Most states only have no-fault grounds for dissolution, marriage is irretrievably broken. Some states retain fault grounds like adultery and abandonment.

Court has jurisdiction for dissolution if one of the parties is domiciled in that jurisdiction.

Spousal support, child support, and property rights require personal jurisdiction over both parties.

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act UCCJEA.

Home state of the child, where child lived with parent for at least 6 consecutive months prior to start of proceeding. Home state has jurisdiction to grant order and modify it. Even if child moves.

If no state is home state, jurisdiction can fall where child and at least one parent have significant connection beyond physical presence, and; substantial evidence is available in the state regarding child's welfare.

Child's best interests: Wishes of parents and child. Interaction with parents, siblings and others. Childs adjustment to home, school, and community. Mental and physical health of individuals involved.

Child custody awards are always modifiable. Substantial and material change in circumstances that child BI would be best served by modifications.

Relocation. Balancing test between impact on visitation vs. benefits of the move. Generally lenient towards the needs of the parent who has primary custody. Vindictive moving not allowed.

Granted to non-custodial parent unless detrimental to childs BI.

Failure to pay child support does not revoke visitation rights. Absolute denial of visitation is rare.

Sometimes 3rd party visitation is allowed. Grandparents, same sex lovers, siblings. As long as the parent is fit, usually courts defer to their judgement.

Use a formula set by statute. Can deviate if special circumstances. Denial of visitation cannot be used as punishment for missing child support.

Usually terminates on child's death or reaching age of majority at 18.

Alimony, ensures an adequate income stream for spouses whose economic dependency has resulted from the marital relationship.

Periodic maintenance. Usually monthly, ends at recipient's death, remarriage, or a court-ordered modification.

Lump sum maintenance: Fixed sum of money, can be paid in installments, not modifiable.

Rehabilitative Maintenance: Awarded for limited period of time to support the receiving of education or training to be employable and self-supporting.

Reimbursement maintenance: Awarded if the recipient spouse made contributions in the marriage to the other spouses education, training, or increased earning capacity.

Standard of Living, length of marriage, age and health, financial resources, contribution of each party to marriage, time needed to obtain education/training, ability of payor spouse to meet their needs while paying support.