Terminology: Divorce Related

Abuse - A harmful behavior toward another person. Can be physical, emotional, mental or verbal.
Allegations - A statement claiming or the declaring of what one party is going to try to prove.
Arrearage - A specific amount of debt that was court ordered and that is past due.
Child Support - Money paid by one parent to the other parent to cover expenses of raising one's child.
Child Support Guidelines - Explanation on calculating child support and a chart used to calculate child support.
Child Support Worksheet - Used to enter information to calculate amount of child support - needed at final hearing.
Co-Parenting - Sharing of responsibility and major decision-making for the best interest of the children.
Custodial Parent - Parent who is given the main responsibility of the day-to-day caring and raising of the children.
Deductions - Amount of expense that is subtracted from gross income for determining taxable income.
Dependent - One who relies on another for financial support.
DNA Testing - Genetic testing to determine the biologic identify of the father of a child.
Emancipation - When a child is no longer under a parent's control; cancellation of parental obligations.
Head of Household - An unmarried person who provides a home for dependents, allows for use of a lower income tax rate.
Home Study - Investigation by the court to help determine the legal rights and responsibility each parent will be given.
Mediation - Process whereby a third party helps parents reach an agreement on a dispute or disputes.
Non-Custodial - Secondary Parent - Parent who is not given the responsibility of raising the children.
Office of Child Support - Government agency to help parents receive the child support that was ordered by the court.
Parenting Time - Specific time to see one's children.  Refers to real parenting because it give each parent sufficient time.
Parenting Plan - A specific set of details for each parent to follow, while raising a child thru joint custody.
Right of first Refusal - Right to be asked if one would like to have the children, before other options are sought. 
Separation Agreement - A written agreement that covers child support, living arrangements and custody of children.
Spousal Maintenance - Alimony - Support paid by one person to another person.
Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act - A law to assist in receiving child support from other parent.
Visitation - A specified amount of time allowed/given to see one's children.
Wage Withholding - Wage Garnishment - Court ordered deduction from wages to fulfill child support obligations.

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