Now that you and your spouse decided to call it quits, you will both have to go about the actual task of executing the process. While you should absolutely seek the skilled legal assistance of an experienced divorce attorney, educating yourself on divorce terms will help save you time, allowing you to focus on more pressing questions that go beyond the basics.
Here are some of the most essential divorce terms you should become familiar with:
- Alimony: This is also often referred to as spousal support. It is the payment one spouse makes to another and, in some cases, might also include property division and attorney fees.
- Child Support: If you share children with your spouse, this refers to the non-taxable or deductible financial support one parent provides to the other on a regular basis.
- Community Property: This refers to all property acquired throughout the duration of a marriage, and usually do not include inheritances or personal injury settlements, which are often considered separate property.
- Custody: Divorcing parents can have a combination of physical custody and legal custody. Legal custody gives a parent the right to make important decisions regarding a child’s upbringing, whereas physical custody determines where the child is to live.
- Decree: This is the court’s written order that finalizes a divorce, which is typically issued with the court’s judgment.
- Discovery: The process of exchanging information between both parties is known as the discovery process. It often involves requests for the production of documents, depositions, and serving and answering interrogatories.
- Interrogatories: During the discovery process, both parties can serve the other written questions, which must be answered.
- Mediation: For spouses who want to avoid a drawn-out court proceeding, mediation is considered a form of alternative dispute resolution, which allows both parties to resolve disputes in a less adversarial environment through an impartial third party.
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO): This court issued document allows spouses to divide retirement benefits.
- Visitation: This is the time a non-custodial parent is given to spend time with his or her children.
Rancho Cucamonga Divorce Attorney
If you are considering a divorce or were already served divorce papers, now is the time to obtain the legal representation you need to get you through this process. At Chung & Ignacio, LLP, we are here to help you navigate your case and protect your best interests. Our Rancho Cucamonga legal team will go above and beyond to secure a fair resolution for your divorce and will serve as a fierce legal advocate in and out of the courtroom.
Contact our office today at (909) 726-7112 to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable member of our team.
