Divorce Definitions

Alimony A payment made by one spouse to another pending divorce or separation. Lump-Sum Alimony Lump-sum alimony or alimony in gross refers to alimony that is a fixed payment that generally will be made regardless of circumstances that would be a basis for termination of other types of alimony. Contested Divorce A divorce where the parties are unable or unwilling to come to a mutual agreement. Absolute divorce A divorce in which the marriage is completely dissolved and both parties become single. Divorce agreement A divorce agreement spells out the terms of the divorce and the relationship between the two spouses after the divorce. These agreements usually cover property division, child custody and child plans, debt division, spousal support, and any other relevant issues related to the divorce. Child Support An amount of money under a court or administrative order that is due and owed by the non-custodial parent for the support of the parent's child(ren). Reasonable visitation A form of visitation in which the parents work out a schedule of visitation for the non-custodial parent. Residual Physical Custodial Rights A custody agreement when one parent is awarded visitation by a pre-arranged schedule worked out between the parents or the courts. Uncontested Divorce A divorce where both parties are able to make a mutually agreed-upon arrangement. Abandonment When a parent leaves a child without enough care, supervision, support, or parental contact for an excessive period of time.

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	Did You Know?
	In divorce actions, mediators often are involved in custody and visitation disputes. In some jurisdictions (particularly large urban areas), courts require mediation of custody and visitation disputes. The mother and father must talk with a court-appointed mediator to try to resolve the problem before putting their case before a judge. The mediator cannot force a resolution, but the parties can be told to try mediation before coming to court to ask a judge to decide the issue.