Divorce Dictionary

Intellectual ability to carry out certain functions such as to have sexual relations and marry, or understand a case and instruct a solicitor.

Legal status enabling two parties to marry each other; i.e., that they are not already married, or not related to each other in a way that prohibits marriage, etc.

Court order made on application by a local authority under Section 31 of the Children Act 1989 that a child be placed in their care.

Meeting convened by social services and others to determine what intervention should be taken regarding a child.

Body of law based on judicial decisions and precedent rather than on statute.

Short for "Cash Equivalent Transfer Value". This is a standard metric used to value a pension fund for the purposes of divorce financial settlements. It is an attempt to put a total lump sum value on the fund, as opposed to an annual income estimate. It is an important element of the financial disclosure that takes place before negotiations can begin. A CETV is obtained by the pension holder writing a request to their pension provider.

Judge’s office; the expression “in chambers” is used to translate the Latin in camera, referring to a hearing conducted in private. Also a group of barristers and the premises they occupy.

Order determining with whom and when a child will live or have contact.

“Road-map” which shows both courts and litigants how a case should progress through the system and keeps cases on track.

Order made by the Court on application by the local authority that a child be subjected to a medical, psychiatric or other assessment to assess whether he is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.

Money paid periodically by liable parents to persons with care as a contribution towards the upkeep of their children.

Successor to the Child Support Agency (CSA), the government body responsible for the calculation and collection of statutory child maintenance.

Biological child of a married couple or any child who is treated by the couple as their child, including step-children and adopted children, but not a fostered child.

CAFCASS officer who has been asked to prepare a welfare report.

Controversial organisation tasked in the English and Welsh jurisdiction with protecting the interests of children during proceedings.