Glossary of Divorce Terms

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Absolute Divorce: In North Carolina a Divorce is an absolute divorce which breaks all marital ties and releases both parties from all the obligations and responsibilities of marriage.

Adultery: The act of one spouse engaging in intercourse with a partner other than their spouse.

Alienation of Affection: A claim that must prove that a third party lover acted maliciously to cause, or contribute to, the loss of affection that existed in a loving marriage.

Alimony: The payment for the support and maintenance of a spouse, either in a lump sum or on a continuing basis, based on several qualifying factors. Related terms, spousal support, post separation support.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): One of a number of out of court dispute resolution methods which are often less adversarial than trial. Typically Mediation or Arbitration is used in Family Law cases.

Arrearage: A past due amount of child support, spousal support, or alimony.