Family Law Key Terms: Part II

The following is a continuation of the information found in Family Law Key Terms - Part I:

Click here to see the list of Family Law Key Terms - Part I.

Matrimonial Home

The home in which the family habitually resided during the marriage. Either one or both spouses may own the matrimonial home, which can be assets such as a house, condominium, mobile home or trailer. Regardless of which spouse is the registered owner of the matrimonial home, each spouse has a one-half interest in the home and has the same right to use and reside in the home.

Mediation

Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution in which a trained, impartial mediator helps the parties reach agreements about issues such as custody and access and sometimes also about child support, spousal support, and the division of matrimonial assets and debts.

Payee

The person who receives child and/or spousal support.

Payor

The person who pays child and/or spousal support.

Respondent

A person against whom a legal action or application is brought.

Separation

Two people who are married to each other but who are living separate are considered separated in the eyes of the law.

Separation Agreement

A contract between two spouses to live apart on certain terms and conditions, which usually include custody and access, support, and the division of property.

Service

The delivery of Court documents to the required person, usually to give him or her notice of a legal proceeding.

Settlement Conference

A meeting with a judge who is not going to be hearing the trial. At this meeting, the parties briefly explain to the judge their own positions on each issue. The judge then gives a brief opinion based on how he or she thinks the case could be resolved.

Spousal Support

Money paid by one spouse to another to contribute to the other’s living expenses. The support can be paid either by a set amount every month, one lump sum or as a transfer of property.

Statement of Financial Information (or a Financial Statement)

A document that sets out all sources of gross income, assets and expenses. If child support is being addressed, the statement of financial information must also include the information required by the Child Support Guidelines.

Will

The legal expression in written form of a person’s wishes as to the distribution of his or her property after he or she dies.

To learn more about family law, contact the law firm of Krol & Krol at 905.707.3370 for a consultation.