Understand legal terms by using our Family Legal Glossary
Annul
To end a valid marriage or civil partnership.
Applicant
The party seeking a divorce or dissolution and files a petition at court.
Arbitration
A process where parties agree to have a dispute resolved by a neutral third party, whose decision is legally binding.
Clean Break
A court order which dismisses any future financial claims from either party after divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership.
Cohabitation
An unmarried couple who live together.
Consent Order
A Court Order that reflects an agreement reached between the parties involved in a family law matter.
Conditional Order
A Conditional Order does not finalise the divorce or dissolution. It is a document that says the Court does not see any reason why you cannot end your marriage or civil partnership. This used to be known as “Decree Nisi”.
Dependant
Someone who depends on another for support, such as financial support.
Divorce Application
An application to the Court for the legal ending of a marriage.
Dissolution Application
An Application to the Court for the legal ending of a civil partnership.
Final Order
A Court Order that ends a marriage or civil partnership. It cannot be issued until six weeks and one day have passed from the date of issue of the Conditional Order. This used to be known as “Decree Absolute”.
Financial Disclosure
The process where you provide details of your income, assets and liabilities.
Mediation
A voluntary process where parties in a dispute meet with a neutral third party to explore options for reaching a settlement.
Prenuptial Agreement
An agreement between two parties before they marry or enter into a civil partnership. The contents of the agreement varies due to each couple’s circumstances but usually describes who receives what if the relationship is to break down.
Postnuptial Agreement
An agreement between two parties after they marry or enter into a civil partnership. The contents of the agreement varies due to each couple’s circumstances but usually describes who receives what if the relationship is to break down.
Respondent
The party that the divorce or dissolution application is served to.
Separation Agreement
An agreement between a married or non-married couple which sets out the terms on which the parties will separate.
