Welcome to Divorcepedia, your go-to resource for navigating the complexities of divorce. Whether you’re just starting out, deep in the legal process, or adapting to life post-divorce, we’re here to offer guidance and support at every stage. In addition to our free divorce cost calculators, you’ll find explanations of common terms you may encounter during your divorce journey right here on this page.
Divorcepedia is designed to be an easy-to-navigate encyclopedia of terms, concepts, and legal definitions related to all phases of divorce—pre-divorce, during divorce, and post-divorce. We understand that divorce can be a challenging and emotionally charged experience, filled with unfamiliar terms and complicated procedures.
That’s why we’ve created this resource: to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Most Popular Terms Starting with an A
Adjournment
A temporary suspension of court proceedings, postponing the case to a later date.
Adoption Proceedings
Legal processes that may intersect with divorce when children are involved, affecting custody and parental rights.
Adultery
Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their spouse.
Affidavit of Support
A sworn statement outlining financial support arrangements between spouses during divorce.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Methods like mediation or arbitration used to resolve disputes without going to court.
Alternative Parenting Plans
Non-traditional custody arrangements that deviate from standard physical and legal custody models.
Amended Judgment
A modified court order that changes the terms of the original divorce decree, such as adjustments to alimony or child support.
Amici Curiae
Friends of the court who provide information or expertise to assist the court in decision-making.
Annulment
A legal procedure to declare a marriage null and void, as if it never existed.
Annulment After Divorce
A legal procedure to declare a divorce null and void, effectively restoring the marriage as if it never ended.
Annulment vs. Divorce
Understanding the differences between annulling a marriage and legally dissolving it.
Appeal
A request made to a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court.
Arbitration in Post-Divorce Disputes
A method of resolving conflicts after divorce through a neutral arbitrator, resulting in a binding decision.
Asset Appreciation Management
Handling assets that increase in value post-divorce, such as real estate or investments.
Asset Protection
Strategies to safeguard assets from being divided during divorce.
Asset Tracing
Investigating and identifying all marital assets to ensure fair division.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a B
Background Checks for New Partners
Understanding the importance of background checks when entering new relationships post-divorce.
Bankruptcy and Divorce
The impact of divorce on bankruptcy proceedings, including the division of debts and financial responsibilities.
Benchmarking Divorce Costs
Understanding the typical expenses associated with divorce proceedings.
Beneficiary Designations
Updating beneficiaries on life insurance, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments post-divorce.
Bereavement
Grieving process that may impact emotional readiness for divorce.
Bifurcation
A legal process where the court separates the issues of divorce and other related matters, such as property division or child custody, allowing one to be resolved before the other.
Binding Mediation Agreement
A mediation outcome that is legally enforceable once signed by both parties.
Budget Reevaluation
Revising personal budgets to reflect new financial realities after divorce, including income and expenses adjustments.
Budgeting Tools and Resources
Utilizing financial tools to manage personal finances effectively after divorce.
Burden of Proof
The responsibility to prove one’s claims or defenses in court.
Business Valuation
Assessing the worth of a business owned by one or both spouses for equitable distribution.
Bench Trial
A trial conducted by a judge without a jury, common in divorce cases.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a C
Change of Address Notification
Informing relevant parties, including the court and former spouse, about any changes in residence post-divorce.
Child Custody
The legal and practical relationship between a parent and child, including where the child lives and decision-making authority.
Child Custody Modifications
Changes to existing custody arrangements based on evolving circumstances or the needs of the child.
Child Support
Financial payments made by one parent to assist with the costs of raising a child.
Child Support Enforcement
Legal mechanisms to ensure that child support payments are made consistently and in full.
Child’s Educational Needs
Addressing and planning for children’s educational requirements and changes post-divorce.
Collaborative Divorce
A cooperative approach to divorce where both parties work together to reach an agreement without litigation.
Collaborative Law
A cooperative approach where both parties and their attorneys work together to resolve divorce issues without litigation.
Cohabitation Agreements
Contracts between unmarried couples outlining rights and responsibilities.
Constructive Trust
An equitable remedy imposed by the court to prevent unjust enrichment by one party during divorce.
Contempt of Court
Failure to comply with court orders, which can result in penalties.
Contempt Proceedings
Legal actions taken against a party who fails to comply with court orders during the divorce.
Continuance
A court order to postpone a hearing or trial to a later date.
Contingency Fee Agreement
An arrangement where an attorney is paid a percentage of the settlement or award received in divorce proceedings.
Counterclaim
A defendant’s response to the plaintiff’s claim, asserting their own claims against the plaintiff.
Credit Score Management
Strategies to maintain or improve credit scores independently after divorce, especially when financial situations change.
Custodial Parent
The parent with whom the child primarily resides during the divorce proceedings.
Custody Evaluation
An assessment conducted to determine the best custody arrangement for children.
Custody Evaluation Follow-Up
Continued assessments to ensure custody arrangements remain in the best interest of the child.
Custody Modification
Changing existing custody arrangements based on new circumstances or evidence.
Conflict Resolution
Strategies and methods used to resolve disputes and disagreements.
Contested Divorce
A divorce where the spouses cannot agree on one or more issues, requiring court intervention.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a D
Debt Division
The allocation of marital debts between spouses during divorce.
Declaratory Judgment
A court statement clarifying the rights and obligations of each party without ordering any specific action.
Default Judgment
A court decision made in favor of one party when the other party fails to respond or appear in court.
Default Respondent
A party who fails to respond to the divorce petition, leading to a default judgment.
Defending Divorce Compliance
Adhering to the terms laid out in the final divorce judgment, including asset division and support payments.
De Facto Marriage
A relationship resembling marriage but not legally recognized, which may impact property and support claims during divorce.
Debt Responsibility Clarification
Defining and managing individual debt obligations established during divorce settlements.
Deposition
Sworn, out-of-court testimony given by a party or witness, recorded for later use in court.
Discretionary Alimony
Alimony awarded based on the court’s discretion, considering factors like financial need and ability to pay.
Dismissal of Case
Terminating the divorce proceedings without a final decree, often due to lack of evidence or mutual agreement to halt.
Discovery
The pre-trial phase where both parties exchange information and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Divorce Mediation Fees
Costs associated with hiring a mediator to facilitate divorce negotiations.
Divorce Petition (Complaint for Divorce)
The initial legal document filed to start divorce proceedings, outlining the grounds for divorce and requested remedies.
Divorce Questionnaire
Forms that collect information about the marriage, finances, and reasons for divorce.
Divorce Record Expungement
The process of removing divorce records from public access, subject to jurisdictional laws and eligibility.
Dower Rights
Historical legal rights of a spouse to a portion of the deceased partner’s property, still relevant in some jurisdictions.
Domestic Partnership
A legal or personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a domestic life but are not married.
Domestic Partnership Benefits
Rights and benefits available to domestic partners, which may change upon divorce.
Domestic Violence
Abusive behaviors used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.
Dependency Modifications
Adjustments to support obligations based on changes in a child’s or dependent’s needs.
Most Popular Terms Starting with an E
Economic Impact Statement
A report detailing the financial consequences of the divorce on both parties, used to inform support and asset division decisions.
Elder Care Responsibilities
Managing responsibilities related to aging parents or relatives post-divorce.
Emancipation of Minor
The legal process by which a minor gains independence from their parents, which can affect custody decisions.
Emotional Recovery
The psychological process of healing and adjusting after divorce, often involving therapy or support groups.
Emotional Support
Psychological and emotional assistance provided by friends, family, or professionals during the divorce process.
Enforceability of Agreements
The likelihood that a negotiated agreement will be upheld by the court.
Enforceable Judgment
A court decision that can be legally enforced, such as through wage garnishment or asset seizure.
Equitable Distribution
The fair division of marital assets and debts, not necessarily equal, as determined by the court during divorce.
Equitable Distribution Adjustments
Revisiting asset division if significant changes in circumstances warrant a reevaluation.
Equity in Property
The value of property minus any debts or liens, relevant for asset division.
Escrow Account
A third-party account used to hold funds or property until certain conditions are met during divorce.
Estate Planning Post-Divorce
Revising wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents to reflect new marital status and intentions.
Estate Planning
Preparing tasks that serve to manage an individual’s asset base in the event of their incapacitation or death.
Expert Witnesses
A specialist called to provide testimony on specific issues like asset valuation or child psychology during divorce.
Most Popular Terms Starting with an F
Fair Market Value
The price a property would sell for on the open market, used to assess asset worth during divorce.
Family Law Attorney
A lawyer specializing in legal matters related to family relationships, such as divorce, custody, and support.
Family Mediation Services
Professional services that facilitate discussions and agreements between spouses during divorce.
Fiduciary Duty
The legal obligation to act in the best interest of another party, such as in managing joint finances during divorce.
Fiduciary Responsibilities
Managing any jointly held financial accounts or responsibilities in accordance with legal obligations post-divorce.
Final Decree of Divorce
The official court order that finalizes the dissolution of the marriage, detailing the terms agreed upon or decided by the court.
Financial Affidavit
A detailed financial statement submitted to the court, outlining income, expenses, assets, and liabilities during divorce.
Financial Disclosure
The process of revealing financial information, including assets, debts, income, and expenses, during divorce proceedings.
Financial Independence
Achieving and maintaining financial self-sufficiency after divorce, including employment and investment strategies.
Financial Literacy Education
Increasing personal financial knowledge to make informed decisions post-divorce.
Financial Mediation
Mediation focused specifically on dividing assets and debts.
Filing Fee
The cost required to file divorce papers with the court.
Fee Simple
Absolute ownership of real property, which may be subject to division during divorce.
Flexible Visitation Rights
Adapting visitation schedules to accommodate changes in work, location, or the child’s needs.
Forbearance
A temporary postponement or reduction of court-ordered payments, such as alimony or child support.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a G
Good Cause
A legally sufficient reason for a court to grant or deny a request during divorce proceedings.
Good Faith
Honest intent to act without taking an unfair advantage over another person.
Grandparents’ Rights
Legal considerations regarding the rights of grandparents to maintain relationships with grandchildren during and after divorce.
Grandparents’ Visitation Rights
Establishing or modifying visitation rights for grandparents post-divorce.
Guardianship
Legal authority granted to a person to care for a minor or incapacitated adult.
Guardianship Transfers
Changing legal guardianship arrangements as needed after divorce.
Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
A court-appointed individual who represents the best interests of a child during divorce proceedings.
Grounds for Legal Separation
Legal reasons recognized by law for spouses to live apart without divorcing.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a H
Health and Wellness Programs
Engaging in programs to maintain physical and mental health after divorce.
Health Insurance Coverage
Understanding how divorce affects existing health insurance policies and coverage.
Health Insurance Coverage Updates
Adjusting or obtaining new health insurance policies following divorce, including dependents’ coverage.
Hearings
Court sessions where evidence is presented, and legal arguments are made regarding divorce issues.
Hearsay Evidence
Testimony or statements made outside of court that are presented to prove the truth of the matter asserted, generally inadmissible unless exceptions apply.
Housing Arrangements Post-Divorce
Securing new living accommodations, whether renting, buying, or modifying existing properties.
Housing Market Navigation
Understanding and participating in the real estate market independently after divorce.
Housing Settlement
Agreements regarding the marital home, including ownership, use, and sale.
Most Popular Terms Starting with an I
Income Tax Filing Status
Updating tax filing status to single or head of household, affecting tax obligations and benefits.
Income Tax Implications
Understanding how divorce affects tax filings, deductions, and liabilities.
Inheritance Rights Post-Divorce
Clarifying how divorce affects rights to inherit from an ex-spouse’s estate.
Injunction
A court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing specific acts during divorce proceedings.
Insurance Policy Revisions
Changing beneficiaries and coverage details on life, auto, and home insurance policies post-divorce.
Independent Contractor vs. Employee Status
Classification of a spouse’s employment status, which can impact alimony and asset division.
Independent Legal Advice
Seeking counsel from a separate attorney to ensure unbiased guidance during divorce.
Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Adjustments
Managing and possibly dividing retirement accounts as stipulated in the divorce decree.
Interim Orders
Temporary court orders issued during the divorce process to address immediate issues like child custody, support, or property use until the final decree is issued.
Interrogatories
Written questions sent by one party to another in a lawsuit, which must be answered in writing under oath.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a J
Joint Account Closure
Closing or separating joint bank accounts to ensure individual financial management post-divorce.
Joint Business Operations
Managing or dissolving any jointly owned businesses after divorce.
Joint Filing
When both spouses agree to file for divorce together, often simplifying this process.
Joint Legal Actions
When both parties take legal steps together, such as filing a joint divorce petition or mediation agreement.
Joint Tenancy
A form of property ownership where two or more individuals hold equal shares with the right of survivorship.
Judgment
The official decision made by a court regarding the divorce and its associated matters.
Judgment Enforcement
Implementing and adhering to court orders related to the divorce, such as support and custody agreements.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a K
Key Person in Divorce Proceedings
An individual whose testimony or information is crucial to the outcome of the case, such as financial advisors or therapists.
Know Your Rights
Understanding the legal rights and obligations one has during the divorce process.
Knowledge of Legal Rights
Understanding and exercising legal rights established or altered by the divorce settlement.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a L
Legal Custody
The right to make significant decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religion.
Legal Name Change
Reverting to a maiden name or choosing a new legal name after divorce, including updating identification documents.
Legal Name Restoration Process
Steps to legally change or restore one’s name following divorce.
Legal Representation
The act of having an attorney advocate on one’s behalf during divorce proceedings.
Legal Separation
A court-approved arrangement where spouses live apart and outline their rights and responsibilities without formally divorcing.
Legal Separation vs. Divorce
Comparing the legal implications and processes of separation versus divorce.
Liability
Legal responsibility for debts or obligations, which may be divided during divorce.
Liability Insurance Adjustments
Ensuring adequate liability coverage independently after divorce.
Lien
A legal claim or right against property as security for a debt or obligation.
Life Insurance Policy Updates
Revising beneficiaries and coverage amounts to reflect the new marital status.
Litigation
The process of taking legal action through the court system.
Litigation Hold
An order to preserve all relevant information and documents for use in divorce litigation.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a M
Marital Property
Assets and debts acquired during the marriage, subject to division upon divorce.
Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)
A written agreement between spouses detailing the terms of their divorce, including asset division, custody, and support.
Mandatory Mediation
Court-required mediation aimed at resolving disputes before proceeding to trial.
Mediation
A facilitated negotiation process where a neutral mediator helps spouses reach mutually acceptable agreements.
Mediation for Post-Divorce Issues
Using mediation to resolve ongoing disputes related to custody, support, or asset management.
Modification of Orders
Changing existing court orders related to alimony, child support, or custody based on significant changes in circumstances.
Mortgage Refinancing
Refinancing home loans to remove ex-spouse’s name and secure individual financial standing.
Mortgage Responsibility
Managing and paying individual shares of jointly owned properties as per divorce agreements.
Moral Support Networks
Building and relying on support systems, including friends, family, and counseling services, post-divorce.
Motion
A formal request made to the court for an order or ruling during divorce proceedings.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a N
Name Restoration
Legally changing back to a previous name following divorce.
Navigating Social Security Changes
Updating Social Security information and understanding benefits post-divorce.
Need-Based Alimony
Spousal support determined by the recipient’s financial need and the payer’s ability to provide support.
Negotiation
The process of discussing and reaching agreements on various aspects of divorce.
Non-Compliance Consequences
Understanding the repercussions of failing to adhere to divorce decree terms, including legal penalties.
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
A contract preventing either party from disclosing certain information about the divorce proceedings.
Non-Maleficence
A legal principle ensuring that actions taken during divorce do not harm the interests of the parties involved, especially children.
Non-Molestation Order
A court order to protect an individual from harassment or harm by another person.
No-Fault Divorce
A divorce is granted without proving wrongdoing by either party based on irreconcilable differences or incompatibility.
Most Popular Terms Starting with an O
Objection
A formal protest raised in court regarding evidence or procedures during divorce proceedings.
Official Records
Documents filed with the court that become part of the public record during divorce proceedings.
Online Privacy Management
Protecting personal information and privacy in the digital space post-divorce.
Onus
The responsibility or burden of proof in legal proceedings.
Order Modification Requests
Filing for changes to existing court orders due to altered circumstances post-divorce.
Order of Protection
A court order designed to protect a party from harassment or abuse during divorce.
Out-of-State Legal Considerations
Managing divorce-related obligations and rights when residing in a different state post-divorce.
Ownership Interest
The degree to which an individual owns property, which affects its division during divorce.
Ownership Transfer
Legally transferring ownership of jointly held assets, such as vehicles or real estate, as outlined in the divorce.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a P
Parental Alienation
Actions by one parent to undermine the other parent’s relationship with their child, considered in custody decisions.
Parenting Coordinator
A neutral third party who assists parents in managing custody and parenting disputes.
Parenting Plan
A detailed agreement outlining custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and decision-making responsibility for parents.
Parenting Plan Implementation
Enforcing and adhering to the agreed-upon parenting schedules and responsibilities.
Personal Property
Assets owned individually by a spouse, which may be considered in asset division.
Post-Divorce Counseling
Counseling therapy or support groups to aid emotional recovery and adjustment after divorce.
Postnuptial Agreement
A contract made after marriage that outlines the division of assets and responsibilities in case of divorce.
Postnuptial Agreements
Revisiting or creating agreements made after the original divorce to address new marital dynamics, if remarried.
Post-Trial Motions
Requests made to the court after a trial has concluded, seeking to alter or challenge the judgment.
Pretrial Conference
A meeting between the parties and the judge to discuss the status of the case and plan for trial.
Prenuptial Agreement (Prenup)
A contract entered into before marriage outlining the division of assets and financial responsibilities in the event of divorce.
Private Mediation
An arrangement conducted outside of court where neutral mediators help spouses resolve divorce-related issues.
Protective Orders
Court orders that restrict one party from contacting or approaching the other party during divorce proceedings.
Psychological Evaluation
An assessment conducted to understand mental health issues that may impact divorce proceedings, child custody, or support.
Publication
The legal requirement to notify a spouse of divorce proceedings through public notice if their location is unknown.
Pleading
Formal written statements of each party’s claims and defenses in a divorce case, including the petition and response.
Primary Custodianship
The parent designated as the primary custodian responsible for the child’s care and parenting duties.
Property Maintenance Responsibilities
Managing upkeep and responsibilities for any jointly owned property as per divorce agreements.
Protection Order Enforcement
Ensuring compliance with any protective orders established during divorce.
Protective Order
A court order designed to protect an individual from abuse or harassment.
Pro Se Divorce
A divorce where a spouse represents themselves without the assistance of an attorney.
Property Division
The distribution of retirement accounts and pension benefits between spouses.
Parental Relocation Rights
Navigating the legal process for a parent who wishes to move to a new location with the child.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a Q
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)
A legal order recognizing an alternate payee’s right to receive a portion of a retirement plan under a divorce or separation.
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) Compliance
Adhering to orders related to the division of retirement plans and other qualified assets post-divorce.
Quiet Title Actions
Legal proceedings to establish clear ownership of property after divorce.
Quorum
The minimum number of parties or representatives required to be present for court proceedings to take place.
Most Popular Terms Starting with an R
Reconciliation
Attempts by spouses to repair their relationship and avoid divorce.
Reconciliation Counseling
Therapy aimed at resolving marital issues to prevent divorce.
Refinancing Loans
Adjusting or obtaining new loans independently after divorce to manage financial obligations.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Temporary financial support intended to help a spouse gain the skills or education necessary to become self-supporting.
Rebuilding Credit
Strategies to improve or rebuild credit scores after divorce-related financial changes.
Redaction Considerations
Reviewing and editing documents to protect sensitive information during divorce proceedings.
Relocation Considerations
Addressing the legal and logistical aspects of moving to a new location post-divorce, especially with custody agreements.
Residency Requirements
Legal criteria that determine which state or jurisdiction has authority over divorce proceedings.
Res judicata
A legal doctrine preventing the same dispute from being litigated more than once during divorce proceedings.
Respondent
The spouse who responds to the divorce petition filed by the petitioner.
Restraining Order
A court order limiting or preventing certain actions by one party toward another.
Retirement Account Distribution
Managing and accessing individual retirement accounts separated during divorce.
Retirement Benefits
Financial benefits provided after retirement, which may be subject to division during divorce.
Right of First Refusal
A provision in custody arrangements giving a parent the first opportunity to care for a child before third parties can.
Restrictive Covenants
Legal agreements restricting one party’s actions post-divorce, such as non-compete clauses in business-related divorces.
Rebuttable Presumption
An assumption in law that can be challenged with evidence, such as assuming marital assets are jointly owned until proven otherwise.
Most Popular Terms Starting with an S
Second Marriage Financial Planning
Planning finances carefully when entering a second marriage to avoid complications from the first divorce.
Separation Agreement
An agreement between the parties regarding the terms of their separation, including property division, custody, and support.
Separation of Finances
Establishing individual financial accounts and managing money separately after divorce.
Sequestration
The act of isolating one spouse from the other, often used in legal contexts to preserve assets.
Settlement Conference
A meeting between the parties and the judge to attempt to resolve issues without a trial.
Settlement Agreement
A negotiated agreement between spouses to resolve all issues related to their divorce without going to trial.
Severance
The legal act of ending a marriage or other legal relationship, resulting in the dissolution of shared rights and responsibilities.
Spousal Income
The earnings of each spouse, relevant for calculating alimony and support payments.
Spousal Maintenance
Another term for alimony, referring to financial support between spouses.
Statutory Grounds for Divorce
Legal reasons recognized by law for divorce, such as adultery, abandonment, or irreconcilable differences.
Statutory Limits on Alimony
Legal caps on the amount or duration of spousal support, varying by jurisdiction.
Stipulation
An agreement between the parties regarding specific facts or procedures in divorce proceedings.
Stock and Investment Account Management
Dividing and managing investment portfolios as per divorce agreements.
Subpoena Duces Tecum
A court order requiring a party to produce specific documents or evidence during divorce proceedings.
Summary Judgment
A court decision made without a full trial, based on the submitted evidence and legal arguments.
Support Order
Court orders mandating one party to provide financial support to the other spouse or children.
Support Payments Modification
Adjusting child or spousal support payments in response to changes in income or needs.
Support Termination Conditions
Circumstances that lead to the cessation of support payments, such as reaching a certain age or financial independence.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a T
Tax Filing Status Changes
Adjusting tax filing status and understanding its implications on tax liabilities and benefits post-divorce.
Temporary Alimony
Short-term financial support granted during the divorce process until a final decision is made.
Temporary Custody
Short-term custody arrangements established until the court makes a permanent decision.
Temporary Order
Court orders that remain in effect until a final decision is made in the divorce case, addressing issues like custody and support.
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
A short-term protective order issued to prevent immediate harm or harassment during divorce.
Title
Legal ownership of property, which affects how assets are divided in divorce.
Transmutation of Property
The process by which separate property becomes marital property during the marriage.
Trial Brief
A written document submitted to the court outlining the facts, legal arguments, and evidence supporting a party’s case.
Trial Preparation
The process of getting ready for court proceedings, including gathering evidence and preparing testimonies.
Trial by Judge (Bench Trial)
A divorce trial conducted solely by a judge without a jury, which is standard in most divorce cases.
Trust Fund Management
Handling and distributing trust funds or other established funds after divorce.
Trustee and Executors Exposure
Managing financial responsibilities related to children’s or deceased partners’ estates post-divorce.
Title Transfer for Vehicles
Changing vehicle titles to reflect sole ownership as per divorce decree.
Tuitions and Educational Expenses
Managing and assigning responsibilities related to children’s education post-divorce.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a U
Uncontested Divorce
A divorce where both parties agree on all major issues, avoiding the need for a trial.
Unmarried Parents
Legal considerations and rights for parents who are not married but are undergoing separation or divorce.
Unemployment Benefit Adjustment
Managing unemployment benefits independently if job loss occurs after divorce.
Uniform Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)
Another term referring to the law that standardizes child custody proceedings across states to prevent jurisdictional disputes.
Uniform Divorce Jurisdiction and Venue Act
Legislation that determines the appropriate location for filing divorce cases.
Uniform Family Law Act
Model legislation adopted by many states to standardize family law procedures, including divorce.
Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA) Accounts
Managing custodial accounts for minors established or altered during divorce.
Understanding Property Rights
Clarifying individual property rights and ownership after divorce settlements.
Updating Beneficiaries
Revising beneficiary information on all financial accounts and legal documents post-divorce.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a V
Valuation
Assessing the value of assets and liabilities for equitable distribution.
Valuation of Assets
The process of determining the current worth of marital property and individual assets for equitable distribution.
Venue
The appropriate geographic location for filing and conducting divorce proceedings.
Verdict
The final decision made by a judge or jury in a divorce trial.
Visitation Rights
The rights of a non-custodial parent to spend time with their child.
Visitation Right Enforcement
Ensuring adherence to agreed-upon visitation schedules and addressing violations.
Visitation Schedule
A detailed timetable outlining when the non-custodial parent can spend time with their child.
Voir Dire
A jury selection process, although less common in divorce cases which are typically bench trials.
Veterans’ Benefits Adjustments
Modifying or securing veterans’ benefits independently after divorce.
Value of Separate Property
Assessing and managing assets considered separate property post-divorce.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a W
Waiver of Rights
Voluntarily relinquishing certain legal rights, such as alimony or property claims, during divorce proceedings.
Waiver of Right to Jury Trial
An agreement by both parties to have their divorce case decided by a judge instead of a jury.
Will and Testament Updates
Revising wills to exclude an ex-spouse and reflect new beneficiaries and guardianship choices.
Withdrawing from Joint Investments
Removing oneself from jointly held investment accounts to manage finances independently.
Withholding Order
Court orders that mandate the withholding of certain payments or actions until specific conditions are met.
Withholding Tax Adjustments
Updating tax withholding based on new financial and marital status post-divorce.
Witness
An individual who provides testimony or evidence in court.
Work-Life Balance Post-Divorce
Establishing a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal life after divorce.
Worker’s Compensation Claims
Potential claims that may arise if one spouse is injured and impact their ability to support themselves during divorce.
Worker’s Compensation Post-Divorce
Managing any claims or benefits related to employment injuries independently after divorce.
Wrongful Death Claims
Although rare in divorce, these claims may arise if one spouse’s actions lead to the death of the other.
Most Popular Terms Starting with an X
eXpungement Requests
Filing to remove certain records or information post-divorce, where legally permissible.
Xerox Copies
Certified copies of court documents required for official filings and records during divorce proceedings.
Xenogamy
Not directly related to divorce; inclusion of terms like this is optional based on relevance.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a Y
Yin-Yang Custody
A balanced custody arrangement ensuring both parents share equal time and responsibility for the child.
Yielding
The act of giving way to the arguments or demands of the other party during negotiations.
Yielding to Court Orders
Complying with all post-divorce court orders to avoid legal penalties.
Yielding Evidence
Presenting evidence to support one’s claims or defenses in court.
Youth Counseling
Psychological support for children affected by their parents’ divorce.
Youth Impact Statements
Statements made by children to express how the divorce affects them, considered by the court in custody decisions.
Youth Support Services
Accessing services and resources to support children emotionally and educationally post-divorce.
Most Popular Terms Starting with a Z
Zero Debt Strategy
Developing plans to eliminate individual debt accrued during or after divorce.
Zero Interest Divorce Loans
Financial products designed to help cover divorce-related expenses without accruing interest.
Zero-Sum Negotiation
A negotiation approach where one party’s gain is another’s loss, often seen in contentious divorces.
Zoning Law Compliance for Property
Ensuring any real estate transactions or ownership comply with local zoning laws post-divorce.
Zoning Laws and Divorce
Local property regulations that may impact the division or sale of real estate during divorce.