Familial Status Law and Legal Definition
Familial status is governed by federal and state laws, which vary by state. This characteristic is determined by a person's household type, such as marriage and existing or prospective children. This is referred to in the Federal Fair Housing Law and Fair Credit Reporting Act and prohibits denying rights to people younger than age 18 who live with a parent or legal guardian. It also covers foster families and people in the process of adopting or gaining custody of a child/children.. Federal Fair Housing Law prohibits a Landlord from refusing to rent to someone based on familial status . Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, it is illegal to discriminate against families with minor children in housing
