Glossary

This is the term used to describe the fact that it may be better to NOT make a court order than to make one with regards to child arrangements.

A nominal maintenance order is a financial court order made to safeguard an ex-partner financially. An ex-partner may be able to presently support themselves as the means are available, however, this may not be the case in the future, meaning that the ex-partner may require financial assistance from the other party. As a result, a nominal maintenance order can be granted in favour of the ex-partner where they will receive a small amount every month or year. This can be assessed later and made into a substantive maintenance order. A substantive maintenance order is a set payment, normally a larger amount, made to an ex-partner every month for their living expenses. This will safeguard this ex-partner for all eventualities.

This is when one party in the divorce proceedings has not provided the information the court has asked for.

This is property and assets owned by an individual that has not been generated within or during the marriage.

An injunction against a named person to stop them threatening violence against you and your children and to prevent them from coming to and near your home.

This is the parent that does not live with the child, the child spends less than 50% of their time with this parent and/or this parent is not responsible for the day to day care of the child.

This is a document sent by the court to an individual informing them that their ex-partner has started divorce proceedings.

The term used when something is legally void. A marriage is null and void when the legal requirements for marriage have not been met.