Divorce Advice - Glossary

Please see below for a glossary which will help you navigate our divorce advice section:

Acknowledgment – the Respondent's initial response to a petition or application stating whether they intend to defend the action.

Advocacy - appearing for you at Court hearings.

Affidavit – a legal document setting out facts relating to a case which has to be sworn before a solicitor (also see Sworn Statement).

Ancillary Relief – division of financial assets following a divorce or dissolution (also known as financial relief).

Answer – the Respondent's defence to a petition or application

Application – (a) the initial application to the Court; or (b) an interim application to bring matters before the Court before a final hearing.

Bailiff Service – request for a Court Bailiff to serve papers if a party fails to respond.

Conditional Order - an initial decree issued prior to the dissolution being finalized

Cross-petition - a counter-petition which is sometimes brought by a Respondent.

Decree Absolute – final divorce decree which means you are now divorced.

Decree Nisi – initial divorce decree issued prior to the divorce being finalised.

Directions for Trial - application sent to the Court asking for a directions.

Disbursements – these are costs relating to a claim other than the legal representative's time.  Examples of this are fees for travel expenses, court fees, etc.

Dissolution - the equivalent of divorce for same sex couples

Final Order - final decree meaning a civil partnership has been dissolved

Interim Hearing - a court hearing that is not final.

Petition – the initial papers setting out the reasons a divorce or dissolution is required.

Petitioner or Applicant - the person bringing the claim before the Court.

Respondent - the person against whom the claim is brought (also known as opponent).

Special Procedure - an accelerated process for directions for trial in cases that are not defended.

We are here to help 24 hours a day 365 days a year.  Either e-mail us anytime, call (01296) 662770 (Nick) or (01525) 373322 (Richard) during the normal working day or (07973) 424178 in an emergency.