The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The legal term grounds for divorce refers to the legal reasons for which a couple may be granted a divorce. Such grounds for termination of a marriage may be based on the fault of one or more parties demise of the relationship, or it may be no fault, in which neither has to state the other has done something wrong. […]
Read moreThe term dissolution of marriage refers to the ending of a marriage through legal proceedings, the same as divorce. In many jurisdictions, a couple may file a petition for the court to terminate their marriage pursuant to a written agreement between the parties. Such an agreement must cover all issues pertaining to the dissolution, allowing the matter to be concluded […]
Read moreThe legal term exclusive use and possession refers to an agreement, or court order, for one spouse to use and maintain possession of certain marital property during a divorce. When a couple divorces, the issue of who will live in the family home, or who will use the family car, must sometimes be decided by the court. Being given exclusive […]
Read moreEquitable distribution in divorce is the legal principle of dividing marital property during the dissolution of marriage. The majority of states recognize the principle of equitable distribution, using it when the court must determine how the property will be divided in the event the divorcing couple is unable to reach an agreement. In divorce, the term “equitable” does not mean […]
Read moreGetting married symbolizes more than just an emotional commitment, it entails a life-long commitment to mesh lives, commingle assets, and parent children. Ending a marriage through divorce also has life-long consequences, both legal and financial, as well as consequences for any children of the marriage. Because separating joined lives can be difficult and messy, each state has specific steps that […]
Read moreMarriage is the legal or formally recognized union between two people as partners in a relationship. Getting married requires the couple obtain a marriage license in the jurisdiction in which the marriage takes place, and involves a wedding ceremony of some type. Many states recognize what is known as “common law marriage,” which refers to a relationship in which two […]
Read moreCommunity property is a family law term used to refer to all of the personal and real property that a couple acquires during their marriage, which legally belongs to both spouses. If the couple divorces, the community property must be divided and distributed to the parties. The goal in most cases is to achieve an equitable division of the community […]
Read moreAlimony, also known as “spousal support” or “spousal maintenance,” refers to the obligation of an individual to provide their spouse with financial support after a separation or divorce. Traditionally, alimony was the sole obligation of a husband, but in modern times, wives can be responsible to pay support to their husbands, especially in cases where her income is considerably higher […]
Read moreIn law, the term “abandonment” may be used in a variety of legal issues, from contract law to real estate law, referring to the giving up or renunciation of an interest, privilege, possession, or right, with the intent of never reclaiming it. As the term applies to matters of Family Law, an individual may abandon a marriage, spouse, child, or […]
Read moreCommingling occurs when one party mixes funds with that of another party. It typically takes place between spouses and business partners. While commingling is legal under normal circumstances, both parties expose themselves to risk when participating in the combining of funds. For example, when new properties or funds are acquired through marriage or business partnerships, the property is considered to […]
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