Jargon Buster

Please find below a glossary of terms: -

• 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