---
kind: "section"
citation: "38 C.F.R. § 14.504"
title: "38"
number: "14.504"
heading: "Domestic relations questions, authority and exceptions."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/38/14.504"
---

# §14.504. Domestic relations questions, authority and exceptions.

- (a) Regional Counsels have the same authority with respect to domestic relations questions as they do with respect to matters covered by [§ 14.503](/cfr/38/14.503.md) except as specifically excluded by the provisions of [paragraph (a)](/cfr/38/14.503.md?p=a) of that section.
- (b) In the following instances the Regional Counsel, regardless of whether State law is wholly controlling or a Department of Veterans Affairs precedent is available, will prepare a tentative opinion, researched as completely as possible with reasonably available facilities, and forward two copies thereof directly to the General Counsel for review and disposition (as provided in [§ 14.503](/cfr/38/14.503.md) respecting other than domestic relations matters):
  - (1) Where it is not clear under applicable State law: (i) Whether the marriage of a veteran's child or the remarriage of a veteran's widow was void without decree of annulment, or (ii) whether an annulment decree was rendered by a court with basic authority to render annulment decrees;
  - (2) When fraud or collusion by either party appears to have influenced the granting of an annulment decree;
  - (3) Cases in which there are contesting claims;
  - (4) Unusual situations, such as those involving proxy marriages, the law of two or more jurisdictions or of a foreign country;
  - (5) Cases involving difference of opinion between Regional Counsels or between a Regional Counsel and the official who submitted the question involved.

## Notes

### Amendments

[42 FR 41411, Aug. 17, 1977]

### Authority

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 28 U.S.C. 2671-2680; 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 512, 515, 5502, 5901-5905; 28 CFR part 14, appendix to part 14, unless otherwise noted.

### Source

Source: 19 FR 5552, Aug. 31, 1954, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[42 FR 41411, Aug. 17, 1977]