests Attorney or GAL differ from a child’s attorney?<br />
10.4.3 When, or under what circumstances, is a GAL appointed?<br />
10.4.3.1 Youth Court Proceedings<br />
10.4.3.2 Chancery Court Proceedings<br />
10.4.4 Who may be appointed to serve as a GAL?
Change language