Question 1

What is Alimony (Spousal Support) in family law?

Accepted Answer

Money the higher earner pays the lower earner so they don't go broke after the split. It's usually temporary, rarely forever. If you earn more, this is your biggest ongoing liability. If you earn less, this is your lifeline to retraining and independence. It affects taxes and monthly budgets for years. Legal definition: Court-ordered financial payments from one spouse to another during or after divorce. Designed to mitigate the unfair economic effects of a divorce by providing continuing income to a non-wage-earning or lower-wage-earning spouse.

Question 2

What is Annulment in family law?

Accepted Answer

A legal 'undo' button. It erases the marriage record completely, claiming it was fake or illegal from day one. Mostly relevant for religious reasons or to avoid property division rules of a valid marriage. Extremely difficult to prove. Legal definition: A legal procedure that declares a marriage null and void, as if it never happened. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, annulment establishes that the marriage was never valid to begin with due to fraud, bigamy, incapacity, or force.

Question 3

What is Arrears in family law?

Accepted Answer

The 'back debt' you owe. It's the money you missed paying, and it follows you like a shadow until paid. The court has strong enforcement powers: wage garnishment, license suspension, and jail time. Legal definition: Overdue, unpaid child support or alimony payments. These debts generally cannot be discharged in bankruptcy and often accrue interest.

Question 4

What is Attorney Ad Litem in family law?

Accepted Answer

The kid's own personal lawyer. They fight for what the kid asks for, even if it's a bad idea.  Legal definition: A lawyer appointed by the court to legally represent a child or an incapacitated person. Unlike a Guardian Ad Litem (who advises on best interests), an Attorney Ad Litem advocates for what the client (the child) actually wants.

Question 5

What is Best Interests of the Child in family law?

Accepted Answer

The 'Golden Rule' of family court. The judge asks: 'What keeps this kid safe and sane?' not 'What is fair to the mom or dad?' Every argument you make must be framed around this. Don't say 'I want my time.' Say 'The child needs consistency and connection with both parents.' Legal definition: The legal standard courts use to make all custody and visitation decisions. Judges do not care about your 'rights' as a parent; they care about the child's stability, safety, health, and emotional ties.

Question 6

What is Bifurcation in family law?

Accepted Answer

Divorcing in two steps. Step 1: You are single. Step 2: We fight about the money later.  Legal definition: A legal mechanism that splits a divorce case into two parts. It allows the court to legally end the marital status (making you single again) while leaving other issues like property division or support to be decided later.

Question 7

What is Bird's Nest Custody in family law?

Accepted Answer

The kids stay put; the parents pack bags and switch places. Great for kids, expensive and annoying for parents.  Legal definition: A custody arrangement where the children remain in the family home 100% of the time, and the parents rotate in and out according to a schedule.

Question 8

What is Child Custody in family law?

Accepted Answer

The rules for who the kid lives with and who makes the big life choices for them.  Legal definition: The legal determination of rights and responsibilities for a child. Divided into Legal Custody (decisions) and Physical Custody (residency). Most courts default to shared custody unless there is abuse.

Question 9

What is Child Support in family law?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory cash for the kid's expenses. You cannot waive this, even if you both agree. The court will override you. This is often the largest ongoing financial obligation for non-custodial parents. Legal definition: Monthly payments from one parent to the other to cover the child's basic needs. Usually calculated by a rigid state formula based on incomes and overnight visits. It is a right of the child, not the parent.

Question 10

What is Collaborative Divorce in family law?

Accepted Answer

A 'no-court' pledge. If you fail to agree, you have to fire your lawyers and start over with new ones.  Legal definition: A voluntary alternative dispute resolution process where both spouses and their lawyers sign a contract agreeing NOT to go to court. They work with financial and mental health neutrals to find a settlement.

Question 11

What is Community Property in family law?

Accepted Answer

'What's mine is yours.' If you bought it after the wedding, your spouse owns half. Period.  Legal definition: A legal framework in 9 states (AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI) where all assets and debts acquired during marriage are owned 50/50 by both spouses. Upon divorce, it gets split down the middle.

Question 12

What is Contempt of Court in family law?

Accepted Answer

The judge is angry because you broke the rules on purpose. This is how they punish you.  Legal definition: A formal finding by a judge that a party has willfully disobeyed a court order. Consequences can range from fines and paying the other side's attorney fees to actual jail time.

Question 13

What is Custodial Parent in family law?

Accepted Answer

The parent who has the kids most of the time and gets the support check.  Legal definition: The parent with whom the child primarily lives. This parent typically receives child support payments from the non-custodial parent.

Question 14

What is Custody Order in family law?

Accepted Answer

The official rulebook for who has the kids and when. Violating it can land you in contempt.  Legal definition: A court document that specifies which parent has legal and physical custody of the children, along with visitation schedules and other arrangements.

Question 15

What is Discovery in family law?

Accepted Answer

The 'show your cards' phase. You can't hide the bank account or the text messages anymore. It's expensive and invasive. This is where 80% of legal fees go. It uncovers hidden assets and evidence for trial. Legal definition: The formal process where spouses force each other to reveal facts, documents, and financial records. Includes interrogatories (written questions), depositions (live testimony), and subpoenas.

Question 16

What is Dissolution in family law?

Accepted Answer

Just a fancy word for divorce. Ending the legal contract of marriage.  Legal definition: Another legal term for divorce. In some states, 'dissolution' implies a no-fault, non-adversarial process, whereas 'divorce' implies a lawsuit.

Question 17

What is Domestic Violence Protective Order in family law?

Accepted Answer

A restraining order on steroids. It forces the abuser away instantly.  Legal definition: A civil court order designed to protect a victim from an abuser. It can immediately kick a spouse out of the house, grant temporary custody, and prohibit contact.

Question 18

What is Emancipation in family law?

Accepted Answer

The kid fires the parents. They are now an adult in the eyes of the law.  Legal definition: A legal process where a minor (under 18) becomes a legal adult, free from parental control and entitled to keep their own earnings. Child support obligations end here.

Question 19

What is Equitable Distribution in family law?

Accepted Answer

The judge decides what is 'fair.' You might get 60% of the cash if you earn way less.  Legal definition: The division method used in most states. Unlike 'Community Property' (50/50), assets are divided 'fairly' but not necessarily equally. Judges look at marriage length, earning power, and contributions.

Question 20

What is Ex Parte Orders in family law?

Accepted Answer

One-sided emergency order. 'Judge, stop him NOW before he leaves the country!'  Legal definition: Emergency orders granted by a judge based on one side's story, without the other side present. Used only in true emergencies involving immediate danger or kidnapping risks.

Question 21

What is Family Court in family law?

Accepted Answer

The building where a stranger in a robe decides your future. No juries, just the judge.  Legal definition: A specialized court that hears cases involving domestic issues like divorce, custody, and support. It is a court of equity, meaning there are usually no juries—just a judge deciding fairness.

Question 22

What is Financial Affidavit in family law?

Accepted Answer

The 'Money Truth' form. You must list every penny you earn and spend.  Legal definition: A sworn legal document listing all income, expenses, assets, and debts. It is the foundation for all financial rulings. Lying on this form is perjury.

Question 23

What is 50/50 Custody in family law?

Accepted Answer

True equal time. Week on, week off. Or some variation that splits time down the middle.  Legal definition: A custody arrangement where both parents have equal time with the children, typically alternating weeks or splitting each week evenly.

Question 24

What is Garnishment in family law?

Accepted Answer

Taking money straight from your paycheck before you even see it.  Legal definition: A legal order sent to an employer to withhold money directly from an employee's paycheck to pay a debt, usually child support or alimony arrears.

Question 25

What is Grounds for Divorce in family law?

Accepted Answer

The reason you tell the judge you want out. Usually just 'we don't get along anymore.'  Legal definition: The legal reason required to grant a divorce. Most states are 'No-Fault,' meaning you just cite 'irreconcilable differences.' Some states still allow fault grounds like adultery or cruelty.

Question 26

What is Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in family law?

Accepted Answer

The court's spy. They investigate your life and tell the judge who is the better parent. Be nice to them.  Legal definition: An attorney or mental health professional appointed by the court to investigate the case and represent the 'best interests of the child.' They interview kids, parents, and teachers, then write a report the judge usually follows.

Question 27

What is High-Conflict Divorce in family law?

Accepted Answer

War of the Roses. Fighting over every spoon and schedule change.  Legal definition: A divorce characterized by excessive litigation, hostility, and inability to co-parent. These cases consume the most court resources and cause the most damage to children.

Question 28

What is Home Study in family law?

Accepted Answer

Someone comes to your place to make sure it's fit for kids. Clean up.  Legal definition: An evaluation of a parent's home and living situation by a social worker or GAL. They check for safety, cleanliness, and suitability for children.

Question 29

What is Imputed Income in family law?

Accepted Answer

Fake income the judge says you have. 'You could earn $50k, so pay support like you earn $50k.'  Legal definition: Income assigned to a parent by the court even if they aren't earning it. If you quit your job to avoid paying support, the court calculates support based on what you should be earning.

Question 30

What is Injunction in family law?

Accepted Answer

A 'Don't Do It' order.  Legal definition: A court order prohibiting a party from doing a specific act, such as selling assets, taking children out of state, or harassing the other spouse.

Question 31

What is Interim Orders in family law?

Accepted Answer

Temporary rules for the 'in-between' time. Careful—temporary often becomes permanent.  Legal definition: Temporary rulings made by the court while the divorce is pending. These set the status quo for custody and support and often become the permanent arrangement.

Question 32

What is Joint Custody in family law?

Accepted Answer

You are still partners in raising the kid, even if you hate each other. You have to co-parent.  Legal definition: An arrangement where parents share the rights and responsibilities. Usually refers to 'Joint Legal Custody' (sharing decisions). It does NOT automatically mean 50/50 time.

Question 33

What is Joint Legal Custody in family law?

Accepted Answer

You both have to agree on the big stuff—school, doctors, church.  Legal definition: Both parents share decision-making authority for major issues affecting the child, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.

Question 34

What is Joint Physical Custody in family law?

Accepted Answer

The kid splits time between two homes. Could be 60/40, could be 50/50.  Legal definition: The child lives with both parents for significant periods of time. Does not necessarily mean 50/50 split.

Question 35

What is Jurisdiction in family law?

Accepted Answer

The 'Home Court.' You have to file in the right place or the case gets thrown out.  Legal definition: The court's legal authority to hear a case. Usually based on where the child has lived for the last 6 months (UCCJEA) or where the parties reside.

Question 36

What is Legal Custody in family law?

Accepted Answer

Decision-making power. Who picks the school and the doctor.  Legal definition: The right to make major decisions about the child's life, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.

Question 37

What is Legal Separation in family law?

Accepted Answer

Married on paper, but living separate lives. Still married for taxes and insurance.  Legal definition: A court-approved arrangement where spouses live apart but remain legally married. Often used for religious reasons or to maintain insurance benefits.

Question 38

What is Lump-Sum Alimony in family law?

Accepted Answer

One big check instead of monthly payments. Rip the band-aid off.  Legal definition: A single, one-time payment of alimony instead of ongoing monthly payments. Often used when a clean break is desired.

Question 39

What is Marital Property in family law?

Accepted Answer

Everything you bought or earned while married. It's on the table for splitting.  Legal definition: Assets and debts acquired during the marriage that are subject to division. Generally excludes inherited property or gifts to one spouse only.

Question 40

What is Mediation in family law?

Accepted Answer

A referee helps you both negotiate. Cheaper than court, less drama, better outcomes.  Legal definition: A voluntary process where a neutral third party helps divorcing spouses reach agreements on custody, support, and property without going to trial.

Question 41

What is Modification in family law?

Accepted Answer

Asking the judge to update the rules because something big changed—like a job loss or a move.  Legal definition: A legal request to change an existing court order, usually for child support or custody, based on a significant change in circumstances.

Question 42

What is No-Fault Divorce in family law?

Accepted Answer

No blame game. 'We don't work anymore' is reason enough.  Legal definition: A divorce where neither party has to prove wrongdoing. Most states allow this—you just state 'irreconcilable differences' and the marriage is over.

Question 43

What is Non-Custodial Parent in family law?

Accepted Answer

The parent who doesn't have the kids most of the time. Usually the one writing the check.  Legal definition: The parent who does not have primary physical custody. This parent typically pays child support and has visitation rights.

Question 44

What is Parenting Coordinator in family law?

Accepted Answer

A paid referee who settles fights about schedules and pickups so you don't waste money on lawyers.  Legal definition: A neutral professional appointed to help high-conflict parents implement their parenting plan and resolve day-to-day disputes without going back to court.

Question 45

What is Parenting Plan in family law?

Accepted Answer

The instruction manual for co-parenting. Covers everything from holidays to sick days.  Legal definition: A detailed document outlining how parents will share time, make decisions, and handle logistics after divorce. Often required by the court.

Question 46

What is Paternity in family law?

Accepted Answer

Proving you're the dad. You need this on paper before you have any legal rights or obligations.  Legal definition: Legal determination of fatherhood. Establishing paternity is required before a father can seek custody or visitation, and before child support can be ordered from him.

Question 47

What is Pendente Lite in family law?

Accepted Answer

Rules that apply while you wait for the final ruling. 'Pending' status.  Legal definition: Latin for 'pending litigation.' Refers to temporary orders or support paid while the divorce is ongoing.

Question 48

What is Physical Custody in family law?

Accepted Answer

Who the kid sleeps at. The actual residence, not just decision-making.  Legal definition: The right to have the child live with you. Can be sole (one parent) or joint (shared time).

Question 49

What is Pro Se in family law?

Accepted Answer

Going to court alone, without a lawyer. Risky but sometimes necessary if you can't afford one.  Legal definition: Representing yourself in court without a lawyer. Latin for 'for oneself.'

Question 50

What is QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) in family law?

Accepted Answer

The legal paperwork that lets you split retirement money without the IRS taking a cut.  Legal definition: A court order that divides retirement accounts (like 401ks and pensions) between divorcing spouses without tax penalties.

Question 51

What is Rehabilitative Alimony in family law?

Accepted Answer

Temporary money so you can go back to school or get job training.  Legal definition: Short-term spousal support designed to help the lower-earning spouse get education or training to become self-sufficient.

Question 52

What is Restraining Order in family law?

Accepted Answer

A legal 'stay away' order.  Legal definition: A court order prohibiting one party from contacting, approaching, or harassing another.

Question 53

What is Separate Property in family law?

Accepted Answer

What you had before you got married. Generally stays yours.  Legal definition: Assets owned by one spouse before marriage, or received as gifts/inheritance during marriage, that are not subject to division.

Question 54

What is Settlement Agreement in family law?

Accepted Answer

The deal you both sign to avoid going in front of a judge.  Legal definition: A legally binding contract between divorcing spouses that resolves all issues—property, custody, support—without a trial.

Question 55

What is Sole Custody in family law?

Accepted Answer

One parent calls all the shots. The other might visit, but doesn't decide.  Legal definition: One parent has exclusive legal and/or physical custody. The other parent may have visitation but no decision-making power.

Question 56

What is Subpoena in family law?

Accepted Answer

A 'you must show up' order from the court. Ignore it at your own risk.  Legal definition: A legal order compelling a person to appear in court or produce documents.

Question 57

What is Temporary Orders in family law?

Accepted Answer

The rules you live by until the divorce is final. Often become permanent.  Legal definition: Court orders that establish custody, support, and property rules while the divorce is pending.

Question 58

What is Trial Separation in family law?

Accepted Answer

Living apart to 'figure things out.' No lawyers, no court, just distance.  Legal definition: An informal arrangement where spouses live apart to decide if they want to divorce. Not legally binding.

Question 59

What is UCCJEA in family law?

Accepted Answer

The rule that says where you file your custody case. Usually where the kid has been living.  Legal definition: Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. Determines which state has authority over custody cases—usually where the child has lived for 6+ months.

Question 60

What is Visitation in family law?

Accepted Answer

Your scheduled time with the kids when you're not the primary custody parent.  Legal definition: The scheduled time a non-custodial parent spends with their child. Also called 'parenting time.'

Question 61

What is Wage Withholding in family law?

Accepted Answer

The money comes out of your check before you see it. No forgetting, no excuses.  Legal definition: Automatic deduction of child support from a parent's paycheck, sent directly to the custodial parent or state agency.

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