Important Definitions - Support - Michelmores Family Law Service

Important Definitions

Divorce:

The legal dissolution of a marriage

Separation:

Legal separation is defined under the law as the cessation of cohabitation of man and wife (either by mutual agreement or under a court order)

Divorce Solicitor:

A Divorce solicitor is a legally qualified individual who has a general duty to advise their clients on matters of law in the area of family law.

Family Law:

Family law can involve relationships of married couples, unmarried couples, or couples undergoing divorce. Additional family relationships that may involve lawyers include parent and child, unmarried parents, neglected children, children in foster care, and adoption.

Petitioner:

The person who commences divorce proceedings

Respondent:

This is the name given to the person who receives the divorce papers and responds to them

Mediation:

An alternative way to resolve issues by negotiation

Prenuptial Agreement:

An agreement entered into by heterosexual couples who
intend to marry to provide what should happen if their relationship subsequently fails.

Pre-Civil Partnership Registration Agreements:

An agreement entered into for the same purposes as a Pre-Nuptial Agreement but this is for same sex couples who intend to register their civil partnership.

Cohabitation Agreement:

An agreement for anyone living together (not in contemplation of marriage) to regulate their occupation of the home, financial affairs etc.

Adultery:

Voluntary sexual intercourse with someone other than your spouse.

Ancillary Relief:

The term used to describe money/assets/finances in divorce.

Domiciled:

You are born in England and Wales, or, if not, intend to remain in England and Wales permanently. For advice on proving your intention please contact us.

Habitually resident:

Living in England and Wales for a minimum period of one year prior to commencing divorce proceedings.

Decree Nisi:

This is the first stage of a divorce obtained after the court is satisfied that you have proved that your marriage has broken down irretrievably. The Decree Nisi does not end your marriage.

Decree Absolute:

This is the final stage of the divorce that ends your marriage.

Acknowledgment of Service:

A form is sent out by the court with Divorce papers to be completed by your spouse (the Respondent). If they fail to do this, contact an expert for further advice.

Statement of Arrangements

A document that you are required to complete if you have children and want to start Divorce proceedings. This document sets out the arrangements for the children both during and after the divorce.

Divorce Petition

A Court document that you are required to complete to initiate a divorce. This is completed by the Petitioner.