What is Divorce?
The legal dissolution of a marriage by a court or other competent body, ending the marital relationship and dividing assets, debts, and responsibilities.
Understanding Divorce
Divorces can be contested (parties disagree) or uncontested (parties agree on terms). Most states now offer no-fault divorce, where neither party must prove wrongdoing. The process involves property division, spousal support, and custody arrangements if children are involved.
Examples
- 1No-fault divorce citing irreconcilable differences
- 2Contested divorce over property division
- 3Collaborative divorce using mediation instead of litigation
Related Terms
Child Custody
The legal arrangement determining where children will live and who will make important decisions about their upbringing after parents separate or divorce.
Alimony
Court-ordered financial support paid by one spouse to the other during or after divorce, also known as spousal support or maintenance.
Child Support
Ongoing payments made by a non-custodial parent to help cover the costs of raising their child, typically continuing until the child reaches adulthood.
Parenting Plan
A written agreement between parents that outlines how they will share time with their children, make decisions, and handle disputes after separation or divorce.
Marital Property
Assets and debts acquired during the marriage that are subject to division in a divorce, as opposed to separate property owned before marriage or received as gifts/inheritance.
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