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The issue of changing a minor's name is a rapidly emerging issue due to divorce, same-sex marriages, and parents using different last names. In the United States, there has been a tradition for centuries and a general assumption that a child born in wedlock will carry their father's last name or surname.

During a divorce proceeding, the parties are entitled to conduct discovery. Discovery is a process by which each party can ask questions in depositions and inspect each other's financial and business records to discover the total assets and liabilities of the marriage. A court will enforce a party's right to full disclosure so that each party has a clear idea of the identity and value of all marital property.

Religion is usually not an issue in child custody proceedings, even if the parents practice different religions. For example, if a child has a Christian mother and a Jewish father, a court will not consider the merits of either religion in determining which parent should have custody of the child. The court will grant custody to one parent, or joint custody to both parents, and the child will be exposed to both the mother's religion and the father's religion.

Abortion is a controversial topic in the United States. An abortion is defined as the spontaneous inducement that results in the expulsion of a fetus. There are statistics that support the contention that 40% of all women will have an abortion at some point during their reproductive lives. Abortions are one of the most frequently performed medical procedures in the United States. Women from every socioeconomic group obtain abortions.

Foster care is defined as the temporary placement of a child outside of her family. The child is removed from the family due to abuse or neglect issues. The child may be removed due to physical or sexual abuse by a parent or someone residing in the household. The goal of foster care is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child.