Walking into a family law matter—whether it’s divorce, custody, support, or a prenuptial agreement—can feel overwhelming. Not only are emotions running high, but you might also find yourself surrounded by legal terms you’ve never heard before. At Boyer Law Firm, we believe that understanding your case starts with understanding the language used to describe it.

This Family Law Glossary takes the most common legal terms you’ll hear in a divorce, custody, or family dispute and explains them in plain, everyday language—so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

1. Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary, private process where a neutral professional (the mediator) helps you and the other party talk through your disagreements and find solutions you both can accept. The mediator doesn’t take sides or make decisions—they guide the conversation.

• When it’s used: Divorce settlements, parenting plans, modifying support.
• Why it matters: You and the other person stay in control of the outcome, rather than letting a judge decide. It’s usually less stressful, faster, and more affordable than going to trial.

2. Arbitration

Arbitration is similar to mediation, but with one big difference: the arbitrator makes the decision. It’s like a private trial. Both sides present their evidence and arguments, and the arbitrator issues a ruling that can be binding.

• When it’s used: Complex disputes where a quicker, private resolution is preferred.
• Why it matters: You get a decision faster than in court, but you give up some rights to appeal.

3. Parenting Plan

A parenting plan is a written agreement that sets out how you and your co-parent will share time and responsibilities for your children. It typically covers:

• Weekly schedules
• Holidays and vacations
• Decision-making on education, health, and extracurricular activities

Why it matters: A clear parenting plan reduces misunderstandings and provides stability for your children.

4. Custody

There are two main forms of custody.

• Legal Custody: The right to make important decisions about your child’s upbringing.
• Physical Custody: Where your child lives day-to-day.

Custody can be joint (shared) or sole (one parent has primary responsibility).

5. Child Support

Child support is a financial contribution from one parent to the other to cover the costs of raising a child—housing, food, clothing, school, medical care, and activities.

Why it matters: Support amounts are often based on state guidelines, but unique circumstances—like special needs—can affect the calculation.

6. Spousal Support (Alimony)

Spousal support, also called alimony, is money one spouse may have to pay the other after separation or divorce. It helps balance the financial impact of ending the marriage, especially if one spouse gave up career opportunities for the family.

7. Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

• Prenuptial Agreement (Prenup): Signed before marriage to decide how assets, debts, and support will be handled if the marriage ends.
• Postnuptial Agreement: Signed after marriage, with the same goals as a prenup.

Why it matters: These agreements protect assets, reduce disputes, and provide clarity in case of separation.

8. Discovery

Discovery is the process where each side gathers information from the other before trial. It includes:

• Interrogatories: Written questions answered under oath.
• Depositions: Oral testimony given under oath outside of court.
• Requests for Admission: Asking the other party to admit or deny specific facts.
• Document Requests: Asking for bank records, tax returns, contracts, etc.

Why it matters: Discovery ensures both sides have the evidence needed to present their case.

9. Guardian ad Litem (GAL)

A GAL is a person appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child (or sometimes an incapacitated adult) during a legal case.

10. Business Valuation

If one or both spouses own a business, a professional may be brought in to assess its value for the purpose of dividing assets fairly during divorce.

11. Contempt of Court

When someone willfully disobeys a court order—like failing to pay child support or violating a custody agreement—they may be found in contempt. This can lead to fines, wage garnishment, or even jail time.

12. Legal Separation

In a legal separation, the couple remains married but lives apart under court-approved terms for custody, support, and property. This can be a stepping stone to divorce or a long-term arrangement for couples who cannot divorce for personal or religious reasons.

13. Divorce

The legal termination of a marriage. Divorce involves resolving custody, support, and property division issues through agreement or court order.

14. Annulment

An annulment declares that a marriage was never legally valid—often due to fraud, coercion, or the inability of one party to consent.

15. Settlement Agreement

A written agreement between the parties resolving all or part of their case without a trial. Once approved by the court, it becomes legally binding.

16. Bifurcation

The court splits a case into two parts, handling one issue first (like ending the marriage) while leaving others (like property division) for later.

17. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Any process—like mediation, collaborative law, or arbitration—used to resolve disputes without going to trial.

18. Equitable Distribution

In states like Florida, marital property is divided fairly—but not necessarily equally—based on factors like length of marriage, contributions, and future needs.

19. Separate Property

Assets owned before the marriage, or acquired during marriage by gift or inheritance, and kept separate from marital property.

20. Marital Property

Assets and debts acquired during the marriage, typically subject to division upon divorce.

Why This Glossary Matters

Family law cases can be emotionally draining, but understanding the terms used in your case helps you:

• Stay informed
• Participate actively in negotiations
• Understand your rights and responsibilities
• Make decisions confidently

How Boyer Law Firm Can Help

We don’t just represent you—we guide you. From explaining legal jargon to helping you weigh your options, our team ensures you feel informed every step of the way. Whether you’re facing a divorce, drafting a prenup, or navigating custody disputes, we’ll fight for your best outcome.

Ready to get clear on your case? Contact Boyer Law Firm today for a consultation.

Let’s protect what matters most, together.