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PLG 160 Family Law

In this course, students learn the basic legal principles of marriage, divorce, support, adoption, juvenile law, and parent/child relationships, with an emphasis on drafting legal documents.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

PLG 160 Family Law

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

In this course, students learn the basic legal principles of marriage, divorce, support, adoption, juvenile law, and parent/child relationships, with an emphasis on drafting legal documents.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Use basic legal terminology in written and oral communications. (CCC 1; PGC 1)
  2. Describe the role of the Family Court in Delaware. (CCC 1; PGC 3)
  3. Explain the general concepts of marriage and divorce. (CCC 1; PGC 1, 5)
  4. Prepare basic petitions for divorce, and list the filing requirements. (CCC 1; PGC 2, 5)
  5. Explain the concepts of custody and the related child support requirements. (CCC 1; PGC 1, 5)
  6. Describe the adoption process and the corresponding filing requirements. (CCC 1; PGC 1, 5)
  7. Describe the role of the Family Court when dealing with minors and criminal activity. (CCC 1; PGC 1, 5)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Use basic legal terminology in written and oral communications.
    1. Define legal terms pertaining to family law.
    2. Explain basic legal concepts related to family law.
  2. Describe the role of the Family Court in Delaware.
    1. Explain the nature of the Family Court's jurisdiction.
    2. Discuss the Family Court's role in domestic violence cases.
    3. Describe the Family Court's role in divorce, child custody, and adoptions.
  3. Explain the general concepts of marriage and divorce.
    1. Discuss historical aspects of marriage.
    2. Explain the differences between a divorce and an annulment.
    3. Describe the requirements for obtaining a marriage license.
    4. Describe the grounds for divorce.
    5. Explain the types of ancillary relief available in divorce proceedings and the standards for awarding them.
  4. Prepare basic petitions for divorce, and list the filing requirements.
    1. Draft a complaint or petition for divorce.
    2. Identify documents associated with divorce.
  5. Explain the concepts of custody and the related child support requirements.
    1. Describe types of custody.
    2. List questions that have to be answered to determine custody.
    3. Identify considerations in the custody decision.
    4. Apply the state standard used to determine child support payments.
    5. Compute child support requirements.
  6. Describe the adoption process and the corresponding filing requirements.
    1. Define terms associated with the adoption process.
    2. List different kinds of adoptions.
    3. Explain the procedures for adoptions.
  7. Describe the role of the Family Court when dealing with minors and criminal activity.
    1. Explain the nature of the Family Court's jurisdiction in criminal cases dealing with minors.
    2. Explain the types of criminal cases that are brought in Family Court and the penalties given.
    3. Explain the roles of the attorney general in criminal and juvenile cases.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative: Tests (3)  (10% each)

30%

Formative: Practical Assignment #1 (Drafting)

20%

Formative: Practical Assignment #2 (Custody)

20%

Summative: Final Exam

25%

Formative: Homework and participation

5%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

PLGAASPLG

  1. Explain the present and potential role of the paralegal within the legal system.
  2. Produce documents necessary for a functioning law office.
  3. Comply with the profession's Code of Ethics within the legal system.
  4. Use a range of research methods and information necessary to complete a variety of legal activities.
  5. Apply acquired knowledge of legal specialty areas in the workplace.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal