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Understanding the Legal Jargon Of A Divorce
Part 1
Part 1
As you do your research and talk to legal professionals, you may find that the terms they use as they discuss your options may be a bit confusing. Not to mention the fact that I have found divorce attorneys (actually all attorneys) like to use big words to try and intimidate you into retaining their services. Just think of it as any other profession. They all have their own jargon that others would not be able to understand. For example, I am a biologist and I am constantly having to stop and explain what I am talking about because I am used to talking to other biologists. The problem with attorneys is that if you stop them to explain everything thing at $250/hour that ends up costing you a lot of money.
This is just a short list of terms that will come up fairly frequently during your divorce proceedings. It helps to have some general knowledge as to what they mean, especially if you are taking the time to do your research. Just remember something... Don't let the divorce attorneys confuse you with their legal mumbo jumbo! If you get frustrated with it, starting "talking shop" with them and watch the bewildered look on their faces.
Alimony
A regular support payment by one divorced spouse (usually the man) to the other
Annulment
A court declaration stating that a legal marriage never existed
Arbitration
Having a disputed matter settled by a third party who is not a judge.
Attachment
A court-ordered seizure of a debtor’s property.
Attorney at Law
A state-licensed advocate who is hired to prepare, manage and try a case in court.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
A process of negotiation, mediation and arbitration, in lieu of a trial, as a way to resolve issues pertaining to a judgment of divorce.
Case Information Statement (CIS)
A financial document specifying the details of your respective incomes, expenses, assets, and debts.
Child Support
Money paid by one ex-spouse to another toward their child’s expenses.
Common Law Marriage
A marriage without a license or ceremony in which the couple cohabitated for a minimum number of years (varies from state to state).
Default
Failure to do something (such as make a payment) on time.
Discovery
The legal procedures used to gather all the facts necessary to settle a case or to prepare the case for trial.
Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce)
The legal separation of a married couple so that each one may be free to marry again.
Alimony
A regular support payment by one divorced spouse (usually the man) to the other
Annulment
A court declaration stating that a legal marriage never existed
Arbitration
Having a disputed matter settled by a third party who is not a judge.
Attachment
A court-ordered seizure of a debtor’s property.
Attorney at Law
A state-licensed advocate who is hired to prepare, manage and try a case in court.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
A process of negotiation, mediation and arbitration, in lieu of a trial, as a way to resolve issues pertaining to a judgment of divorce.
Case Information Statement (CIS)
A financial document specifying the details of your respective incomes, expenses, assets, and debts.
Child Support
Money paid by one ex-spouse to another toward their child’s expenses.
Common Law Marriage
A marriage without a license or ceremony in which the couple cohabitated for a minimum number of years (varies from state to state).
Default
Failure to do something (such as make a payment) on time.
Discovery
The legal procedures used to gather all the facts necessary to settle a case or to prepare the case for trial.
Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce)
The legal separation of a married couple so that each one may be free to marry again.