Divorce Basics
This legal action officially ends a marriage
What is Divorce?
This is the most common ground for divorce in no-fault states
What is irreconcilable differences?
This term refers to money or property earned during the marriage
What is marital property?
This type of custody decides where the child lives
What is physical custody?
This legal document begins the divorce process
What is a petition (or complaint) for divorce?
This type of divorce does not require proving that either spouse did something wrong
What is a no-fault divorce?
This fault-based ground involves one spouse being unfaithful
What is adultery?
This type of property usually belongs only to one spouse, such as gifts or inheritances
What is separate property?
This custody gives a parent the right to make major decisions for the child
What is legal custody?
This is the spouse who responds to the divorce filing
What is the respondent?
The person who first files for divorce is known by this term
What is the petitioner?
When one spouse leaves the marriage without permission or reason, it is called this
What is abandonment?
These states divide marital property equally between spouses
What are community property states?
Courts use this standard to decide custody arrangements
What is the best interest of the child?
This process helps couples resolve disputes with the help of a neutral third party
What is mediation?
When both spouses agree on all issues, the divorce is considered this
What is an uncontested divorce?
This ground involves physical or emotional harm within the marriage
What is cruelty or abuse?
Most states use this system, which divides property fairly but not always equally
What is equitable distribution?
This payment helps cover a child’s basic needs like food, housing, and education
What is child support?
A judge’s final decision ending the marriage is called this
What is a divorce decree?
A divorce that involves disputes over property, custody, or support is called this
What is a contested divorce?
Some states allow divorce based on this if one spouse is incarcerated for a long time
What is imprisonment?
This financial support may be paid by one spouse to the other after divorce
What is alimony (or spousal support
This term describes when both parents share custody responsibilities
What is joint custody?
If one spouse ignores a court order, they may be held in this
What is contempt of court?