Divorce Terms you Should Know
Going through a divorce is already an emotional and difficult experience. Not understanding the complex legal terminology used in official court related documents can be frustrating for the parties involved to make sense of. There are some commonly encountered legal terms that come up often in divorce proceedings that divorcing couples should know and understand. Read on for our easy definitions for a number of these terms.
A Few Legal Terms & Their Definitions in Common Language
Alimony:
Alimony is money that a one spouse pays to another to support that spouse either during the divorce process or after the divorce is finalized. Other similar terms that mean the same thing include spousal maintenance or spousal support.
Arrearage:
This term refers to money owed for child support or spousal alimony.
Child Support:
The term child support are the funds that a one parent is obligated to pay the other parent in order to ensure that the child will be cared for and supported despite the separation or divorce.
Decree:
This is the term for a final decision in writing by the court. It is often used when the divorce is ruled to be finalized.
Defendant:
Defendant is also called a respondent in legal documents. This means that person has charges filed against them.
Discovery:
There are strict rules in court that requires each side to make certain important information is shared with the opposing party and counsel as it becomes available. Basically, this terms represents the document and information exchange process that helps keep the court proceedings fair to both sides through full disclosure.
Deposition:
The deposition takes place as a component of the discovery process. It is meant for the exchange of details and information that is relevant to the divorce court proceedings. The person will sit with their attorney and answer questions by the opposing attorney. This act is recorded by a court reporter and becomes a part of the permanent official court record if the deposition transcript is filed.
There Are Special Terms Related to Abuse in Court Litigation
Many couples get divorced due to the abuse of one party on the other. This could be physical, emotional, or mental.
The common terms related to abusive divorce situations include:
Domestic Abuse:
Domestic abuse or violence refers to physical abuse or threats of violence or harm by persons living in the same place or household.
Restraining Order:
A restraining order, or injunction for protection against domestic violence, is a court order that outlines abusive behaviors and communications between opposing parties that must be stopped. This often requires the abusive party to be legally removed from the home, business or other setting where both persons may frequent. The order also bars further contact/communication.
More Family Law & Divorce-Related Legal Words
Affidavit:
An affidavit is a declaration or written statement made while under oath.
Appeal:
If a person is denied something legally in court, the losing party has the right to appeal that decision by taking their case to a higher court.
A Divorce Lawyer in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice, FL Can Help You Understand These Legal Terms
A seasoned family and divorce attorney in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice, FL can help clients understand and interpret legal documents and terminology. Fortunately, there is an excellent, highly rated, and well-reviewed divorce lawyer near you in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice that local residents can utilize. Any person planning or already undergoing a divorce is urged to consult the Law Offices of Matthew Z. Martell at https://www.mzmlaw.com for some the best legal representation for a divorce in Sarasota and Manatee counties that is around. Please call us at (941) 556-7020 for a free 15-minute phone initial consultation to discuss hiring us to help you with your divorce.
