Family Law Terms
Intake Form
Interview Form
prenuptial
Going to the Chapel, and we're gonna get
married
New client shows signs of trauma may indicate this
Abuse
We just can't get along anymore
Irreconcilable differences
When a marriage never existed
Void
Can't live together, can't get divorced
Separation
These marriages are no longer recognized by Georgia law
common law
A client stops providing information and tells you that they want to drop the case with no substantive reason
duress
This spouse is not always sleeping in the marital bed
adultry
Jurisdiction is over the property
Living together but not mattied
Cohabitation
These marriages have never been recognized in Georgia
Covenant
You have reason to believe the children and your client are in danger
Report and get them to a shelter
Like the 8th Amendment
cruelty
Serves as an advocate for minors
Guardian at litem
CASA - Court appointed special advocate
Signed by the parties as part of a divorce where minor children are involved
parenting plan
This practice is illegal in Georgia
Bigamy
Have a code word prepared to get the attention of others, try to diffuse and if necessary call law enforcement to respond
Never sober, can't keep a job because of these bad habits
habitual drinking or substance abuse
Marriage is this type of right
fundatmental
This type of agreement could be entered into after marriage
Postnuptial
Antenuptial
Now recognized as legal in many states and offers same benefits as marriage
Civil unions
A volital client tells you he or she plans to kill their estranged spouse
You must report to authorities immediately
Suffers from this and it is not curable
mental illness