Glossary

Absent Parent

The parent which is not living in the same household as the qualifying child as defined by the Child Support Act 1991

Adultery

This is where there has been sexual intercourse with a third party during the marriage

Affidavit

A written statement which contains evidence given on oath or by affirmation. The evidence in the affidavit need not be expressed in any formal way but should be set out in numbered paragraphs in the first person. If the person making the affidavit wishes to refer to any document, this document should be attached ('exhibited') to the affidavit.

Family Hearing Centre

A County Court with the power to deal with the administrative processes of divorce and any contested applications under the Children Act for relief

Mediation
An alternative form of dispute resolution over issues arising in the wake of separation or divorce. Comprehensive mediation covers problems over both the children and finances; other mediation (or conciliation) services may deal with child related disputes alone. Mediation may be offered by lawyer mediators or family mediators alone or both together.
Parent with Care

A term in the Child Support Act 1991 to mean the parent with whom the child has his or her home and who usually provides day to day care for the child

Relevant Child

Child of the family under 16 years of age at the date of the decree nisi or between 16 and 18 years of age receiving instruction at an educational establishment or undergoing training for a trade, profession or vocation (or up to any age if disabled or dependent)

Reserved Costs

When decision on amount of costs to be awarded is deferred until a later hearing

Respondent

The spouse who is not the petitioner

Summons

Demand issued by a court for a person against whom a claim or complaint has been made to appear at the court at a specific time