ADR - Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Alimony - The term formerly used for Spousal Support.

Alternate Payee - Any spouse, former spouse, child, or other dependent of a participant who is recognized by a domestic relations order as having a right to receive all, or a portion of, the benefits payable under a plan with respect to such participant.

Caucus - A process used by mediators to discuss a disputed issue individually with each party to the mediation.

Child Specialist - A mental health professional who is an advocate for the child/children in the divorce process, who provides guidance for the parents to help their child/children through the divorce, and who assists in the development of an effective co-parenting plan.

Collaborative Divorce - Collaborative Divorce is a process where the parties and attorneys all sign an agreement to cooperate amicably with each other to reach a settlement agreement out of court.

Collaborative Attorney - An attorney that is committed to avoiding litigation, that will represent you in non-confrontational conversation with the other side.

Collaborative Law - A new approach to resolving disputes with respect, compassion, and understanding.

Community Property - Any asset or obligation accumulated during the marriage, and prior to the date of separation.

Co-Parenting - Raising children together from two different households.

Declarations of Disclosure - This consists of a Schedule of Assets and Debts and Income and Expense Declaration. The court requires that these declarations be exchanged between the divorcing parties.

Divorce Coach - A mental health professional who works collaboratively with the couple, their lawyers, and other professionals involved, to enhance communication, to reduce misunderstandings, and to effectively use conflict resolution skills throughout the divorce process.

FICO - Referring to one's credit score.

Fiduciary - Somebody who is entrusted with the management of property or with the power to act on behalf of and for the benefit of another.

LDA - Legal Document Assistant - Formerly known as Independent Paralegal. A person that assists in document preparation without attorney supervision directly for the public. Read more about LDAs...

Litigation - The adversarial legal process.

Marital Settlement Agreement - The document which specified division of the assets and obligations of the parties, and becomes a court order when filed.

Mediation - A process of negation between Husband and Wife with a trained third party "mediator" to resolve issue in dispute. Read more about mediators...

Memorandum of Understanding - A document prepared at the completion of the mediation process. It is the "understanding" of your agreement by the mediator(s).

Parenting Plan - An agreement between the parties designating when children spend time, including holidays with each parent.

Separate Property - Any asset or obligation accumulated prior to marriage, and after the date of separation, or via inheritance.

QDRO - A Qualified Domestic Relations Order is a court order that recognizes the right of an alternate payee to receive all or a portion of the pension benefits payable with respect to a plan participant in accordance to Section 414(p) of the Internal Revenue Code.