The process of getting a divorce is quite time-consuming and you will need a divorce lawyer that you can rely on to make this process less stressful. Often times, your divorce lawyer will throw big words at you that make no sense. Here is a cheat sheet with some of the jargons that you will need to know when pursuing a divorce:

 

GROUNDS – the reasons for bringing a case into the judicial system.

PARTY – people or company that involves in the lawsuit.

PLAINTIFF – the person who begins a case against another in court.

COMPLAINT – the first document filed by the Plaintiff that begins a court case.

UNCONTESTED DIVORCE – one where spouses can reach a decision of the terms of the divorce with agreement without going to trial.

CONTESTED DIVORCE – spouses that cannot come to an agreement to the terms of the divorce and require negotiation, which may require appearance in court.

MARITAL PROPERTY – the property spouses acquire during their marriage.

SEPARATE PROPERTY – the property that a spouse owned before a marriage or was acquired in ways that prevent it from becoming marital property, such as inheritance.

CHILD CUSTODY – the action to request the court to determine the legal and physical custody of a child or children.

DIVORCE FROM BED AND BOARD – the court authorizes the party not at fault to live separate and apart from the other spouse. This is not a divorce, but both parties cannot remarry.

This is a really brief cheat sheet for the basic information that you need to know. Each divorce is different and requires a unique legal plan. At Esplin Weight, we will assist you through this challenging time, protect your rights, and help you to move forward with your life.

Different law firms and attorneys offer different services. At Esplin Weight, we advise clients in different aspects of divorce and family law, including:

  • Child custody and visitation (parent-time)
  • Spousal support (alimony)
  • Marital property division
  • Post-decree modifications to support and custody orders
  • Mediation
  • Paternity
  • Divorce
  • And others

 

If you’re in need of a divorce or family attorney, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

 


Sources:

http://www.wikivorce.com/divorce/
http://www.divorcesupport.about.com
www.legalzoom.com
https://esplinweight.com/divorce/
http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~kemmer/Words04/usage/jargon_legal.html