Understand legal terms by using our Family Legal Glossary
Adultery
Voluntary sexual intercourse between someone who is married and someone of the opposite sex who is not their spouse. This is common reason used in divorce proceedings.
Annul
To end a valid marriage or civil partnership.
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.
Decree Nisi
An order of the court that states the divorce petitioner has proved the reason for irreconcilable differences and therefore is allowed to divorce. It will provide the earliest date the divorce can end. In a civil partnership dissolution, the order is known as the conditional order.
Decree Absolute
A court order that ends a marriage. It cannot be issued until 6 weeks have passed from the date of issue of the decree nisi. In a civil partnership dissolution, the order is known as the final order.
Dependant
Someone who depends on another for support, such as financial support.
Divorce petition
An application to the Court for the legal ending of a marriage.
Financial disclosure
The process where you provide details of your income, assets and liabilities.
Petitioner
The party seeking a divorce or dissolution and files a petition at court.
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 non-married couple which sets out the terms on which the parties will separate.
Unreasonable Behaviour
A reason used in divorce proceedings. The petitioner must show that the respondent’s behaviour has been so unreasonable that they can no longer be expected to live together.
