# 38 C.F.R. § 14.504 (2026): Domestic relations questions, authority and exceptions

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_504

## Section

- **Citation:** 38 C.F.R. § 14.504 (2026)
- **Heading:** Domestic relations questions, authority and exceptions
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 38 CFR: Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief / Chapter I: DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS / Part 14: LEGAL SERVICES, GENERAL COUNSEL, AND MISCELLANEOUS CLAIMS / § 14.504: § 14.504   Domestic relations questions, authority and exceptions.

## Text

(a) Regional Counsels have the same authority with respect to domestic relations questions as they do with respect to matters covered by § 14.503 except as specifically excluded by the provisions of paragraph (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 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.
[42 FR 41411, Aug. 17, 1977]

## Nearby sections

- [38 C.F.R. § 14.500 (2026) § 14.500   Functions and responsibilities of General Counsel.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_500.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 14.501 (2026) § 14.501   Functions and responsibilities of Regional Counsels.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_501.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 14.502 (2026) § 14.502   Requests for legal opinions from Central Office.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_502.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 14.503 (2026) § 14.503   Requests for legal advice and assistance in other than domestic relations matters.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_503.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 14.504 (2026) § 14.504   Domestic relations questions, authority and exceptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_504.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 14.505 (2026) § 14.505   Submissions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_505.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 14.507 (2026) § 14.507   Opinions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_507.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 14.514 (2026) § 14.514   Suits by or against United States or Department of Veterans Affairs officials; indemnification of Department of Veterans Affairs employees.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_514.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 14.515 (2026) § 14.515   Suits involving loan guaranty matters.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_515.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 14.516 (2026) § 14.516   Escheat and post fund cases.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_516.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 14.517 (2026) § 14.517   Cases affecting the Department of Veterans Affairs generally.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_517.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 14.518 (2026) § 14.518   Litigation involving beneficiaries in custody of Department of Veterans Affairs employees acting in official capacity.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_518.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 14.560 (2026) § 14.560   Procedure where violation of penal statutes is involved including those offenses coming within the purview of the Assimilative Crime Act (18 U.S.C. 13).](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_560.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 14.561 (2026) § 14.561   Administrative action prior to submission.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_561.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P14_S14_504. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.