Start with the date
Each reference entry shows the survey’s research date. A website rebuild does not change that date. Reports identify the date of the decision, legislation or rule separately from an effective date. A law’s approval date and effective date can differ.
Read the complete entry
Search results and comparison categories provide a starting point. Open the entry for the rule, its conditions and the linked authorities. The reference covers best interests, divorce grounds and parental relocation across 50 states, the District of Columbia and five inhabited territories.
Compare and download
On a topic page, select two or three jurisdictions to compare their rules. JSON and CSV downloads include the displayed reference text, source links and survey dates. Browser printing produces a reading copy.
Research, review and corrections
About Family Law Reference explains our research and human review process, source conventions and translations. If something needs correction, tell us the passage and the relevant authority.
Citation and reuse
David Martino, Martino Law Brief, conducted the foundational research. Steadycase publishes Family Law Reference. Each survey links to the original essay.
How we cite the law
We cite the controlling statute, rule, order, or opinion and link to the official text when available. If the official link fails, we identify the reproduction we use and link to the official docket when practical. News coverage can lead us to a decision. We rely on the decision itself for the court’s holding.
Quoting and using the surveys
You may link to any page, quote brief attributed excerpts, and use the survey downloads for your own research, client work, teaching, or internal firm or institutional analysis. When quoting the site, include the author if named, the page title, Family Law Reference, the URL, and the publication or survey date shown.
Please request permission to republish or resell a complete report or a substantial portion of our original tables or commentary, or to incorporate the compiled downloads into another product. These terms cover our original work. You may cite the underlying law and facts, and fair use remains available. Separately credited images follow their own licenses.