Important Terms to Know During a Divorce

As you go through a divorce, there’s a good chance you will come across some legal terminology with which you’re unfamiliar. The following are a few common examples:

• Alternative dispute resolution (ADR): A settlement process that occurs out of court, whether it’s through negotiations, mediation or arbitration. It is typically used to help divorcing couples avoid a full trial.
• Annulment: A legal judgment that the “marriage” was never actually valid for specific circumstances in your relationship.
• COBRA: The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act allows people to continue being covered under their ex’s health insurance even after they are divorced.
• Cohabitation: Unmarried partners living together as though they are married.
• Discovery: The process in which each party gathers information to use to their advantage during divorce proceedings.
• Divorce decree: The final judgment or document that contains your legally binding divorce agreement.
• Equitable: An “equitable” distribution of property is all about what’s fair, not necessary what’s equal.
• Joint property: Property you and your spouse accrued during the course of your marriage. This property is subject to the asset division process.
• Prenuptial agreement: A written contract entered into before marriage that could have an impact on all of the divorce processes affecting your case.

For further information and guidance on the various aspects of the divorce process, meet with a knowledgeable Long Island family law attorney with Bryan L. Salamone & Associates.