Glossary
Plain-language definitions for every term you will encounter. Browse by letter or filter by category.
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A
Annulment
A court ruling that a marriage was never legally valid from the start.
Divorce ProcessAlimony
Court-ordered financial support paid by one ex-spouse to the other.
Support & AlimonyArbitration
A private process where an arbitrator makes binding decisions on disputed divorce issues.
MediationArbitrator
A private decision-maker hired by the parties to resolve disputed divorce issues.
MediationAppeal
A request to a higher court to review and change a lower court's divorce ruling.
Court ProceduresAsset Valuation
The process of determining the fair market value of marital property for division.
Financial TermsAppraisal
A professional assessment of the value of property such as a home or business.
Financial TermsAnswer
The respondent's formal written reply to the divorce petition.
Court ProceduresArrearages
Past-due child support or alimony payments that remain legally owed.
Support & AlimonyAttorney Fees
The costs charged by a lawyer for legal representation in a divorce case.
Financial TermsAlimony Termination
The end of spousal support obligations due to remarriage, cohabitation, or court order.
Support & AlimonyAdoption
The legal process establishing a parent-child relationship with a non-biological child.
Child CustodyAlternative Dispute Resolution
Methods like mediation or arbitration used to resolve disputes outside of court.
MediationAppellate Court
A higher court that reviews decisions made by lower trial courts in divorce cases.
Court ProceduresAutomatic Temporary Restraining Order
An order automatically issued upon filing that prevents disposing of marital assets.
Court ProceduresAgreed Order
A court order reflecting terms both parties have voluntarily agreed upon.
Court ProceduresAlimony Pendente Lite
Temporary alimony awarded while the divorce case is ongoing.
Support & AlimonyAdultery
A fault ground for divorce based on one spouse having a sexual relationship outside marriage.
Divorce ProcessB
Best Interests of the Child
The legal standard courts use to make all custody and visitation decisions.
Child CustodyBridge-the-Gap Alimony
Short-term support to help a spouse transition from married to single life.
Support & AlimonyBusiness Valuation
A professional determination of a business's worth for property division purposes.
Financial TermsBifurcation
A court order that finalizes the divorce while leaving property or support issues pending.
Divorce ProcessBeneficiary Designation
The named recipient of insurance or retirement benefits, often changed after divorce.
Financial TermsC
Community Property
A system where most assets acquired during marriage are owned equally by both spouses.
Financial TermsChild Custody
The legal determination of which parent has rights and responsibilities for a child.
Child CustodyCustody Evaluation
A professional assessment of family dynamics to help the court determine custody.
Child CustodyCASA
Court Appointed Special Advocate, a trained volunteer who advocates for children in court.
Child CustodyChild Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for the child's financial needs.
Support & AlimonyContempt of Court
A finding that a party willfully violated a court order such as a support obligation.
Court ProceduresContested Divorce
A divorce where the spouses cannot agree on one or more issues and need a trial.
Divorce ProcessCollaborative Divorce
A process where both spouses and their attorneys commit to settling without court.
MediationCommingling
Mixing separate property with marital property, potentially changing its classification.
Financial TermsCounterclaim
A claim filed by the respondent requesting their own relief in the divorce.
Court ProceduresCross-Petition
A separate divorce petition filed by the respondent in response to the original.
Court ProceduresCustody Agreement
A written arrangement between parents outlining custody and visitation terms.
Child CustodyCustody Modification
A legal change to an existing custody order based on changed circumstances.
Child CustodyChild Support Guidelines
State formulas that calculate the standard amount of child support owed.
Support & AlimonyCohabitation
Living with a new partner, which may affect or terminate alimony obligations.
Support & AlimonyCOBRA
Federal law allowing a divorced spouse to continue the other's employer health plan temporarily.
Financial TermsConsent Order
A court order based on an agreement between both parties rather than a judge's ruling.
Court ProceduresContinuance
A postponement of a scheduled court hearing or trial to a later date.
Court ProceduresCommon Law Marriage
A legally recognized marriage created by cohabitation and mutual consent, not a ceremony.
Divorce ProcessCivil Union
A legal status providing some or all marriage rights without a traditional marriage.
Divorce ProcessChild Psychologist
A mental health professional who evaluates the impact of divorce on children.
Child CustodyCDFA
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, a professional who advises on financial divorce issues.
Financial TermsChild Support Enforcement
Government agencies that locate parents and collect unpaid child support.
Support & AlimonyCaucus
A private meeting between the mediator and one party during a mediation session.
MediationCourt Reporter
A professional who creates a verbatim transcript of court proceedings.
Court ProceduresCo-Parenting
Sharing parental responsibilities cooperatively after divorce or separation.
Child CustodyCustody Schedule
The specific calendar outlining when the child is with each parent.
Child CustodyCooling Off Period
A mandatory waiting time between filing and finalizing divorce to allow reconciliation.
Divorce ProcessCollaborative Law
A legal framework where both parties agree to negotiate without court intervention.
MediationConstructive Trust
A court-imposed trust to prevent unjust enrichment when assets are wrongly held.
Financial TermsCost of Living Adjustment
An automatic increase in support payments tied to inflation or an economic index.
Support & AlimonyCruelty
A fault ground involving physical or mental abuse that makes living together unsafe.
Divorce ProcessCoverture Fraction
A formula determining the marital portion of a retirement benefit earned over time.
Financial TermsCourt Costs
Fees charged by the court for filing documents and conducting proceedings.
Financial TermsD
Dissolution of Marriage
The legal process of ending a marriage, commonly referred to as divorce.
Divorce ProcessDiscovery
The pretrial phase where both parties exchange relevant financial and personal information.
Court ProceduresDeposition
Sworn out-of-court testimony recorded for use in divorce proceedings.
Court ProceduresDefault Judgment
A ruling entered when the respondent fails to respond to the divorce petition.
Court ProceduresDeviation
A court-approved departure from standard child support guidelines for special circumstances.
Support & AlimonyDivorce Decree
The final court order that officially ends the marriage and sets all terms.
Divorce ProcessDissipation
The wasteful spending of marital assets by one spouse, often during a breakup.
Financial TermsDate of Separation
The date spouses stopped living as a married couple, affecting property division.
Divorce ProcessDurational Alimony
Spousal support awarded for a set period, often tied to the length of the marriage.
Support & AlimonyDependency Exemption
The tax benefit for claiming a child as a dependent, often negotiated in divorce.
Financial TermsDomestic Violence
Physical, emotional, or financial abuse between spouses or household members.
Court ProceduresDomestic Partnership
A legal relationship granting some spousal rights to unmarried couples.
Divorce ProcessDivorce Attorney
A lawyer who specializes in representing clients in divorce and family law cases.
Court ProceduresDivorce Coach
A trained professional who provides emotional and strategic support during divorce.
MediationDNA Testing
Genetic testing used to confirm or deny biological parentage in custody cases.
Child CustodyDaycare Costs
Childcare expenses factored into child support calculations for working parents.
Support & AlimonyDe Facto Parent
A non-biological adult who has functioned as a child's parent in daily life.
Child CustodyDiscovery Abuse
Misusing the discovery process to harass, delay, or increase the other party's costs.
Court ProceduresDesertion
A fault ground where one spouse abandons the other without consent for a period of time.
Divorce ProcessDebt Allocation
The court's division of responsibility for marital debts between the spouses.
Financial TermsDeferred Compensation
Future income earned during marriage that is subject to division in divorce.
Financial TermsDocket
The official schedule or list of cases to be heard by a court on a given day.
Court ProceduresE
Ex Parte
A court hearing or order granted with only one party present, usually in emergencies.
Court ProceduresEquitable Distribution
A method of dividing marital property fairly, though not necessarily equally.
Financial TermsEmancipation
The legal event that ends a parent's child support obligation, usually at age 18.
Support & AlimonyEnforcement
Legal action taken when one party fails to comply with a court order.
Court ProceduresExclusive Possession
A court order granting one spouse sole use of the marital home during divorce.
Court ProceduresExhibit
A document or object presented as evidence during a divorce hearing or trial.
Court ProceduresEquitable Estoppel
A legal doctrine preventing a party from contradicting their own prior actions or statements.
Court ProceduresEqualization Payment
A cash payment from one spouse to the other to balance an unequal property division.
Financial TermsEarning Capacity
A person's potential to earn income based on education, skills, and experience.
Support & AlimonyExtraordinary Expenses
Costs beyond basic child support like medical bills, tutoring, or extracurriculars.
Support & AlimonyEmergency Custody Order
An urgent court order to protect a child from immediate harm or abduction.
Child CustodyF
Fault Divorce
A divorce where one spouse alleges specific misconduct such as adultery or cruelty.
Divorce ProcessFinal Judgment
The court's concluding order resolving all issues in the divorce case.
Court ProceduresFiling
The act of submitting divorce papers to the court to begin the legal process.
Court ProceduresFinancial Affidavit
A sworn document listing a party's income, expenses, assets, and debts.
Financial TermsFinancial Disclosure
The mandatory exchange of financial information between divorcing parties.
Financial TermsForensic Accountant
An expert who investigates financial records to uncover hidden assets or income.
Financial TermsFiling Status
The IRS category used for taxes, which changes when a divorce is finalized.
Financial TermsFee Petition
A request asking the court to order one spouse to pay the other's attorney fees.
Financial TermsFault Ground
A specific reason like adultery or abandonment cited as the cause for divorce.
Divorce ProcessFamily Court
A specialized court that handles divorce, custody, support, and other family matters.
Court ProceduresFinal Order
The last court order in a case that resolves all remaining issues.
Court ProceduresG
Guardian Ad Litem
A court-appointed advocate who represents a child's best interests in custody cases.
Child CustodyGrounds for Divorce
The legally recognized reasons a court will grant a divorce.
Divorce ProcessGrandparent Visitation
Court-ordered time for grandparents to visit grandchildren, available in some states.
Child CustodyGood Faith Negotiation
An honest effort by both parties to reach a fair settlement agreement.
MediationGoodwill
The intangible value of a business or professional practice considered in property division.
Financial TermsGuardian
A person appointed by the court to care for a child when parents are unable to.
Child CustodyH
Hearing
A court proceeding where a judge listens to arguments and evidence on motions.
Court ProceduresHoliday Schedule
The portion of a parenting plan that assigns holidays and school breaks to each parent.
Child CustodyHidden Assets
Property or funds one spouse conceals to avoid fair division during divorce.
Financial TermsHealth Insurance
Coverage that often changes after divorce when a spouse loses access to a plan.
Financial TermsHome State
The state where a child has lived for six months before a custody filing.
Court ProceduresHague Convention
An international treaty addressing cross-border child abduction by a parent.
Child CustodyI
Interrogatories
Written questions one party sends to the other that must be answered under oath.
Court ProceduresIncome Shares Model
A child support formula based on both parents' combined income and custody time.
Support & AlimonyImputed Income
Income assigned to a parent by the court when they are voluntarily underemployed.
Support & AlimonyIrreconcilable Differences
The most common no-fault ground for divorce, meaning the marriage cannot be saved.
Divorce ProcessInterim Support
Temporary financial assistance ordered while the divorce case is pending.
Support & AlimonyIncome Withholding Order
A directive sent to an employer to deduct support payments from wages automatically.
Support & AlimonyInternational Custody
Custody disputes involving parents or children in different countries.
Child CustodyIn Camera Review
A judge's private examination of documents or a child outside the public courtroom.
Court ProceduresImputation of Income
Assigning potential income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.
Support & AlimonyIncompatibility
A no-fault ground for divorce meaning the spouses can no longer get along.
Divorce ProcessIndemnification
A provision requiring one spouse to protect the other from certain debts or liabilities.
Financial TermsInjunction
A court order requiring a party to do or stop doing a specific act.
Court ProceduresJ
L
Legal Separation
A court order allowing spouses to live apart while remaining legally married.
Divorce ProcessLegal Custody
The right to make major decisions about a child's education, health, and welfare.
Child CustodyLump Sum Alimony
A one-time spousal support payment made in a single amount instead of periodic payments.
Support & AlimonyLegal Aid
Free or low-cost legal services available to people who cannot afford an attorney.
Court ProceduresLicense Suspension
Revocation of a driver's or professional license for failure to pay child support.
Support & AlimonyLitigation
The process of resolving a divorce through formal court proceedings and trial.
Court ProceduresLife Insurance
A policy often required in divorce to secure future support obligations.
Financial TermsLong-Term Marriage
A marriage lasting 10 or more years, which affects alimony and Social Security eligibility.
Divorce ProcessM
Marital Property
Assets and debts acquired by either spouse during the marriage.
Financial TermsMediation
A voluntary process where a neutral third party helps spouses reach agreement.
MediationMediator
A trained neutral professional who facilitates negotiations between divorcing spouses.
MediationModification
A request to change an existing court order due to a substantial change in circumstances.
Court ProceduresMarital Debt
Debts incurred during the marriage that both spouses may be responsible for.
Financial TermsMarital Home
The primary residence shared by spouses during the marriage, subject to division.
Financial TermsMotion
A formal request asking the court to make a specific ruling or take an action.
Court ProceduresMarital Status
A person's legal relationship status: married, single, divorced, or widowed.
Divorce ProcessMandatory Disclosure
Required financial documents both parties must exchange early in the divorce process.
Court ProceduresMilitary Divorce
A divorce involving a service member, governed by special federal and state rules.
Divorce ProcessMilitary Pension Division
The division of military retirement pay under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Act.
Financial TermsMemorandum of Understanding
A non-binding summary of terms agreed upon during mediation sessions.
MediationMarital Settlement Conference
A court-directed meeting aimed at resolving divorce issues before trial.
MediationMedical Support
The portion of a child support order covering health insurance and medical expenses.
Support & AlimonyMarital Counseling
Professional therapy aimed at helping spouses resolve conflicts and improve the marriage.
Divorce ProcessMarital Waste
Intentional destruction or reckless spending of marital assets by one spouse.
Financial TermsMaintenance
Another term for spousal support or alimony used in some states.
Support & AlimonyMarital Privilege
A legal rule preventing one spouse from testifying against the other in certain situations.
Court ProceduresMarital Domicile
The state or jurisdiction where the married couple maintains their primary residence.
Divorce ProcessN
No-Fault Divorce
A divorce where neither spouse must prove wrongdoing to end the marriage.
Divorce ProcessNesting
An arrangement where the child stays in the home while parents rotate in and out.
Child CustodyNoncustodial Parent
The parent who has less than the majority of parenting time with the child.
Child CustodyNotice of Hearing
A document informing all parties of the date, time, and place of a court hearing.
Court ProceduresNunc Pro Tunc
A court order made effective retroactively to correct an earlier oversight or error.
Court ProceduresO
P
Petitioner
The spouse who files the initial divorce petition with the court.
Court ProceduresPendente Lite
Latin for 'pending the litigation,' referring to temporary orders during a case.
Court ProceduresPhysical Custody
Determines where the child primarily lives and the day-to-day parenting schedule.
Child CustodyParenting Plan
A detailed document outlining custody schedules, decision-making, and dispute resolution.
Child CustodyParenting Time
The scheduled time each parent spends with the child, also called visitation.
Child CustodyPro Se
Representing yourself in court without an attorney, also called self-representation.
Court ProceduresProperty Division
The process of splitting marital assets and debts between divorcing spouses.
Financial TermsPension Division
The process of splitting retirement benefits earned during the marriage.
Financial TermsPetition
The formal legal document filed with the court to initiate a divorce.
Court ProceduresProcess Server
A person authorized to deliver legal documents to the other party in a case.
Court ProceduresParental Alienation
When one parent manipulates a child to reject or fear the other parent.
Child CustodyPermanent Alimony
Ongoing spousal support paid until death, remarriage, or further court order.
Support & AlimonyProtective Order
A court order protecting a victim of domestic violence from contact or abuse.
Court ProceduresPretrial Conference
A meeting before trial where the judge and attorneys discuss issues and possible settlement.
Court ProceduresPrenuptial Agreement
A contract signed before marriage defining property rights in case of divorce.
Financial TermsPostnuptial Agreement
A contract signed during marriage defining property division if divorce occurs.
Financial TermsParenting Coordinator
A professional who helps high-conflict parents resolve day-to-day parenting disputes.
MediationPassport Denial
Federal action blocking passport issuance for parents who owe significant child support.
Support & AlimonyParental Rights
A parent's legal rights to make decisions for and spend time with their child.
Child CustodyPaternity
The legal establishment of who is the biological father of a child.
Child CustodyParental Kidnapping
When a parent takes or keeps a child in violation of a custody order.
Child CustodyParenting Class
A court-required class teaching divorcing parents about the impact on children.
Child CustodyParallel Parenting
A strategy for high-conflict parents to co-parent with minimal direct communication.
Child CustodyPrimary Residential Parent
The parent with whom the child lives most of the time under the custody order.
Child CustodyParenting App
A digital tool used by co-parents to manage schedules, expenses, and communication.
Child CustodyPendente Lite Support
Financial support ordered while the divorce case is still pending before the court.
Support & AlimonyPercentage of Income Model
A child support formula based on a fixed percentage of the noncustodial parent's income.
Support & AlimonyPick-Up and Drop-Off
The logistics of exchanging children between parents during custody transitions.
Child CustodyPalimony
Support payments sought by an unmarried partner after the end of a relationship.
Support & AlimonyPro Bono
Free legal services provided by an attorney to clients who cannot afford to pay.
Court ProceduresQ
QDRO
Qualified Domestic Relations Order divides retirement accounts between divorcing spouses without tax penalties.
Financial TermsQualified Medical Child Support Order
A court order requiring a parent's employer to provide health coverage for the child.
Support & AlimonyQuitclaim Deed
A deed transferring one spouse's interest in real property to the other.
Financial TermsQualified Domestic Trust
A trust allowing a noncitizen surviving spouse to receive marital tax deductions.
Financial TermsR
Respondent
The spouse who receives and responds to the divorce petition.
Court ProceduresRestraining Order
A court order prohibiting a party from specific actions such as contact or asset disposal.
Court ProceduresRehabilitative Alimony
Temporary support to help a spouse gain skills or education to become self-sufficient.
Support & AlimonyResidency Requirement
The minimum time a spouse must live in a state before filing for divorce there.
Divorce ProcessRelocation
A custodial parent's proposed move that may affect the existing custody arrangement.
Child CustodyRight of First Refusal
A provision giving a parent first option to care for the child before a third party.
Child CustodyRetainer
An upfront fee paid to a divorce attorney to secure their legal services.
Financial TermsRequest for Production
A formal demand for the other party to provide specific documents or records.
Court ProceduresRequest for Admission
Written statements one party asks the other to admit or deny under oath.
Court ProceduresReconciliation
The process of spouses attempting to repair their marriage and avoid divorce.
Divorce ProcessReimbursement Alimony
Compensation for one spouse's financial contributions to the other's education or career.
Support & AlimonyReunification Therapy
Counseling aimed at restoring a healthy relationship between a parent and child.
Child CustodyS
Summons
A legal document notifying the respondent that a divorce case has been filed.
Court ProceduresService of Process
The formal delivery of legal documents to the other party in a case.
Court ProceduresStipulation
A formal agreement between parties on specific issues submitted to the court.
Court ProceduresSettlement Agreement
A written contract resolving all divorce issues without going to trial.
MediationSeparate Property
Assets owned by one spouse before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance.
Financial TermsSpousal Support
Payments one spouse makes to the other for financial maintenance after separation.
Support & AlimonySupervised Visitation
Court-ordered visits where a third party monitors the parent's time with the child.
Child CustodySubpoena
A court order requiring a person to testify or produce documents in a case.
Court ProceduresSole Custody
An arrangement where one parent has exclusive legal or physical custody of the child.
Child CustodyShared Parenting
A custody arrangement where both parents have significant and roughly equal time.
Child CustodyStatus Conference
A court meeting to review the progress of a divorce case and set future deadlines.
Court ProceduresSeparation Agreement
A contract between spouses outlining terms of their separation without full divorce.
Divorce ProcessState Disbursement Unit
A centralized office that processes and distributes child support payments.
Support & AlimonyStepparent Adoption
Legal process where a stepparent becomes the legal parent of a spouse's child.
Child CustodySCRA
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects active-duty members from default judgments.
Divorce ProcessSocial Security Benefits
Retirement benefits a divorced spouse may claim based on the ex's earnings record.
Financial TermsShort-Term Marriage
A marriage of brief duration, typically resulting in limited alimony awards.
Divorce ProcessStandard of Living
The lifestyle maintained during marriage, considered by courts in alimony decisions.
Support & AlimonySealed Records
Court documents that are restricted from public access to protect privacy.
Court ProceduresSanctions
Penalties imposed by the court for bad faith conduct or violation of court rules.
Court ProceduresStock Options
Employee stock grants that may be classified as marital property subject to division.
Financial TermsSupervised Exchange
A monitored handoff of the child between parents to reduce conflict or safety risks.
Child CustodyStipulated Agreement
A negotiated agreement between both parties that is submitted to the court for approval.
MediationT
Temporary Orders
Short-term court orders that remain in effect until the final divorce decree.
Court ProceduresTransmutation
The legal conversion of separate property into marital property or vice versa.
Financial TermsTrial
A formal court proceeding where a judge decides disputed divorce issues after evidence.
Court ProceduresTestimony
Statements made under oath by a witness or party during a divorce proceeding.
Court ProceduresTemporary Alimony
Short-term spousal support ordered during the divorce process before final judgment.
Support & AlimonyTax Implications
The tax consequences of divorce-related financial transfers like alimony or asset division.
Financial TermsTermination of Parental Rights
A court order permanently ending a parent's legal relationship with their child.
Child CustodyTranscript
A written record of everything said during a court hearing or deposition.
Court ProceduresTemporary Custody
A short-term custody arrangement ordered while the divorce case is pending.
Child CustodyU
Uncontested Divorce
A divorce where both spouses agree on all terms without needing a trial.
Divorce ProcessUCCJEA
Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act determines which state has authority over custody.
Court ProceduresUIFSA
Uniform Interstate Family Support Act governs child support across state lines.
Support & AlimonyUnbundled Legal Services
Hiring an attorney for specific tasks rather than full representation in a case.
Court ProceduresV
Venue
The specific county or court location where a divorce case is filed and heard.
Court ProceduresVisitation
The noncustodial parent's scheduled time to spend with the child.
Child CustodyVoid Marriage
A marriage that is legally invalid from inception due to a fundamental defect.
Divorce ProcessVoidable Marriage
A marriage that can be annulled due to fraud, duress, or incapacity but is valid until voided.
Divorce ProcessVocational Evaluation
An assessment of a spouse's job skills and earning potential for support purposes.
Support & AlimonyW
Wage Garnishment
A court order directing an employer to withhold support payments from a parent's paycheck.
Support & AlimonyWaiting Period
The mandatory time between filing for divorce and when the court can finalize it.
Divorce ProcessWaiver
The voluntary giving up of a known legal right, such as the right to alimony.
Court Procedures