In common with most professions, lawyers have a nasty habit of using technical terms which can make no sense at all to non-lawyers. To help out, here is a jargon buster of terms you are likely to hear:
| Affidavit |
A sworn statement |
| Ancillary Relief |
The financial proceedings arising out of a divorce |
| CAFCASS |
organisation appointed by the Court to produce impartial reports in Children cases |
| Child Maintenance |
Weekly or monthly payments made to the person who cares for the child concerned |
| Consent Order |
Sealed document setting out the agreement reached between the parties |
| Contact Order |
A court order requiring the party with whom the child lives to allow contact between the child and another person, usually the other parent (eg visits, overnight staying contact). |
| Residence Order |
A Court order stating who the child will live with and where |
| Costs |
Solicitors charges |
| CSA |
Child Support Agency. A government organisation set up to oversee child maintenance payments |
| Decree Absolute |
Final decree bringing the divorce to an end |
| Decree Nisi |
Penultimate decree in divorce proceedings which confirms Petitioner's right to obtain Decree Absolute at a later date |
| Disbursements |
Expenses incurred by a party or solicitor, other than solicitors fees, eg. Court fees, travel, parking, barrister |
| Divorce Petition |
Court document initiating the divorce |
| Mediation |
Impartial discussions regarding finance, property and children |
| Petitioner |
Person bringing the divorce proceedings |
| Respondent |
The other party to the divorce proceedings |
| Spousal Maintenance |
Weekly or monthly payments made to a spouse |