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DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION IN THIS CIRCULAR IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ACCURATE IN A PARTICULAR CASE. QUESTIONS INVOLVING INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIC U.S. STATE OR FOREIGN LAWS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO LEGAL COUNSEL IN THAT JURISDICTION.

STATE v. FEDERAL JURISDICTION: Marriage and divorce generally are considered matters reserved to the states rather than to the federal government. See, Sosna v. Iowa, 419 U.S. 393, 404 (1975) and Armstrong v. Armstrong, 508 F. 2d 348 (1st Cir. 1974 ). There is no treaty in force between the United States and any country on enforcement of judgments, including recognition of foreign divorces.

RECOGNITION BASED ON COMITY: A divorce decree issued in a foreign country generally is recognized in a state in the United States on the basis of comity (Hilton v. Guyot, 159 U.S. 113, 163-64 (1895), provided both parties to the divorce received adequate notice, i.e., service of process and, generally, provided one of the parties was a domiciliary in the foreign nation at the time of the divorce. Under the principle of comity, a divorce obtained in another country under the circumstances described above receives "full faith and credit" in all other states and countries that recognize divorce. Although full faith and credit may be given to an ex parte divorce decree, states usually consider the jurisdictional basis upon which the foreign decree is founded and may withhold full faith and credit if not satisfied regarding domicile in the foreign country. Many state courts which have addressed the question of a foreign divorce where both parties participate in the divorce proceedings but neither obtains domicile there have followed the view that such a divorce invalid (Weber v. Weber, 200 Neb. 659, 265 N.W.2d 436 (1978); Everett v. Everett, 345 So. 2d 586 (La. Ct. App. 1977); Kugler v. Haitian Tours, Inc., 120 N.J. Super. 260, 293 A.2d 706 (1972); Estate of Steffke v. Wisconsin Department of Revenue, 65 Wis.2d 199, 222 N.W.2d 628 (1974); Commonwealth v. Doughty, 187 Pa. Super. 499, 144 A.2d 521 (1958); Bobala v. Bobala, 68 Ohio App. 63, 33 N.E.2d 845 (1940); Golden v. Golden, 41 N.M. 356, 68 P.2d 928 (1937).

AUTHORITY COMPETENT TO DETERMINE VALIDITY OF FOREIGN DIVORCE IN A U.S. STATE: Questions regarding the validity of foreign divorces in particular states in the United States should be referred to the office of the Attorney General of the state in question. It may be necessary to retain the services of a private attorney if the office of the state Attorney General does not provide such assistance to private citizens. Provide counsel with copies of foreign marriage certificates, divorce decrees and copies of foreign laws concerning divorce which may be available from the foreign attorney who handled the divorce.

MIGRATORY DIVORCES: " Foreign "migratory" divorces fall into four basic categories: (Nichols, Recognition and Enforcement: American Courts, Look at Foreign Divorces, 9 Family Advocate 9-10, 37 (1987).

-- "Ex Parte" divorces, based on the petitioner''s physical presence in the foreign nation, with notice or constructive service given to the absent defendant;

-- "Bilateral" divorces, based on the physical presence of both parties in the divorcing nation, or the physical presence of the petitioner and the voluntary "appearance" by the defendant through an attorney;

-- "Void" divorces, where an ex parte divorce is obtained without notice, actual or constructive, to the absent defendant. Courts do not recognize or enforce this type of divorce;

-- "Practical recognition" divorces, wherein practical recognition may be afforded such decrees because of estoppel, laches, unclean hands, or similar equitable doctrines under which the party attacking the decree may be effectively barred from securing a judgment of invalidity. 13 A.L.R. 3d 1419, 1452. Many jurisdictions will prohibit the spouse who consented to the divorce from attacking it later under a principle of fairness called "estoppel". Thus, a party may be precluded from attacking a foreign divorce decree if such an attack would be inequitable under the circumstances. Scherer v. Scherer, 405 N.E. 2d 40, 44 (Ind. App. 1980), Rosenstiel v. Rosenstiel, 16 N.Y.2d 64, 209 N.E.2d 709, 262 N.Y.S.2d 86 (1965), and Yoder v. Yoder, 31 Conn.Supp. 345, 330 A.2d 825 (1974).

REGISTERING FOREIGN DIVORCES AND THE ROLE OF U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES ABROAD : There are no provisions under U.S. law or regulation for registration of foreign divorce decrees at U.S. embassies or consulates abroad. 22 C.F.R. 52 does provide for authentication of foreign marriage and divorce records. This is not a form a registration, but simply the placing of the seal of the U.S. embassy or consulate, or other competent authority in countries party to the Hague Legalization Convention, over the seal of the foreign court. See below for a detailed discussion of the authentication process.

UNIFORM STATE LAWS AND REGISTRATION OF DIVORCES: The Uniform Act on Marriage and Divorce (1970, 1973), 9A Unif. Laws. Ann. 461 (Supp. 1965), is in force in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, and Washington state. Section 314(c) of the Uniform Act on Marriage and Divorce establishes a procedure for the clerk of court where the divorce decree is issued to register the decree in the place where the marriage itself was originally registered. The Uniform Divorce Recognition Act, 9 Unif. Laws Ann. 644 (1979), specifically denies recognition to a divorce decree obtaining in another jurisdiction when both spouses were domiciled in the home state. The Uniform Divorce Recognition Act is in force in California, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Wisconsin. Information about uniform state laws is available from the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws , 676 North St. Clair Street, Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60611, tel: 312-915-0195 or via the Internet at http://www.law.upenn.edu/library/ulc/ulc.htm.

U.S. CONSULAR CERTIFICATES OF WITNESS TO MARRIAGE: With the repeal of the old 1860 statute on "solemnization of marriages", 22 U.S.C. 4192 on November 9, 1989, U.S. consular officers ceased issuing "Certificates of Witness to Marriage". Copies of certificates of witness to marriage issued between 1860 -1989 are available from the Office of Passport Services, Vital Records Section , CA/PPT/PS/PC, Suite 510, 1111 19th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20522, 202-955-0307. See also the Passport Services section of the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.

FOREIGN MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES: In the absence of the issuance of a "Certificate of Witness to Marriage," copies of foreign marriage certificates may be obtained directly from the civil registrar in the foreign country where the marriage occurred. Contact the embassy or consulate of the foreign country in the United States for guidance on how to obtain copies of foreign public documents. The documents may then be authenticated for use in the United States as explained below. English translations may be certified by translators in the United States before a notary public. When requesting copies of foreign public documents such as marriage or divorce records, it may be advisable to write to the foreign authorities in the language of the foreign country. Enclose copies of pertinent documents and any required fees in the form of an international money order.

PROOF OF FOREIGN DIVORCE: Obtain a certified copy of the foreign divorce decree from the court in the foreign country where the divorce decree was issued. Then have the document authenticated for use in the United States as explained below. Finally, obtain a certified English translation of the divorce decree (the translator executes a certificate before a notary public in the United States). When requesting copies of foreign public documents such as marriage or divorce records, it may be advisable to write to the foreign authorities in the language of the foreign country. Enclose copies of pertinent documents and any required fees in the form of an international money order.

AUTHENTICATION OF DIVORCE AND MARRIAGE RECORDS: It may be necessary for you to provide foreign authorities or your attorney with authenticated, translated copies of your foreign divorce decree and any other pertinent documents. Consult your foreign attorney before going to this expense. An information flyer explaining the authentication process is available from the Office of American Citizens Services via our home page. Other available topics include Hague Legalization Convention and General Authentication Flyer . See also the main U.S. State Department home page at http://www.state.gov/.

U.S. SSA, VA and IRS DETERMINATIONS REGARDING FOREIGN DIVORCES: There have been a number of determinations by the U.S. Social Security Administration , Veterans Administration , and Internal Revenue Service regarding the validity of foreign divorces based on the laws of the state of residence applicable with respect to claims for benefits. For SSA, see http://www.ssa.gov/. See also, 20 C.F.R. 404.314, SSR 66-1; 20 CFR 404.328(a), 404.1101, and 404.1104, SSR 72-61; 20 CFR 404.335(a), SSR 73-10a; 20 CFR 404.336, SSR 75-16; SSR 61-65; 20 CFR 404.340(c), SSR 88-15c, Section 202(g)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402(g)(1)(A) (Slessinger v. Secretary of Health and Human Services, 1A Unempl. Ins. Rep. (CCH), 17,843 (1st Cir. 1987). (Cunningham v. Harris, 658 F.2d 239, 243 (4th Cir. 1981).; Thompson v. Harris, 504 F. Supp. 653, 654 (D. Mass. 1980); Lugot v. Harris, 499 F. Supp. 1118 (D. Nev. 1980). For Veterans Administration, see 27 FR 6281, July 3, 1962, as amended by 35 FR 16831, October 31, 1970; 40 FR 53581, November 19, 1975; 52 FR 19349, May 22, 1987. For the IRS, see Estate of Felt v. Comm''r, 54 T.C.M. (CCH) 528 (1987). It is our understanding that when obtained in good faith and not a sham for tax-avoidance purpose, the Internal Revenue Service recognizes foreign divorces.

OTHER CONTACTS: It may be helpful for American attorneys not familiar with enforcement and recognition of foreign divorces to consult the following resources:

ABA - the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association, 750 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, 312-988-5000;

ABA Center on Children and the Law , 740 15th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, tel: 202-662-1740, http://www.abanet.org:80/child/home.html;

State or local bar association;

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers , 150 N. Michigan Avenue, Ste. 2040, Chicago, IL 50501, 312-263-6477, http://www.aaml.org/;

International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers , Secretariat, 13 Claybury, Bushey, Herts WD2 3ES, United Kingdom, tel: (011)(44) 0181-950-6452; fax: (011)(44) 0181,950-8895; http://www.iaml-usa.com/;

International Society of Family Law, Brigham Young University School of Law, 518 JRCB, Provo, UT 84602;

American Society of International Law, 2223 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, Tel: (202) 939-6000; Fax: (202) 797-7133.

International Bar Association (IBA), 2 Harewood Place, Hanover Square, London, WIR9HB, England, Tel: (011) (44) (171) 629-1206; Fax: (011) (44) (171) 409-0-456.

Library of Congress Law Library, Room 240, James Madison Bldg., 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20540, tel: 202-707-5079.

TREATIES: The United States is not a party to the Hague Convention on the Recognition of Divorces and Legal Separations of June 1, 1970 (978 U.N.T.S. 399 (975). See also, 5 Int''l Legal Materials 389, 393 (1966); 14 Am. J. Comp. L. 697, 700 (1966); 8 Int''l Legal Materials 31, 34 (1969); 8 Int''l Legal Materials 787, 800 (1969); 18 Int''l and Comp. L.Q. 488 (1969); 5 Family L.Q. 321 (1971); Reese, The Hague Draft Convention on Recognition of Foreign Divorces: A Comments, 14 Am. J. Comp. L. 692 (1966); Von Mehren, Draft Convention on the Recognition of Divorces and Legal Separations: Introductory Note, 16 Am. J. Comp. L. 580 (1968); Hampton, Hunning, & Wadsley, Current Legal Developments, Hague Convention on Recognition of Divorce and Legal Separation, 18 Int''l and Comp. L.Q. 483, 488 (1969). The Convention relates to such recognition but not to any ancillary matters such as findings of fault, orders for maintenance or custody of children. The Convention is in force in Australia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS: The Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services has available a general information flyer on the subject of enforcement of judgments which is accessible via our automated fax service or our home page on the Internet as explained below.

SELECTED REFERENCES:

24 Am. Jur. 2d, Divorce and Separation, Sec. 971, 972, 27B C.J.S. Divorce Sec. 364-366.

Berke, Mexican Divorces, 7 Prac. Law. 84 (1961).

Bronstein, The Question of Haitian and Dominican Divorces, 166 N.Y.L.J., Sept. 21, 1971.

Ceschini, Divorce Proceedings in Italy: Domestic and International Procedures, 28 Family Law Quarterly, American Bar Association, 143, 150 (1994).

Comment, Mexican Bilateral Divorce -- A Catalyst in Divorce Jurisdiction Theory?, 61 Nw. U.L. Rev. 584 (1966).

Domestic Relations - Jurisdiction, Extension of Comity to Foreign Nation Divorce, 46 Tenn. L. Rev. 238, 241 (1978).

Dyer, Recognition and Enforcement Abroad, 9 Family Advocate No. 4, ABA Family Law Section, 5, 11-14 (1987).

Forscher, Haitian, Dominican Laws of Divorce Evaluated, 166 N.Y.L.J., (October 19-20, 1971).

Foreign Divorces, A Question of Jurisdiction, 5 Southern University L. Rev. 139 (1984).

Fulton, Caribbean Divorce for Americans: Useful Alternative or Obsolescent Institution?, 10 Cornell Int''l L. J. 116, 133 (1976).

Glassman, Recognition and Enforcement at Home, 9 Family Advocate No. 4, ABA Family Law Section, 4, 6-8, (1987).

Hackworth, Digest of International Law, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State, Vol. II, Chapter VI, Section 168, 382-391 (1941).

Holden, Divorce in the Commonwealth, 20 Int''l and Comp. L.Q. 58, 74 (1971).

Howe, The Recognition of Foreign Divorce Decrees in New York State, 40 Colum. L. Rev. 373, 376 (1940); 23 Colum. L. Rev. 782 (1923).

Juenger, Recognition of Foreign Divorces: British and American Perspectives, 20 Am. J. Comp. L. 1 (1972).

Mendes da Costa, The Canadian Divorce Law of 1968 and its Provisions on Conflicts, 17 Am. J. Comp. L. 214 (1969).

Nichols, American Courts Look at Foreign Decrees, 9 Family Advocate No. 4, ABA Family Law Section, 9-10, 37 (1987).

Pedersen, Recent Trends in Danish Family Law and Their Historical Background, 20 Int''l and Comp. L.Q. 332, 341 (1971).

Swisher, Foreign Migratory Divorces: A Reappraisal, 21 J. Fam. L. 9, 25n, 71-72 (1982).

Stone, The New Fundamental Principles of Soviet Family Law and Their Social Background, 18 Int''l and Comp. L.Q. 392, 406 (1969).

Turner, Divorce: Australian and German "Breakdown" Provisions Compared, 18 Int''l and Comp. L.Q. 896, 937 (1969).

Whiteside, Domestic Relations - The Validity of Foreign Divorce Decrees in North Carolina (Mayer v. Mayer) 20 Wake Forrest L. Rev. 765 (1984).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Office of American Citizens Services has available general information flyers on international judicial assistance , many of which are available through our automated fax system or via our home page.

Using the Autofax System:

Dial (202) 647-3000 using the phone on your fax machine. Follow the prompts to obtain the information that you need.

Using the Internet: Many of our judicial assistance flyers are also available on the Internet via the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page under Judicial Assistance . See also, the Department of State, Office of the Legal Adviser for Private International Law (L/PIL) home page for information regarding private international law unification. See also the home pages for many of our embassies.

QUESTIONS: Additional questions may be addressed to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of American Citizens Services, Room 4817 N.S., 2201 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20520, tel: (202) 647-5225 or 202-647-5226.

General Divorce Links

  • DivorceHQ.com - Your source for all divorce issues including alimony, child support, child custody, visitation, separation agreements, financial, divorce attorneys, divorce mediators, divorce services, free child support calculator, and more.
  • Divorce and Women.com - Discover How WOMEN Can "Win"  When Facing DIVORCE.  This is the one book most Men DON'T want you to read! 
  • Divorce Dex - the online index for divorce, with over 1000 divorce related terms and issues covered.
  • DivorceLinks.com  State and Federal Divorce Law Directory Center
  • Divorce Support - the divorce homepage of the internet.
  • Equality In Marriage - Educating men and women about the importance of equality in marriage and divorce.  Overall great site with many informative articles.  Check it out.
  • Get Evidence For Your Divorce - Save Those Crazy Phone Messages Permanently on CD. For possible proof in court. Support your case.
  • Information and Support for Women undergoing Divorce A website magazine offering inspiring and informational resources for women undergoing transition due to separation or divorce.
  • TheSmartDivorce.com - Provides consulting services to help you manage and cope with the difficulties associated with divorce, giving you the tools and strategies you need to make better informed decisions and work effectively with lawyers and other divorce experts.
  • Surviving Divorce:  Dr. Reena Sommer & Associates, internationally recognized divorce consultants specializing in parental alienation syndrome, custody disputes, divorce coaching and counseling, and domestic abuse issues.
  • Thrive After Divorce: Success strategies, practical “how to” tips, and expert resources for how to Thrive After Divorce with access to bi-weekly ezine, blog, ebooks, teleseminars, coaching, and workshops.

Legal Divorce Links

  • Colorado Family Law Guide - a comprehensive collection of Colorado divorce, paternity, and other Colorado family law articles.
  • CompleteCase.com is an online uncontested divorce service center that will enable you to complete your divorce documents at home (complete with explanations and instructions), customized to your state, children, income and assets.
  • Divorce Attorney - Find a Divorce Attorney or Law Firm specializing in Divorce law. Cases including Pre Nuptial Rights, Child Custody, Child Support, Alimony Law, Visitation Rights, Contested Divorce and Absolute Divorce.
  • Divorce Solutions Online gives you the convenience of the internet, with the legal expertise and skill of a lawyer, experienced in all areas of family law.
  • Divorce Mediation - Information and FAQS about divorce mediation 
  • New York Divorce  Information and resources for people facing a divorce in the state of New York.  
  • Legal Help - Less Than $1/Day! - Do you need affordable legal help? Get access to a local attorney, available to help with all legal related issues for less than $1/day!
  • Divorce LLC Will - forms from legalzoom.com. Created by top attorneys, LegalZoom helps you create reliable legal documents from your home or office. Save time and money on common legal matters!
  • OurDivorceAgreement.com: This revolutionary divorce agreement preparation site allows cooperative divorcing couples to create their own divorce agreement online, along with supporting court required documents, using a series of self-guided forms. Also a tool for therapists, mediators and attorneys.

Divorce Mediation Links

  • ColoradoDivorceMediation details how mediation works, with CO divorce forms, tools, and unique parenting resources, including helpful books, videos, support groups, and the latest in divorce research regarding parenting plan options.
  • Mediation Works Incorporated is a non-profit organization offering a sliding fee scale and makes divorce mediation affordable for all Massachusetts residents.

Canadian Divorce Links

  • A Guide to Separation and Divorce - British Columbia information for kids and teens who are going through parental separation or divorce, as well as comprehensive information about family justice services offered by British Columbia’s Ministry of Attorney General.
  • Canadian Family Law and Canadian Divorce is a divorce and family law information site providing Canadians with easy-to-understand information about the complex legal issues.
  • Divorce Ottawa is a family law information site with great articles on many of the issues surrounding divorce in Canada.
  • Divorce Recovery Seminars - Rebuilding Relationships in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, offers a variety of seminars to help men and women alike recover from the stress of divorce and separation and rebuild your life.  Seminars include Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends, The Next Step - Time for ME, Finding Love, Healing Couples in Crisis, and Step Parenting.
  • Divorce Support Plus... where you get pre-marital, relationship, separation and divorce support, plus so much more!
  • Ontario Divorces - Your resource for an uncontested divorce in Ontario, Canada.
  • Parris Concierge.com- Toronto based service which can help with everyday tasks such as shopping and running errands while you concentrate on your divorce.

UK Divorce Links

  • Armchair Advice - provides advice on relationship troubles and divorce. It includes family law expertise, information and resources for those experiencing relationship breakdown and emotional support through our discussion forum.
  • Divorce Aid is an interactive self-help site for families going through divorce and separation. It provides legal and financial info and advice as well as emotional support together with children's sections and health. 
  • Detective Agency UK - Investigation Agency specializing in all forms of personal and corporate investigation.
  • Divorce Online UK offers self-help information about divorce in England and Wales.
  • DivorceResource.co.uk - Divorce is traumatic and costly. We can help you manage the process and even show you how to have fun after you're divorced.
  • Quickie Divorce UK - Complete DIY Divorce Solution. Used by Thousands. No Solicitor Fees.
  • Sharing Pensions is a free information website focused on the division of pension rights resulting from UK divorce.  It also contains good general divorce information specific to the UK. 
  • UK Deed Poll - Extensive information on how to legally change your name in the United Kingdom by using a Deed of Change of Name, more commonly referred to as a Deed Poll.

Divorce Links For Australia

  • Australia's Divorce Directory is a service to help you find professionals in your local area to assist you through your separation. 
  • Find a Mediator : Australian Mediation Services - Mediator Locator assists the community and legal profession locate skilled mediators practicing in all Australian States, Territories with requisite expertise to suit individual and corporate disputants.
  • Law & Litigation : Lawyer, Solicitor & Barrister Services - SLS is a totally independent brokerage service designed to promote a network of specialized, expert Lawyers, Solicitors & Barristers in smaller firms and sole practice. This Network gives you the equivalent resources and skill of any large firm.
  • Law Communicate is family law firm in Newcastle with interesting and helpful information on divorce as well as links to all the relevant Australian family divorce law, books and documents.

Other Legal Links

  • Court Reporting, Videography and other Litigation Services - Elite Court Reporting provides certified court reporters, videographers, depositions, arbitrations, mediations, tele-conferencing, conference room reservation, translation and other requested legal services to facilitate your business and legal matters.
  • Online Lawyer Source - Provides legal information in family law including divorce, alimony, custody, child support, adoption, pre-nuptial agreements, family contracts related to property, etc. Find a lawyer near you.
  • Personal Injury Lawyers - Personal Injury Lawyers and Professional Legal Services from Gorenlaw.com.
  • Seattle Personal Injury Attorneys Experienced legal representation for victims of serious injury and discrimination are available to help you at SeattlePersonalInjuryLawyers.com.

Divorce Links - Paternity Testing
The results of a paternity test can be used to establish child support payments when the father is denying parentage of the child or children in question.  If you are in need of paternity testing, you may find these resources helpful: Divorce Links Concerning Paternity

Divorce From a Christian Point of View

  • Divorce Help For Christian Women - Empowering Christian women to build new lives by providing emotional, spiritual, physical, financial and legal help both during and after divorce.
  • Divorce Hope - Restoring lost Biblical truth concerning divorce, remarriage and submission.  This site has an excellent collection of articles for Christians facing divorce.  

Divorce Links For Children's Issues

  • A Guide to Separation and Divorce - Information for kids and teens who are going through parental separation or divorce.  Developed for British Columbia families, but with helpful information for all.
  • At-Risk Youth - At-Risk.org has been compiled as a resource for parents and the general public in search of  information about at-risk youth. This site will present you with information and articles about helping at-risk youth.
  • Bill's Arena - This is a site for kids, run by a kid, lobbying for joint physical custody.  
  • ChildCustodyCoach.com can help reduce your attorney fees, prevent custody confusion, and help you win or gain custody.  
  • Custody IQ - Learn what affects child custody decisions, build your case, and drastically improve your odds of remaining an involved parent.
  • How To Love Your Kids More Than You Hate That Man
  • Istepfamily.com offers a safe, secure online support group exclusively for blended family members, lead by a fantastic group of seasoned blended family members and professionals. Chat, articles, forums and much more...
  • Parental Alienation Syndrome Information from Hugs to Heartbreak, a website to help you understand PAS, answer your questions, and provide some comfort.
  • http://www.parentalalienation.ca/ is an extensive site with a lot of information about PAS and what your options are if you are a victim. You can also take the Parental Alienation Syndrome Questionnaire to help determine if you are a victim of parental alienation. 
  • Parenting Time Calendar  offers easy to use visual tools for creating overnight and day visitation schedules.
  • StepFamily Foundation of Alberta is a non-profit organization that focuses exclusively upon the concerns and needs of stepfamilies.  By participating in their research study on step-parenting styles, you can gain access to ground-breaking information that can help you succeed as a step-parent.
  • TheDivorceGuide.com Do you know any children that are currently experiencing tough times through a divorce? You may now register children online to receive free benefits.

Divorce Links For Child Support Issues

  • The Child Support Web - Extensive information and resources on child support, including state and federal laws, calculators, enforcement, collection methods, and more.  
  • Child Support Laws - Information on child support laws in different states in America.
  • Child Support Calculators  Use the appropriate State Guideline Child Support Calculator to find out how much child support you should be paying or receiving.
  • Child Support Collectors - Originally started by a single mother who experienced firsthand the frustration of attempting to collect her support through the government's system, Support Collectors now collects child support and spousal support for clients nationwide. Best of all they are not paid until you get paid.  They even have an online child support calculator.
  • Child Support Network Collect your unpaid child support! Since 1995 Child Support Network has collected millions of dollars for thousands of frustrated parents, just like you; and they don't get paid until you do!
  • Delinquent Dad.com is a very informative source of information on collecting child support.  It offers practical advice and resources to help you collect your delinquent child support.

Divorce Links For Single Parents

  • Successful Divorce and Single Parenting:   A Step-by-Step Guide to Transform Your Experience from Suffering to Success.  From nationally known parenting expert, best-selling author and award-winning speaker Mickey Michaels.

Divorce Links For Domestic Abuse

Divorce Links Concerning Money

Divorce Links For Starting Over

  • Anger Management Techniques - An excellent website that includes eight highly successful anger management techniques, free articles for parents, and many additional anger management resources.
  • Online Divorce Recovery Counseling  can can help you cope with life problems, adjusting to the difficult situations and loneliness that come in the divorce aftermath.
  • New Life After Divorce - Guides, articles and tips to living a productive life after divorce
  • Coach-Connect.net is a community of accredited life Coaches. Our goal is to help you find a qualified life coach that specializes in whatever area you're seeking.
  • LifeWorks Counseling - Offering creative, compassionate counseling for a variety of problems.
  • LifeCoachExpert - A free resource focused on improving your life, with information on career, finance, life skills, and overcoming problems. 
  • SecondWivesClub.com - Sanctuary, support, solutions, & sanity for second wives & stepmoms!
  • A Fun Social Group for Divorced & Separated Women! - Laugh, Dance, and Move On with our Social Sorority of Divorced Women into a new life of friendships and activities! All ages welcome!
  • Advice Diva! - Relationship, love and dating advice from the fabulous Diva herself!  Learn how to get your "ex" back and find out what women really want.  Downloadable ebooks and a free online advice column.
  • International Women's Day Greeting Cards From 123Greetings.com - International Women's Day is all about the celebration of being a woman. On this occasion, reach out to all the women you admire... be it your mother, sister, grandmother, friend, or in-law through our collection of warm and loving International Women's Day greeting cards and make them feel special.
  • Self Growth.com -  SelfGrowth.com is the most complete guide to information about Self-Improvement, Personal Growth and Self Help on the Internet. It is designed to be an organized directory, with articles and references to thousands of other Web Sites on the World Wide Web.
  • Self-esteem For Women This is the most popular self-esteem site for women on the web. Please join our thriving community, take our test and obtain free results & recommendations to improve your self-esteem today!
  • Relationship Book Entitled I'm Sorry speaks to how subtle hurt in a relationship wounds the soul as much as abuse and addresses how one can repair hurt by his or her ability to show love, respect, and honesty.
  • Divorced & Widowed Adjustment Inc   FREE weekly support groups and programs for separated, divorced and widowed adults in Las Vegas, Nevada.  24-Hr. Information line 702-735-5544
  • SelfImprovementNewsletters.com - provides one of the most complete collections of Free Newsletters for Self Improvement and Personal Growth on the internet.
  • www.visionsanew.org - Visions Anew Institute's mission is to empower the divorcing woman to successfully conceive and achieve a new vision for her life. We accomplish this by connecting women with information, resources, and each other. Our programs include support groups, a resource directory, seminars and our acclaimed Divorce Survival Weekends.

Divorce Links About Infidelity

  • Break Free From the Affair -  Steps, strategies and resources for stopping and recovering from the infidelity or extramarital affairs. 
  • Infidelity - Chatcheaters.com was created to be a positive influence to the discovery, repair, and peaceful resolve of relationships threatened by internet infidelity.
  • Marital Affair - The Affair Recovery Center is a partnership of counseling professionals dedicated to the restoration of marriages crippled by infidelity.
  • PornAddictHubby.com - Relationship Rescue for Wives and Girlfriends of Internet Pornography Addicts
  • Signs of a Cheating Spouse - Find out the warning signals of a cheating spouse and what you can do to get the evidence that you need.
  • Truth About Deception.com - Everything you wanted to know about how, when, and why people lie to those they love.
  • Discovery Services, Private Investigations - A well-established detective agency with a track record of success. Specializing in surveillance, domestic investigations, and insurance claim investigations.  Professional investigations at very reasonable prices.

 

 

Federal Judicial Center
Education/Research Agency for the Federal Courts

Legislative Information
The Library of Congress, Bills: Search "divorce"

The United States Code
Search: Office of the Law Revision Counsel

National Child Welfare Ctr on Legal/Judicial Issues
Safety and well-being for Abused/Neglected Children

The Office of Children's Issues
International parental child abduction and adoption.

U.S. Department of State
Children's Issues/International Adoption/Child Abduction
Attorneys Abroad/Help for Americans Abroad/Certificates

National Child Support Enforcement Association
Voice for the Child Support Community /  International.

U.S. Department of Justice
Dispute Resolution: ADA Mediation Program
Domestic Violence: Office on Violence Against Women,
Domestic and Family Violence Information Resources,
Help for Victims, Stalking Information Resources

U.S. Dept of Labor - Wage garnishment ... child support.
Legal Services Corporation - Find Legal Assistance

Social Security - Marriage, Divorce, Name/Address Change

TheAntiDrug.com - How to keep your teens drug-free!
Marriage and Divorce Statistics - Provisional Data for 2002

CardCops.com - Check Your Credit Card Here ....  Free
Consumer Product Safety Commission - Keep family safe.

Military Defense Finance & Accounting Service
DFAS Cleveland processes all court ordered garnishment
for child support, alimony and commercial debts...

Administration For Children & Families
Adoption/Child Abuse/Child Care/Child Support

      Children's Bureau
      Enforcement of Support
      Evaluation of Child Support Guidelines
      Handbook on Child Support Enforcement
      Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement
      Web-Based Program for Healthy Marriages Grants
      Guide For Qualified Medical Child Support Orders
      Early Head Start National Resource Center (EHS NRC)
      Federal Parent Locator - Child Support Cases


Health and Human Services
Families & Children: Child Support, Child Abuse, Adoption

      Center / Disease Control Prevention - Search "divorce" 
      HealthFinder.gov - Guide to Reliable Health Information

      Investment Program on Marriage and Divorce
      Effects of Marriage on Family Economic Well-Being

      Effects of Parental Incarceration on Young Children
      Helping Children/Families Deal w/ Divorce Separation

      Fatherhood Initiative - Support / Strengthen Roles
      What Fathers and Mothers Say About Child Support
      Non-Custodial  Participation in Their Children's Lives
      Involving Non-Resident Fathers In Children's Learning
      Fathers'/Mothers' Involvement in Their Children's School
      Men Who Do For Their Children and Men Who Don't

      Children of Alcoholics: Are They Different?
      Treatment for Abused & Neglected Children
      Substance Abuse Treatment and Domestic Violence


Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
State Children's Health Insurance Program, Forms
Medicare, Medicaid, Oral Health, Providers, Glossary

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (1997) (original text)

Uniform Civil Liability for Support Act

Uniform Divorce Recognition Act

Uniform Interstate Enforcement of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act

Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (1996 Act - original text)

Uniform Marital Property Act

Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act

Model Minor Student Capacity to Borrow Act

Uniform Parentage Act (1973) (original text)

  • North Dakota (PDF) - NDCC 14-17-01 to 14-17-26 (repealed 2005)
  • Ohio - R.C. §§ 3111.01 to 3111.19
  • Rhode Island (also contains many provisions of Uniform Act on Paternity)
  • Texas - (2000 Act)
  • Washington
  • Wyoming - W.S.1977, §§ 14-2-101 to 14-2-120

Uniform Act on Paternity

Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (original text)

Revised Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act (1968 Act - original text)

  • Alabama (1950 Act) - Code 1975, §§ 30-4-80 to 30-4-98 (repealed, effective Jan. 1, 2000)
  • Georgia - O.C.G.A. §§ 19-11-40 to 19-11-81
  • Iowa (not repealed by enactment of Uniform Interstate Family Support Act)
  • Kentucky (repealed, effective upon U.S. Congress requiring adoption of Uniform Interstate Family Support Act in the several states)
  • Michigan
  • Missouri (1950 Act) - V.A.M.S. §§ 454.010 to 454.360

Divorce Glossary


Reading and understanding the following divorce terms may be critical to your case.  Divorce attorneys and Family Court Judges often use them and unless you have an understanding of what they mean, you may be doing great injustice to yourself and your divorce and child custody case.

Adultery: This term refers to sexual intercourse by a married person outside of the marriage. In some areas this may also be grounds for divorce or adversely affect the offender's case.



Alimony: Also called Maintenance or Spousal Support. See Maintenance.  A regular support payment by one divorced spouse to the other



Annulment: A court declaration stating that a legal marriage never existed



Attorney at Law aka Lawyer: A state-licensed advocate who is hired to prepare, manage and try a case in court.



Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): A process of negotiation, mediation and arbitration, in lieu of a trial, as a way to resolve issues pertaining to a judgment of divorce.



Case Information Statement (CIS): A financial document specifying the details of your respective incomes, expenses, assets, and debts.

 

Certification: An "under oath" certification document signed by the Plaintiff or Defendant giving relevant facts to be considered in Divorce filing, motion or trial.  This is often prepared by the representing attorneys.



Child Support: Money paid by one ex-spouse to another toward their child’s expenses.

 

Child Support Chart: Method used in some legal jurisdictions to establish a base for determining child support. Takes into account the gross incomes of both parents, less special adjustments (such as support paid for children of previous marriage), and a figure for the amount of money (usually stated as a monthly sum) that will be required to be spent for the child. The court has the authority to deviate from the formula as it deems necessary in each case.



COBRA: a federal law giving an employee and his/her covered dependents or spouse the right to continue group health coverage on a self-paid basis if eligibility for employer-sponsored group medical and dental insurance is lost through loss of employment or through divorce. COBRA eligibility is usually for 18 or 36 months after the event.

 

Common Law Marriage: A marriage without a license or ceremony in which the couple cohabitated for a minimum number of years (varies from state to state).

 

COLA: Cost of Living Adjustment.

 

Contested: Any issue on which the petitioner and respondent cannot agree, which must then be decided by the court.



Custodial Parent: The parent who has physical custody of the child.

 

Default: Failure to respond in the prescribed manner within a given period of time. The Respondent in a Petition for Dissolution is said to be in default if he or she failed to respond within a set period of time, usually 35 days after the date of service.



Deferred Compensation Package: This includes all retirement assets, such as pension, 401K's, IRA's, and any variety of saving or postponed income which has been earned during the marriage.

 

Deposition: Part of the discovery or information-exchanging process of a legal proceeding, in which the attorney representing your spouse asks you questions, you answer with your attorney present, and a transcript of the proceedings is prepared.



Docket: The court's calendar schedule.



Discovery: The legal procedures used to gather all the facts necessary to settle a case or to prepare the case for trial. Pretrial disclosure of pertinent facts and documents, including financial figures, by one or both parties.



Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce): The legal separation of a married couple so that each one may be free to marry again.

 

Divorce: The legal termination of a marriage relationship.

 

Domestic Violence: Condition where Physical abuse or threats of abuse is occurring between members of the same household.

 

Emancipation: The point at which children become financially independent, or reach the age of 18 or 21, depending on the wording of a state's laws.

 

Equitable Distribution: A fair division of the assets acquired during your marriage.  It definitely does not necessarily mean 50/50.



Interrogatories: A formal or written question that must be answered under the direction of the court.



Inventory and Appraisement: A list of jointly-owned property along with the current value of each one.



Joint Legal Custody: An agreement in which a divorced couple share the rights and responsibilities of making major decisions about their child’s life. Situation in which both parents continue to make joint decisions for their child's education, medical care, religious training, camp, and other day to day matters.



Joint Physical Custody: The shared right to have a child live with one or the other parent at different times of the week or year. A situation wherein the child spends time sleeping in both parents' homes.



Judgment of Divorce: A legal document following a settlement or trial that grants a divorce and states the court’s decisions with regard to alimony, support, custody, visitation rights, and equitable distribution.

 

Maintenance: Also called Alimony or child support payments.



Marital Settlement Agreement: An out-of-court agreement that resolves all issues surrounding a divorce.

 

Mediation: A non-adversarial process in which a dispute is resolved  between two or more parties through discussion and compromise toward agreement with the aid of a neutral party, or Mediator. In Divorce Mediation, the Mediator works with the divorcing spouses.



Motion to Modify: A motion put before the court requesting that changes be made in physical or legal custody, or in child support payments, thus modifying the existing arrangement.



Motions: Written or verbal appeals to the court for some sort of temporary relief, such as maintenance, child support, attorney's fees, etc..



Non-Custodial Parent aka Non-Residential Parent: The parent with whom the child is not physically living.



No-Fault Divorce: A divorce granted with the mutual agreement of two spouses, or when one spouse has left the marriage for a certain period of time (varies by state) .A divorce in which neither party has been accused of or found guilty of any misconduct.

 

Non-Marital Property : Property that belongs exclusively to either the husband or the wife and, as such, cannot be divided between the two.

 

Parenting Time aka Visitation:  The right of the non-custodial parent to spend quality time with his or her child.

 

Pre-Trial Motion aka PDL Motion: pen dente lite (Latin), or pending in the litigation. Any motion filed before the Petition is presented in court. Cannot be filed until at least 30 days after the Respondent is served with notice of intention to divorce. See Motions.



Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The wording used in some states for the legal Petition for Divorce.



Petitioner aka Plaintiff: he spouse who files for divorce.

 

QDRO: (Pronounced "kwah-dro"). A Qualified Domestic Relations Order is a court order declaring that one spouse shall be entitled to a portion of the other spouse's pension as a part of the marital assets.

 

Request for Production aka Notice to produce: Part of the Discovery process in which one attorney asks for the other side to produce documents they deem necessary to the case, such as financial documents.



Respondent aka Defendant: The spouse whom the Petitioner is seeking to divorce.



Retainer: The fee paid to an attorney or other professional for their services, sometimes representing advance payment for anticipated future services.

 

Restraining order: An order issued by the court requiring a spouse to refrain from doing something like contacting his or her spouse, often issued in conjunction with domestic violence or custody disputes.

 

Separation: The absence of one spouse from the household before a divorce.



Separation Agreement: A temporary agreement with regard to support, child custody and property for the period between the onset of separation and the granting of a divorce.

 

Service aka Serving: The act of serving the respondent with legal papers, such as the Notice of Petition for Dissolution or Divorce papers.  These papers are usually presented to the respondent either by mail, or in person by a County Sheriff's Deputy or Process Server.



Subpoena: A legal summons requiring that one appear in court as a witness to give testimony.

 

Trial: The formal legal process in which the court (judge) receives evidence and testimony to enable him or her to decide in a dispute between two parties.

 

Uncontested: When all issues have been resolved in a manner acceptable to both parties, the divorce is said to be Uncontested.



Visitation: see Parenting Time.

 

Divorce Rate

Welcome to divorcerate.org, the resource for providing information on the divorce rate in America and around the world.

What is the current divorce rate in America?
It is frequently reported that the divorce rate in America is 50%. This data is not accurately correct, however, it is reasonably close to actual. The Americans for Divorce Reform estimates that "Probably, 40 or possibly even 50 percent of marriages will end in divorce if current trends continue.", which is actually a projection.

"50% of all marriages in the America end in divorce."
The above statement about the divorce rate in America hides all the details about distribution, however.

Age at marriage for those who divorce in America

Age Women Men
Under 20 years old 27.6% 11.7%
20 to 24 years old 36.6% 38.8%
25 to 29 years old 16.4% 22.3%
30 to 34 years old 8.5% 11.6%
35 to 39 years old 5.1% 6.5%

The divorce rate in America for first marriage, vs second or third marriage
50% percent of first marriages, 67% of second and 74% of third marriages end in divorce, according to Jennifer Baker of the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, Missouri.”

According to enrichment journal on the divorce rate in America:
The divorce rate in America for first marriage is 41%
The divorce rate in America for second marriage is 60%
The divorce rate in America for third marriage is 73%

The divorce rate in America for childless couples and couples with children
According to discovery channel, couples with children have a slightly lower rate of divorce than childless couples.

Sociologists believe that childlessness is also a common cause of divorce. The absence of children leads to loneliness and weariness and even in the United States, at least 66 per cent of all divorced couples are childless.

AFRICAN AMERICAN

Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community
University of Minnesota, School of Social Work
290 St. Peters Hall
1404 Gortner Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108-6142
Phone: 877-NIDVAAC (643-8222)
Website: www.dvinstitute.org
The Institute's Mission is: To provide an interdisciplinary vehicle and forum by which scholars, practitioners, and observers of family violence in the African American community will have the continual opportunity to articulate their perspectives on family violence through research findings, the examination of service delivery and intervention mechanisms, and the identification of appropriate and effective responses to prevent/reduce family violence in the African American community.

AMERICAN WOMEN ABROAD

American Domestic Violence Crisis Line
Phone: 866-USWOMEN, (866-879-6636)
Email Hotline: crisis@866uswomen.org
Website: www.866uswomen.org
An international toll free domestic violence crisis line that abused American women & children can call by contacting the regional AT&T operator in their country of residence and ask to be connected. The crisis line operates from 10pm to 6am, Pacific Standard Time, Monday - Friday. For more information and for corresponding operating times in your country of residence, please visit the website.

ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER

Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence
450 Sutter Street Suite 600,
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: 415-954-9988 ext. 315
Email: apidvinstitute@apiahf.org
Website: www.apiahf.org/apidvinstitute/default.htm
The Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence serves as a forum for, and clearinghouse on information, research, resources and critical issues about violence against women in Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Their mission is to eliminate domestic violence in Asian and Pacific Islander communities by increasing awareness about the extent and depth of the problem; making culturally specific issues visible; strengthening community models of prevention and intervention; identifying and expanding resources; informing and promoting research and policy; and deepening our understanding and analyses of the issues surrounding violence against women. Information is available in Arabic, Bengali, Khmer, Chinese, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Punjabi, Tagalog, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Cantonese.

Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence
Emergency shelter and services for Asian survivors of domestic abuse. (Shelter is located in Boston)
www.atask.org
617-338-2355

CHILD ABUSE/CHILD SUPPORT/CUSTODY

Child Support Collectors
www.supportcollectors.com
Child Support Collectors assist in the collection of child support and spousal support payments and arrears. Fees may apply; contact Child Support Collectors for more information. (WomensLaw.org has no relationship with this company and does not know whether their information or services are good or helpful. We provide this link for your information.)

Child Support Network, the support collection professionals.
www.childsupport.com
Child Support Network (CSN) is a specialized service company that locates missing parents and collects court ordered family support payments. Family support includes child support, spousal support, medical support, and educational support. Fees may apply; contact CSN at for more information. (WomensLaw.org has no relationship with this company and does not know whether their information or services are good or helpful. We provide this link for your information.)

Custody Preparation For Moms
www.custodyprepformoms.org
This website provides valuable information and resources to fit and loving mothers who wish to continue to be the primary caretakers of their children.

International Child Abuse Network (Yes ICan)
www.yesican.org
Working world-wide to end child abuse, the International Child Abuse Network website provides resources and information on child abuse and domestic violence. They offer facilitated chats for victims and survivors of abuse of all ages and are an excellent source of online support. Beginning July 2005, chats will be available in Spanish.

International Child Support Enforcement Help Page
www.angelfire.com/biz2/support4kids/

Parents for Megan's Law
Parents For Megan's Law, Inc. is a national community and victim's rights organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of childhood sexual abuse through the provision of education, advocacy, counseling, policy and legislative support services.
National Hotline: 631-689-2672
www.parentsformeganslaw.org

Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Child Protection and Custody
(A project of the Family Violence Project of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and part of the Domestic Violence Resource Network)
PO Box 8970
Reno, NV 89507
Phone: (800) 527-3223
Website: http://ncjfcj.unr.edu
Provides information and tangible assistance to those working in the field of domestic violence and child protection and custody. The toll-free helpline provides up-to date information and technical assistance. Provides information, materials, consultation, and technical assistance related to child protection and custody within the context of domestic violence.

Stop It Now!
351 Pleasant St.
Suite B-319
Northampton, MA 01060
Administrative Phone: (413) 587-3500
Helpline: (888) PREVENT (773-8368)
Website: www.stopitnow.org/
Email: HELPLINE@stopitnow.org
Stop It Now! applies a public health approach to preventing the perpetration of child sexual absue. Stop It Now!'s toll-free national helpline is an information and referral resource for adults concerned about sexually inappropriate behaviors. Their helpline provides assistance in English and Spanish.

CONSUMER/FINANCIAL

Consumer Credit Counseling Service
www.cccsintl.org
Consumer Credit Information Hotline: 1-800-873-2227
Provides general information, advice, and assistance with debt and credit management. Also provides information on consumer rights and budget counseling. Their information hotline provides services in English and Spanish.

CRIME VICTIMS

Directory of Crime Victim Services
http://ovc.ncjrs.org/findvictimservices
Enables crime victims to readily locate national and international assistance services and will help victim service providers make appropriate referrals. The directory allows users to search for victim services by location, type of victimization and type of service needed.

National Center for Victims of Crime
200 M Street, NW, Suite 480
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-467-8700
Service Referral: 1-800-FYI-CALL (1-800-394-2255)
Website: www.ncvc.org
The mission of the National Center for Victims of Crime is to forge a national commitment to help victims of crime rebuild their lives. They are dedicated to serving individuals, families, and communities harmed by crime. This site provides great information on teen dating violence, and has a Stalking Resource Center which offers stalking-related state and federal statutes and other related info.

National Crime Victim Bar Association
2000 M Street NW, Suite 480
Washington, D.C. 20036
Administrative: 202-467-8701
Lawyer Referral Line: 800-FYI-CALL
email: victimbar@ncvc.org
Website: www.victimbar.org
Offers information and lawyer referrals to crime victims seeking to sue offenders.

Stalking Resource Center of the NCVC
For Victim Assistance, call 1-800-FYI-CALL, M-F 8:30 am -8:30 pm, EST.
Email: SRC@NCVC.org
Website: www.ncvc.org/src/
The Stalking Resource Center, run by the National Center for Victims of Crime, offers harassment and stalking-related state and federal statutes and other related info.

Witness Justice
www.witnessjustice.org
1-800-4WJ-HELP
Witness Justice is a national nonprofit organization committed to directly serving survivors of violent crime in the U.S. Our goal is to provide trauma victims and their loved ones with access to information and support to promote healing (physically, psychologically and spiritually) and to establish a sense of personal justice, no matter where they live or the nature of the violent crime committed against them.

DISABILITY RIGHTS

Disability Services ASAP page
www.austin-safeplace.org/site/PageServer?pagename=program_disability
This page has a national library and information specifically for victims with disabilities.

Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)
2212 Sixth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
Phone (TTY): (510) 644-2555
Email: info@dredf.org
Website: www.dredf.org
DREDF is a national law and policy center dedicated to protecting and advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities.

DIVORCE

CompleteCase.com
www.completecase.com
CompleteCase.com is an online uncontested divorce service center which enables you to complete your divorce documents from home, without incurring the cost of an attorney. You will receive completed documents, explanations and instructions. The documents are customized to the state you live in, your children, your income and your assets. Fees apply. Please note that if you have property or money that you want to protect or secure from your spouse,you should seek the assistance of a lawyer in your state. (WomensLaw.org has no relationship with this company and does not know whether their information or services are good or helpful. We provide this link for your information.)

DivorceInfo.com
www.divorceinfo.com
This website provides information about divorce, alimony, and child support, and has state-specific information for each state. The information free, and there are forms and packets you can buy. (WomensLaw.org has no relationship with this company and does not know whether their information or services are good or helpful. We provide this link for your information.)

DivorceLawInfo.com
www.divorcelawinfo.com
This website allows site users to access online Do It Yourself Divorce, Divorce Forms, Divorce Papers and Divorce Kits. The site also has state-specific divorce and family law information, child support calculators, custody and visitation information, and divorce and marital settlement information. The legal information is free, but there are costs for the services they provide. (WomensLaw.org has no relationship with this company and does not know whether their information or services are good or helpful. We provide this link for your information.)

MilleniumDivorce.com
www.millenniumdivorce.com
Developed by divorce lawyers and divorce attorneys, this website provides information and services on a wide variety of issues related to separation, divorce and child custody throughout all 50 states. The legal information is free, but there are costs for the services they provide. (WomensLaw.org has no relationship with this company and does not know whether their information or services are good or helpful. We provide this link for your information.)

ELDER ABUSE

Stop Abuse for Everyone (SAFE)
PO Box 951
Tualatin, OR 97062
www.safe4all.org/
Email: safe@safe4all.org
Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE) is a human rights organization that provides services, publications, and training to serve those who typically fall between the cracks of domestic violence services. These groups include straight men, gays and lesbians, teens, the elderly, and immigrants.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Springtide Resources
http://www.springtideresources.org/
Based in Ontario, Canada, this site provides good articles and information on domestic violence, including emotional abuse. Information in English and French.

Woman Abuse Prevention
Excerpt from Wearing Her Down: Understanding And Responding To Emotional Abuse. Toronto, ON: Education Wife Assault, 1999. http://www.womanabuseprevention.com/html/wearing_her_down.html

GLBTQ

Gay & Lesbian National Hotline
2261 Market Street, PMB # 296
San Francisco, CA 94114
Toll-free Hotline: 1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564)
Administrative phone: 1-415-355-0003
Email: info@glbtnationalhelpcenter.org
Website:www.glnh.org
Dedicated to meeting the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community, and those questioning their sexual orientation or identity. Offers peer counseling on a variety of issues, including domestic violence within the GLBT community.

LAMBDA GLBT Community Services
www.lambda.org
General Questions: 206-600-4297
Admin: 206-350- GAYS (4297)
Legal Referrals: Gay and Lesbian National Hotline at 888-THE-GLNH (888-843-4564) or online at www.glnh.org.
LAMBDA is a non-profit, gay / lesbian / bisexual / transgender agency dedicated to reducing homophobia, inequality, hate crimes, and discrimination by encouraging self-acceptance, cooperation, and non-violence.

The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP)
Website: http://www.ncavp.org/
240 West 35th Street Suite 200
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 714-1184 Fax: (212) 714-2627
info@ncavp.org
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) addresses the pervasive problem of violence committed against and within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a coalition of programs that document and advocate for victims of anti-LGBT and anti-HIV/AIDS violence/harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, police misconduct and other forms of victimization.

Stop Abuse for Everyone (SAFE)
PO Box 951
Tualatin, OR 97062
www.safe4all.org/
Email: safe@safe4all.org
Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE) is a human rights organization that provides services, publications, and training to serve those who typically fall between the cracks of domestic violence services. These groups include straight men, gays and lesbians, teens, the elderly, and immigrants.

GENERAL DIRECT SERVICES

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Website: www.ncadv.org
Policy Office:   1633 Q Street, NW Suite 210
                        Washington, DC 20009
                        Tel: 202-745-1211
Administration: 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 1603
                        Denver, CO 80203
                        Tel: (303) 839-1852
Email: mainoffice@ncadv.org
The NCADV is the oldest national organization representing grassroots organizations and individuals working to assist and empower battered women and their children. It serves as a national information and referral center for the general public, the media, battered women and children, agencies and organizations. They offer shelters and support services for battered women and their children.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
PO Box 161810
Austin, TX 78716
Hotline: 800 799-7233
Email: ndvh@ndvh.org
Website: www.ndvh.org
Open year-round, trained staff provide counseling and referral services to all, free of charge. The staff speaks English and Spanish, and translators are available for 129 other languages. They offer crisis intervention, referrals to domestic violence and other emergency shelters and programs, information and support, and can link callers to a nationwide database on domestic violence. They advise on shelters, advocacy and assistance, and social services programs.

Pace University School of Law / Battered Women's Justice Center
78 N. Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
Phone: (914) 422-4069
Website: www.law.pace.edu/bwjc/index.html
The Pace Women's Justice Center is a training, resource and direct legal services center. It creates and disseminates new techniques for legal intervention and trains law students, judges, attorneys, and others who work to eradicate injustice to women.

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)
200 L Street NW, Suite 406
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: (202) 544-1034
Hotline: (800) 656-HOPE
Email: info@RAINN.org
Website: www.rainn.org
Provides information, help and resources throughout the country, and a helpline.

Abuse, Rape & Domestic Violence Aid & Resource Collection (AARDVARC)
http://www.aardvarc.org/
A collection of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking resources throughout all fifty states. The website also includes general education and reference materials.

IMMIGRATION/INTERNATIONAL

American Immigration Lawyers Association
Provides a lawyer referral service to private immigration attorneys. They will provide you with the contact information for a lawyer, and you will be charged no more than $100 for an initial half-hour consultation. During this consultation, you should ask the attorney what the rate will be for further services. All lawyers participating in the service are licensed to practice law in a state or territory of the United States and are currently a member in good standing of a State Bar Association.
918 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004-1400
Phone: 202-216-2400
Fax: 202-783-7853
Email: ilrs@aila.org
www.aila.org

ASISTA online
This website provides helpful information, instructions and forms. While it is geared toward domestic violence advocates and lawyers working with battered immigrant women, much of the information on the site is publicly accessible.
www.asistaonline.org/legalresources/LegalResources.html

ASISTA Immigration Technical Assistance Project
515 28th Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
Phone: (515) 244-2469
www.asistaonline.org

AYUDA Clinical Legal Latina
Exists to advocate for and defend the legal and human rights of low-income Latino and other immigrant communities in the Washington, D.C. area.
www.ayudainc.org
Phone: (202 )387-4848

Catholic Charities
In most states, provides legal representation and information for victims of domestic violence with immigration issues. Find the program closest to where you live.
www.catholiccharitiesinfo.org

Family Violence Prevention Fund
383 Rhode Island Street, Suite 304
San Francisco, CA 94103-5133
Phone: (415) 252-8900
Fax: (415) 252-8991
Email: info@endabuse.org
Website: http://endabuse.org
Provides information and is part of the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights http://endabuse.org/programs/display.php3?DocID=9927
A national organization dedicated to the elimination of domestic violence through public education and prevention campaigns, public policy reform, model training, advocacy programs, and organizing. They run programs training all different sectors of society on action to take against domestic violence, and they build up integrated community projects.

Hot Peach Pages
www.hotpeachpages.net
Hot Peach Pages is an on-line directory of world-wide abuse hotlines, crisis centers, refuges, shelters, and women's organizations. Information on abuse is available in more than sixty-five languages.

Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Information on immigrant women and domestic violence
www.ilcadv.org/legal/special_imgr.htm

International Child Abuse Network (Yes ICan)
www.yesican.org
Working world-wide to end child abuse, the International Child Abuse Network website provides resources and information on child abuse and domestic violence. They offer facilitated chats for victims and survivors of abuse of all ages and are an excellent source of online support. Beginning July 2005, chats will be available in Spanish.

International Child Support Enforcement Help Page
www.angelfire.com/biz2/support4kids/

International Institute of the East Bay: Basic Legal Questions and Answers for Battered Immigrant Women
449 15th Street, Suite 303
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 451-2846
Fax: (510) 465-3392
Services for immigrants, including women experiencing abuse.
www.iieb.org/dv_res.htm

Legal Momentum
Provides information about immigration and support to lawyers representing battered women in immigration cases.
Phone: (202) 326-0040
www.legalmomentum.org/legalmomentum/
Email: iwp@legalmomentum.org
(include your name, address and telephone number, if it is safe for you)

Legal Momentum Immigrant Women Program
1522 K Street, N.W. Suite 550
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 326-0040
Fax: (202) 589-0511

National Immigration Law Center
A national support center whose mission is to protect and promote the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants. Conducts policy analysis and impact litigation and provides publications, technical advice, and trainings to a broad constituency of legal aid agencies, community groups, and pro bono attorneys.
www.nilc.org
Phone: (213)-639-3900

National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild
Information and legal support on immigrant rights. Specializes in assistance for immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who are seeking legal status in the U.S.
www.nationalimmigrationproject.org
Direct link to online info for survivors: http://www.nationalimmigrationproject.org/domestic-violence/domvioindex.htm
Phone: (617) 227-9727

National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Provides information and referrals
http://www.immigrantwomennetwork.org/

StopVAW
www.stopvaw.org
STOPVAW is a site developed by Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights as a tool for the promotion of women's human rights in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Violence Against Women Office, US Department of Justice
Information about relevant laws, including the Victim's of Trafficking Act
212-789-2830
www.usdoj.gov/ovw/

Women's Rights Network
Wellesley Centers for Women
Wellesley College
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
Tel: (781) 283-2500
Website: www.wcwonline.org/projects/title.php?id=77
Strives to link activists in every corner of the world who are working to end domestic violence, so that they can access their most valuable resource: each other. By building and sustaining a dynamic global network of activists around domestic violence and related issues, we can begin to create a world that is free from violence against women and children.

LATINO

National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence
www.dvalianza.org
The Alianza does not provide direct services. It is a national organization that works in the areas of research, public policy, training and technical assistance, and community education and development.

LAWYER AND ADVOCATE SUPPORT

Battered Women's Justice Project
(Part of the Domestic Violence Resource Network)
2104 4th Avenue South, Suite B
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: (612) 824-8768
Toll-free: 800-903-0111
TTY: (612) 824-8768
Email: crimjust@bwjp.org
Website: www.bwjp.org
Assists legal advocates, law enforcement personnel, corrections agents, judges, attorneys, domestic violence organizations, government agencies, students and concerned citizens. The project provides training, technical assistance, and other resources (but not the fighting of individual legal cases) through a partnership with three nationally-recognized organizations, in the areas of criminal justice, civil justice, and battered women who are charged with crimes.

Center for Family Violence and the Courts
http://www.ncsconline.org/famviol/index.html
The mission of the Family Violence Forum is to improve the justice system’s response to family violence through research, technical assistance, and education. Provides free help to judges, court administrators, and other employees of the state court systems dealing with family violence.

Family Violence Prevention Fund
383 Rhode Island Street, Suite 304
San Francisco, CA 94103-5133
Phone: (415) 252-8900
Email: info@endabuse.org
Website: http://endabuse.org
A national organization dedicated to the elimination of domestic violence through public education and prevention campaigns, public policy reform, model training, advocacy programs, and organizing. They run programs training all different sectors of society on action to take against domestic violence, and they build up integrated community projects.

Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence
(Part of the National Health Initiative on Domestic Violence, a program of the Family Violence Prevention Fund, and part of the Domestic Violence Resource Network)
383 Rhode Island Street, Suite 304
San Francisco, CA 94103-5331
Phone: 888-527-3223
E-mail: health@fvpf.org
Website: http://endabuse.org/programs/healthcare
This national clearinghouse provides support for those interested in developing a comprehensive health care response to domestic violence in all health care settings. Provides resource and training materials, technical assistance, information and referrals, and models for local, state and national health policymaking.

Institute for Law and Justice - Domestic Violence
http://www.ilj.org/research.htm
The Institute for Law and Justice (ILJ) collected references and organizational contacts of practical or legal and educational use to families, justice professionals, or mental health and social service professionals.

Legal Resource Center on Violence Against Women
www.lrcvaw.org
800-556-4053 (Monday-Friday, 9-5 EST)
This organization helps advocates and lawyers with issues of interstate custody where domestic violence is involved.

National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women
(In partnership with the Battered Women's Justice Project)
125 South 9th Street, Suite 302
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 351-0010
Hotline: 800 903-0111 ext. 3
Website: http://www.ncdbw.org/
The organization serves a growing need for a more effective and organized approach to justice issues affecting battered women who have killed or assaulted their abusers while attempting to protect themselves and their children against violence, or who have been coerced by their abusers into committing a crime. They are building a resource library of information relating to legal cases, and a resource bank of expert witnesses to assist in trials.

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
Family Violence Project
PO Box 8970
Reno, NV 89507
Phone: 1-800-52PEACE (1-800-527-3223)
Business Phone: (775) 784-6012
Website: www.ncjfcj.org/dept/fvd/
Operates the Resource Center on Domestic Violence and other ongoing projects, including ones on: improving the court system's response to family violence cases; providing training for judges and court workers nationwide; and developing and promoting model state legislation on domestic and family violence.

National Legal Aid & Defender Association
1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202.452.0620
Website: www.nlada.org
NLADA is the nation's leading advocate for front-line attorneys and other equal justice professionals, representing legal aid and defender programs, as well as individual advocates.

National Network to End Domestic Violence
660 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Suite 303
Washington, D.C. 20003 USA
Phone:(202) 543-5566
Website: www.nnedv.org
The National Network to End Domestic Violence is a membership and advocacy organization of state domestic violence coalitions, allied organizations and supportive individuals.

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
(Part of the Domestic Violence Resource Network)
6400 Flank Drive, Suite 1300
Gateway Corporate Center
Harrisburg, PA 17112-2778
Phone: (800) 537-2238
TTY: (800) 553-2508
Provides comprehensive information and resources (including videos, publications and information packs), policy development, and technical assistance designed to enhance community responses to and prevention of domestic violence.

Pace University School of Law / Battered Women's Justice Center
78 N. Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
Phone: (914) 422-4069
Website: www.law.pace.edu/bwjc/index.html
The Pace Women's Justice Center is a training, resource and direct legal services center. It creates and disseminates new techniques for legal intervention and trains law students, judges, attorneys, and others who work to eradicate injustice to women.

Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
6400 Flank Drive, Suite 1300
Gateway Corporate Center
Harrisburg, PA 17112-2778
Phone: (800) 537-2238
TTY: (800) 553-2508
Website: www.pcadv.org
Working with the Battered Women's Justice Project, PCADV tries to improve battered women's access to civil court options and to legal representation in civil court processes. Provides consultation to advocates, attorneys, court personnel and policy makers in advocacy and court system approaches, model protocols and practices, and policy.

Trial Lawyers for Public Justice
1825 K Street NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-797-8600
Website: www.tlpj.org
This national, public interest law firm offers cutting-edge legal briefs and news on public interest issues, including civil rights, elder law, reproductive freedom, violence prevention, and women's rights. This is the only site on the Internet where you can find complete contact information for all legal aid, legal services, and poverty law offices in the U.S.

Vera Institute of Justice
233 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10279
Phone (212) 334-1300
Website: www.vera.org
Vera plans and demonstrates solutions — often building nonprofit organizations from successful demonstrations — studies social problems and current responses, and provides the advice and assistance leaders need to change their own systems. Vera addresses the issue of domestic violence through its Consulting Nationally project.

LAWYER REFERRAL/LEGAL INFORMATION

VictimLaw.info
http://www.victimlaw.info/victimlaw/
The National Center for Victims of Crime, with support from the Office for Victims of Crime, have just opened VictimLaw, an on-line database of over 15,000 victims' rights laws. This is a resource for legal information that can be accessed by topic, terms, contents and citations.

iLawyer.com
www.ilawyer.com
iLawyer is a national network of non-profit Lawyer Referral Services operated by local Bar Associations - all meeting American Bar Association (ABA) standards. This service serves residents of California, Colorado, Connecticut, New York, and Washington state. An affordable 30-minute consultation is included with every referral. (WomensLaw.org has no relationship with this company and does not know whether their information or services are good or helpful. We provide this link for your information.)

LawHelp.org
www.lawhelp.org
LawHelp helps low and moderate income people find free legal aid programs in their communities, and answers to questions about their legal rights.

MyLawyer.com
www.mylawyer.com
MyLawyer.com is a legal information services organization that specializes in publishing self-help legal software tools on the Web enabling citizens to access the law without incurring the high cost of legal fees.They use online legal forms and documents that are either state-specific or universally accepted in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. You will find forms for divorce, name change, living wills, trusts, and many other legal issues. There are costs for the services MyLawyer.com provides. (WomensLaw.org has no relationship with this company and does not know whether their information or services are good or helpful. We provide this link for your information.)

NameChangeLaw.com
www.namechangelaw.com
The goal of NameChangeLaw.com is to help people do their own simple name changes online at an affordable price. All name change form kits contain clearly written, easy to understand, step-by-step instructions for completing and filing your name change application/petition. There are costs for the services NameChangeLaw.com provides. Please note that even if you change your name, there are ways your abuser can find you. Talk to someone in a domestic violence shelter for assistance and safety planning first. (WomensLaw.org has no relationship with this company and does not know whether their information or services are good or helpful. We provide this link for your information.)

USLegalforms.com
http://www.uslegalforms.com/
USLegalforms.com has over 25,000 legal documents and forms, including wills, name change, real estate, bankruptcy, landlord-tenant, and power of attorney. There are costs for the services USLegalfoms.com provides. (WomensLaw.org has no relationship with this company and does not know whether their information or services are good or helpful. We provide this link for your information.)

LEAVING ABUSE

Leaving Domestic Abuse Safely
www.leavingabuse.com
This site acts as a "how to" guide for women who want to escape from abusive relationships. The site defines abuse, examines the cycle of abuse and discusses why women stay. It also outlines a plan of action to safely escape and plan for a financially secure and emotionally stable new life. It includes specific information on safety, divorce, immigration, legal help, obtaining credit, training for the job market, confidential mail forwarding and more. There is also an active message board where women come together to support each other, ask questions and vent frustrations.

Silent Tears, Inc.
http://silenttears.itgo.com
An online support (chats and resources) organization for the victims of domestic violence. Silent Tears, Inc. was created for all victims of domestic violence nationwide. When we say victims, we mean both women and men alike.

MENTAL HEALTH/ADDICTION

National Mental Health Association Information Center
2000 Beauregard Street, 6th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: 703-684-7722
Fax: 703-684-5968
Toll-free: 800-969-6642
TTY: 800-433-5959
E-mail: infoctr@nmha.org
Internet: www.nmha.org
The National Mental Health Association maintains a referral and information center and can help you locate local chapters. These local groups have information about community services and engage in national and state level advocacy.

She's In Recovery
www.shesinrecovery.com
She's In Recovery is an online community with support, information and resources for women in recovery from addiction.

MEN STOPPING ABUSE

JacksonKatz.com
JacksonKatz.com
Information about what men can do to stop violence by men against women.

Men Stopping Violence
www.menstoppingviolence.org/index.html
Men Stopping Violence was founded based on the premise that men can work together, in alliance with the battered women's movement, to end men's violence against women.

Stop Abuse for Everyone (SAFE)
PO Box 951
Tualatin, OR 97062
www.safe4all.org/
Email: safe@safe4all.org
Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE) is a human rights organization that provides services, publications, and training to serve those who typically fall between the cracks of domestic violence services. These groups include straight men, gays and lesbians, teens, the elderly, and immigrants.

NATIVE AMERICAN/TRIBAL

American Indian Law Center
http://lawschool.unm.edu/AILC/

Indian Law Resource Center
www.indianlaw.org

Law Moose World Legal Resource Center: Indian Nations and Tribes
www.lawmoose.com/internetlawlib/31.htm

Mending the Sacred Hoop, Technical Assistance Project
www.msh-ta.org
MSH-TA is a Native American program that works towards the elimination of violence in the lives of women and their children by providing training and technical assistance to Alaskan Native and Tribal Nations.

Model Tribal Domestic Violence Full Faith and Credit Ordinance
www.vaw.umn.edu/finaldocuments/ FFCTribal.htm

Native American Circle, Ltd. (NAC)
P.O. Box 227
Elgin, OK 73538
Toll free: 866-622-3872
Business: 580-492-4741
Email: NAC@NativeAmericanCircle.org
Website: www.nativeamericancircle.org
Native American Circle, Ltd is a victim advocacy organization for Native American survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking crimes, as well as providing resources for non-Indian programs desiring to offer culturally competent victim services.

Native American Rights Fund
www.narf.org

National Congress of American Indians
www.ncai.org

National Indian Child Welfare Association
www.nicwa.org

National Tribal Justice Resource Center
www.tribalresourcecenter.org

NCADV section on Tribal women and Full Faith and Credit and problems on Tribal land with DV
www.ncadv.org/publicpolicy/tribal.htm

NAICJA: National American Indian Court Judges Association
www.naicja.org

Southwest Center for Law and Policy
www.swclap.org

Tribal Court Clearinghouse
www.tribal-institute.org/lists/domestic.htm

The Tribal Law & Policy Institute
www.tribal-institute.org/lists/tlpi.htm

US Dept of Health and Human Services: Indian Health Service
http://www.ihs.gov/MedicalPrograms/MCH/W/DV00.cfm

POLICY ORGANIZATIONS AND ARTICLES: (ARICLES, INFORMATION, INDEXES/RESOURCES)

Abuse, Rape & Domestic Violence Aid & Resource Collection (AARDVARC)
http://www.aardvarc.org/
A collection of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking resources throughout all fifty states. The website also includes general education and reference materials.

Center for Women Policy Studies
1776 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Suite 450
Washington, DC 20036
Phone:(202) 872-1770
Email: cwps@centerwomenpolicy.org
Website: www.centerwomenpolicy.org
A multicultural, multiethnic, feminist policy research and advocacy institution, the Center addresses all issues which impact on women. Their current programs include Stop Acquaintance Rape (StAR); Violence Against Women and Girls; and a State Legislators Initiative, whose report keeps track of federal and state policy that affects women.

Communities Against Violence Network - CAVNET
www.cavnet2.org
A comprehensive, searchable database for information about violence against women. This website provides articles on everything from welfare reform and domestic violence to violence against immigrant women to Rohypnol, the "date rape drug" to legal information and statistics.

Domestic Violence Project of Silicon Valley, CA
www.growing.com/nonviolent/index.htm
Lists all kinds of domestic violence organizations, resources, and links by category.

Feminist Majority
1600 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 801
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 703-522-2214

Feminist Majority Foundation
433 South Deverly Drive
Bevferly Hills, CA 90212
Phone: 310-556-2500
E-mail: femajority@feminist.org
Website: www.feminist.org
DV Info page: www.feminist.org/other/dv/dvhome.html
Committed to empowering women and winning equality through research, the sharing of information of value to feminists everywhere, and effective action. Website provides resources and links for domestic violence.

Legal Momentum
395 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 925-6635
Public Education and Outreach Department Phone: (212) 925-6635
Website: www.legalmomentum.org
EHRSA program email: ehrsa@legalmomentum.org
Legal Momentum (formerly NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund) pursues equality for women through litigation, education, and public information programs. Through its Employment and Housing Rights for Survivors of Abuse (ERHSA) project, it offers both direct representation and information and resources on employment and housing rights of survivors of domestic violence (such as survivors' rights to time off from work; protection from discrimination; and access to unemployment insurance). Its Immigrant Women's Project provides information and resources on issues faced by immigrant victims of domestic violence.

Lifetime Television
www.lifetimetv.com
Lifetime Television holds an annual "Stop Violence Against Women" campaign which includes on-air programming focusing on these issues, information on their website, community outreach, and public policy work. You can find out more on their website: www.lifetimetv.com/community/olc/violence/index.html

Liz Claiborne, Love Is Not Abuse
www.loveisnotabuse.com
This site provides great information on domestic violence and what you can do for yourself or to help a friend. Check out the Women's Handbook and the information on Teen Dating Violence.

MINCAVA Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse
www.mincava.umn.edu
Electronic clearinghouse of online information for violence.

National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence
4612 Shoal Creek Blvd.,
Austin, Texas 78756
Phone: (512) 407-9020
Email: info@ncdsv.org
Website: www.ncdsv.org
The National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence designs, provides, and customizes training and consultation; influences policy; promotes collaboration; and enhances diversity with the goal of ending domestic and sexual violence. This organization sponsors national and regional conferences and co-chairs the U.S. Department of Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence (DTFDV).

National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women
(In partnership with the Battered Women's Justice Project)
125 South 9th Street, Suite 302
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 351-0010
Hotline: 800 903-0111 ext. 3
Website: http://www.bwjp.org/
The organization serves a growing need for a more effective and organized approach to justice issues affecting battered women who have killed or assaulted their abusers while attempting to protect themselves and their children against violence, or who have been coerced by their abusers into committing a crime. They are building a resource library of information relating to legal cases, and a resource bank of expert witnesses to assist in trials.

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
(Part of the Domestic Violence Resource Network)
6400 Flank Drive, Suite 1300
Gateway Corporate Center
Harrisburg, PA 17112-2778
Phone: (800) 537-2238
TTY: (800) 553-2508
Provides comprehensive information and resources (including videos, publications and information packs), policy development, and technical assistance designed to enhance community responses to and prevention of domestic violence.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center
123 North Enola Drive
Enola PA 17025
Toll Free: 877-739-3895
Phone: 717-909-0710
TTY: 717-909-0715
Email: resources@nsvrc.org
Website: www.nsvrc.org/index.html
Serving as a central clearinghouse for the voluminous resources and research, the NSVRC provides a place to turn to for information, help and support. The NSVRC will influence policy, practice and research by providing greater interaction, investigation and review, and by promoting awareness within the anti-sexual violence movement. A project of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape.

Office of Violence Against Women, Department of Justice
800 K street NW
Suite 920
Washington, DC 20530
Phone: (202) 307-6026
Website: www.usdoj.gov/ovw/
This is the policy office which implements the 1994 Violence Against Women Act, combining the enforcement of federal laws with assistance to states and localities to fight domestic violence and other crimes against women.

Rural Womyn Zone
www.ruralwomyn.net
By and for rural women in the U.S. and in sisterhood with rural women worldwide. This website provides articles, discussion, chats, and email lists for rural women and advocates.

Stop Family Violence
www.stopfamilyviolence.org
Information on legislative activity regarding family violence and instructions on how to contact your legislators. Also provides an email list for updates on legislative activity.

Trial Lawyers for Public Justice
1825 K Street NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-797-8600
Website: www.tlpj.org
This national, public interest law firm offers cutting-edge legal briefs and news on public interest issues, including civil rights, elder law, reproductive freedom, violence prevention, and women's rights. This is the only site on the Internet where you can find complete contact information for all legal aid, legal services, and poverty law offices in the U.S.

VAWNet
www.vawnet.org
VAWnet Library is an online resource for advocates working to end domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violence in the lives of women and their children. VAWnet is a project of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) and the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV).

WomensLaw.org
P.O. Box 310-340
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Phone: 718-923-1400 ext. 270 (business calls only)
Email:Contact Us
Website: www.WomensLaw.org
WomensLaw.org is an online resource providing state-specific domestic violence legal information. The site also publishes step-by-step procedural information, courthouse and sheriff locations, links to downloadable court forms, and national and local links and resources. WomensLaw also provides information through an email hotline:Contact Us

Women's Rural Advocacy Programs
www.letswrap.com
WRAP is a collective of five offices serving four counties in southwestern Minnesota. Their website provides domestic violence information and resources for survivors of violence in rural communities.

RAPE/SEXUAL ASSAULT

Abuse, Rape & Domestic Violence Aid & Resource Collection (AARDVARC)
http://www.aardvarc.org/
A collection of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking resources throughout all fifty states. The website also includes general education and reference materials.

Face Project
Website: http://nobukoonline.com
Nobuko Oyabu's project, “Faces of Rape and Sexual Abuse Survivors”, reveals the inner strength of women and men who have been put to the ultimate trial of their lives. In English and Japanese.

National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence
4612 Shoal Creek Blvd.,
Austin, Texas 78756
Phone: (512) 407-9020
Email: info@ncdsv.org
Website: www.ncdsv.org
The National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence designs, provides, and customizes training and consultation; influences policy; promotes collaboration; and enhances diversity with the goal of ending domestic and sexual violence. This organization sponsors national and regional conferences and co-chairs the U.S. Department of Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence (DTFDV).

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)
200 L Street NW, Suite 406
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: (202) 544-1034
Hotline: (800) 656-HOPE
Email: info@RAINN.org
Website: www.rainn.org
Provides information, help and resources throughout the country, and a helpline.

RELIGION

Faith Trust Institute
2400 N 45th Street #10
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 634-1903
Email: info@faithtrustinstitute.org
Website: www.faithtrustinstitute.org
An interdenominational educational center, providing material and training to religious communities, with the aim of the prevention of sexual and domestic violence. They offer training, workshops, videos, books and publications to help those who work within the faith community to combat domestic abuse.

Jewish Women International
www.jewishwomen.org
Jewish Women International (JWI) is dedicated to breaking the cycle of violence through education, advocacy and action – locally, nationally and around the world. Guided by the vision of a safe world for women, children and families and the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, repair of the world, JWI fulfills its mission through many programs, initiatives and philanthropic activities.

TEENS

Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence
www.acadv.org/dating.html

Break the Cycle
www.breakthecycle.org
Phone: (310) 286-3366
Phone: (888) 988-TEEN
help@break-the-cycle.org

CommunityCorner.org
www.CommunityCorner.org
This website is maintained by the Computers for Youth, and includes links to a variety of organizations and sites that are great community resources. The site has info on teen health and relationships, and on family relationships.

Cool Nurse
www.coolnurse.com/teen_dating_violence.htm

Covenant House
Crisis line: 1-800-999-9999
www.covenanthouse.org/
Provides crisis counseling for teens and their caregivers, as well as emergency shelter for runaway teens throughout the US.

Jane's Due Process (JDP)
www.janesdueprocess.org
24-hour Hotline: 1-866-www-jane (1-866-999-5263)
JDP serves as an information and advocacy center dedicated to promoting fair and equal access for Texas teenagers seeking legal services in order to make a reproductive choice. JDP has information on judicial bypass waivers, emancipation petitions, and protective orders. Though Texas-based, JDP tries to refer minors to places to find out more about judicial bypass and emancipation proceedings in other states.

KidsHealth www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/relationships/abuse.html

Love Doesn't Have to Hurt
www.apa.org/pi/pii/teen

Love Is Not Abuse
www.loveisnotabuse.com

Making Waves
www.mwaves.org

Melrose Alliance Against Violence
www.maav.org

Mincava Dating Violence
www.mincava.umn.edu/dateviol.asp

National Domestic Violence Hotline
www.ndvh.org/educate/teen.html

National Women's Health Information Center
www.4woman.gov/violence/index.cfm?page=91

Safe Youth
www.safeyouth.org/scripts/index.asp

SeeItAndStopIt.Org
www.seeitandstopit.org

Teen Outreach Program
Homepage: www.teenrelationships.org/
Chatroom: www.teenrelationships.org/chatroom/privacypolicy.htm
Chatroom hours: Monday - Wednesday, 5-7 PM Pacific
Teen hotline: (650) 259-8136,
National hotline: (800)799-SAFE 24hrs
Hotline hours: Monday - Wednesday, 5-7 PM Pacific time.

The National Center for Victims of Crime
Teen Victim Project
http://www.ncvc.org/tvp/main.aspx?dbID=dash_Home

The Quiet Storm Project
www.thequietstormproject.com/tqsp.html

U Have the Right
www.uhavetheright.net

West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources
www.wvdhhr.org/bph/trust/index.htm

When Love Hurts
www.dvirc.org.au/whenlove

VICTIMS OF ABUSE BY PUBLIC SERVANTS/MILITARY

Abuse of Power
www.Abuseofpower.info
Information by and for Survivors of Police and Firefighter Domestic Violence.
Based on the professional experiences of domestic violence advocates and the personal accounts of survivors of police and firefighter domestic violence.

Center for Women Veterans
Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 202-273-6193
Website: www1.va.gov/womenvet/

Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence
Phone: 703-696-9395
Website: http://armedservices.house.gov/
Congressionally mandated to evaluate domestic violence programs and policies in DOD and the military.

Department of Defense Domestic Violence Task Force
www.dtic.mil/domesticviolence
The Task Force is comprised of 24 members, all of whom were appointed by the Secretary of Defense. The Task Force will focus on systemic, not case specific, changes required to strengthen the Department of Defense's comprehensive domestic violence program.

Military Homefront Family Advocacy/ Domestic Violence page
http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/
The Department of Defense page for victims of domestic violence who are serving or are in a relationship with someone serving in the military.

Survivors Take Action Against Abuse by Military Personnel
This is a national advocacy group for victims of abuse committed by members of the military. STAMP provides resources and support for victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, child abuse, gay bashing, sexual harassment and more. The STAMP hotline number is (866/879-2568 or 937/879-2568).

The Miles Foundation, Inc.
Phone: 203-270-7861
Email: Milesfdn@aol.com
Website: hometown.aol.com/milesfdn/myhomepage/index.html
Support for military personnel, civilian and former spouses, intimate partners, and children, providing support services to victims of violence perpetrated by or upon military personnel.

Military Family Resource Center
Phone: 703-696-9053
E-mail: mfrc@hq.odedodea.edu
Web site: http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/
The Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) provides information on DoD military family policies and programs.

The Minerva Center
Phone: 410-437-5379
Web site: www.minervacenter.com
Non-profit educational foundation supporting the study of military women and women in war. The Minerva Center also provides Internet support groups and a listserve.

National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence
Phone: 512-407-9020
Military contacts: www.ncdsv.org/ncd_contacts.html
Military publications:
www.ncdsv.org/publications_military.html
Contacts and publications from work with Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence.

National Military Family Association
Phone: 703-823-NMFA
Web site: www.nmfa.org
The National Military Family Association (NMFA) was created by wives and widows of military personnel who were seeking financial security. NMFA programs educate military families, the public, and Congress on the rights and benefits of military families.

National Organization for Victim Assistance
Phone: 202-232-6682
Web site: www.try-nova.org
The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) provides victim and witness assistance for criminal justice and mental health professionals, advocates, researchers, victims and survivors, and related professionals.

 

STATE Child Support Enforcement Office
Alabama: http://www.dhr.state.al.us/csed/default.aspb
Alaska: http://www.csed.state.ak.us/
Arizona: http://www.de.state.az.us/dcse/
Arkansas: http://www.state.ar.us/dfa/childsupport/index.html
California: http://www.childsup.cahwnet.gov/Default.htm
Colorado: http://www.childsupport.state.co.us
Connecticut: http://www.dss.state.ct.us/csrc/csrc.htm
Dist of Columbia: http://www.csed.dc.gov/main.shtm
Delaware: http://www.state.de.us/dhss/dcse/index.html
Florida: http://sun6.dms.state.fl.us/dor/childsupport/
Georgia: http://www.cse.dhr.state.ga.us/
Hawaii: http://www.state.hi.us/csea/csea.html
Idaho: http://www2.state.id.us/dhw/childsupport/index.htm
Illinois: http://www.state.il.us/dpa/illinois_child_support.htm
Indiana: http://www.state.in.us/fssa/children/support/index.htmlb
Iowa: https://childsupport.dhs.state.ia.us/welcome.asp
Kansas: http://www.srskansas.org/ees/cse.htm
Kentucky: http://cfc.state.ky.us/faq/child_support.asp
Louisiana: http://www.dss.state.la.us/b
Maine: http://www.state.me.us/dhs/bfi/dser/
Maryland: http://www.dhr.state.md.us/csea/index.htmb
Massachusetts: http://www.cse.state.ma.us/
Michigan: http://www.michigan.gov/fia/1,1607,7-124-5453_5528---,00.html
Minnesota: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/ecs/ChildSupport/Default.htm
Mississippi: http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/cse.htmlb
Missouri: http://www.dss.state.mo.us/cse/
Montana: http://www.dphhs.state.mt.us/about_us/divisions/child_support_enforcement/
Nebraska: http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/cse/cseindex.htm
Nevada: http://www.welfare.state.nv.us/child.htm
New Hampshire: http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/DCSS/default.htmb
New Jersey: http://www.njchildsupport.org
New Mexico: http://childsupport.hsd.state.nm.us/ecse/
New York: http://newyorkchildsupport.com/
North Carolina: http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss/cse/cse_mission.htm
North Dakota: http://lnotes.state.nd.us/dhs/dhsweb.nsf/ServicePages/ChildSupportEnforcement
Ohio: http://www.state.oh.us/odjfs/ocs/b
Oklahoma: http://www.okdhs.org/childsupport/
Oregon: http://www.afs.hr.state.or.us/childsupp.html
Pennsylvania: http://www.pachildsupport.com/
Rhode Island: http://www.childsupportliens.com/RI/index.html
South Carolina: http://www.state.sc.us/dss/csed/
South Dakota: http://www.state.sd.us/social/CSE/index.htm
Tennessee: http://www.state.tn.us/humanserv/child_support.htmb
Texas: http://www.oag.state.tx.us/child/mainchil.htm
Utah: http://www.ors.utah.gov/
Vermont: http://www.ocs.state.vt.us
Virginia: http://www.dss.state.va.us/family/dcse.htmlb
Washington: http://www.dshs.wa.gov/dcs/index.shtml
West Virginia: http://www.wvdhhr.org/bcse
Wisconsin: http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/bcs/
Wyoming: http://dfsweb.state.wy.us/cse_enforce.html