Terminology Used in Divorce

divorce community debts

Like community property, all debts acquired during the marriage are community debts. Both husband and wife are equally liable for these debts. In most cases, this includes unpaid credit card balances, home mortgages and car loan balances.

automatic restraining order

When the divorce petition is served, neither spouse can take any children out of state, sell or borrow against property, or borrow or sell insurance held for the other spouse. These orders remain in effect until the judgment is signed by the court.

personal property (divorce)

Any property that is moveable, as opposed to land or attached to land. Cars, jewelry and furniture would all be defined as personal property.

petition

The first document filed in court and the one that starts the clock running on any required waiting periods. The petition includes important information about the marriage, such as the husband, wife, and any children’s names, whether there is any separate or community property, child custody, child support and spousal support. The document is sometimes referred to as the complaint.

disclosure

The law requires both spouses to provide the other with all information related to their property, income, assets and debts. This is called Full Disclosure. Failing to fully disclose all relevant information or concealing information can have serious consequences. It’s important to be precise and thorough when listing assets and debts. There are two disclosure forms that will be generated.

marital settlement agreement

An agreement by which both spouses document the terms of the divorce, such as the division of property, child custody and spousal support. See “Marital Settlement Agreements in a Divorce” for additional information.

judgment document

The most important document of your divorce. It is the document reflecting the final resolution of all your legal issues. Every part of your judgment is finalized when it is signed by the court, including the marital settlement agreement (if it is attached).

irreconcilable differences

When marital difficulties cannot be resolved and have led to the permanent breakdown of the marriage. These are legally sufficient grounds for a divorce.

petitioner

The person who first “petitions” the court for a divorce. Some states allow for co-petitioners.

separate debts

All debts incurred before marriage that remain the obligation of only one spouse. Any educational or job training loans acquired before marriage would be separate debts.

separation

Most states do not require physical separation in order to divorce. The date of “separation” is the date when both the husband and wife officially decide the marriage is over. The date of separation is often defined by evidence of the marriage ending, such as one person moving out.

response

May be filed by the respondent to agree with or dispute the facts set forth in the petition, often referred to as an Answer.

community property

It includes all property acquired during the marriage and is deemed to be owned equally by wife and husband. It includes money and wages earned during the marriage, as well as anything purchased with that money, regardless of who actually earned it. 

Community property is observed in the following states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. Utah does not have community property but has something similar called Marital Property – meaning property that belongs to both spouses as the marital estate.

Free Consultation with a Divorce Lawyer

If you have a question about divorce law or if you need to start or defend against a divorce case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will help you.

Michael Anderson

People who want a lot of Bull go to a Butcher. People who want results navigating a complex legal field go to a Lawyer that they can trust. That’s where I come in. I am Michael Anderson, an Attorney in the Salt Lake area focusing on the needs of the Average Joe wanting a better life for him and his family. I’m the Lawyer you can trust. I grew up in Utah and love it here. I am a Father to three, a Husband to one, and an Entrepreneur. I understand the feelings of joy each of those roles bring, and I understand the feeling of disappointment, fear, and regret when things go wrong. I attended the University of Utah where I received a B.A. degree in 2010 and a J.D. in 2014. I have focused my practice in Wills, Trusts, Real Estate, and Business Law. I love the thrill of helping clients secure their future, leaving a real legacy to their children. Unfortunately when problems arise with families. I also practice Family Law, with a focus on keeping relationships between the soon to be Ex’s civil for the benefit of their children and allowing both to walk away quickly with their heads held high. Before you worry too much about losing everything that you have worked for, before you permit yourself to be bullied by your soon to be ex, before you shed one more tear in silence, call me. I’m the Lawyer you can trust.

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