Most people have heard the term parental alienation syndrome however, that is the wrong terminology as it is often framed as a condition or syndrome and it is now recognised that ‘parental alienation syndrome’ has no evidential basis and the...
Acknowledgement of service
A form which acknowledges receipt of divorce documents by a respondent. The respondent must fill in, sign and return the acknowledgement form to court within 14 days of receiving the divorce documents.
Adjournment
The postponing of a court hearing until a later date.
Adoption
An act by which the rights and duties of the natural parents of a child are extinguished and equivalent rights and duties become vested in the adopters. The child then stands in all respects as if born to the adopters in marriage.
In order for a child to be adopted, the court has to make an ‘adoption order’ in respect of them. The legal effect of an adoption order is that the child’s adoptive parent or parents become their legal parents, and the legal ties between the child and their birth family come to an end.
Adultery
Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a member of the opposite sex who is not the spouse, while the marriage is still valid. This is a common fact relied on for divorce.
Advocate
A barrister or solicitor representing a party in a hearing before a court.
Affidavit
A written statement of evidence confirmed on oath or by affirmation to be true. The document is sworn before a person authorised by the court.
Affirmation
Declaration by a witness who has no religious belief, or has religious beliefs that prevent him/her taking the oath. They declare by affirmation that the evidence they are giving is the truth.
Ancillary relief
An application for financial settlement (e.g. maintenance) following the issue of a petition for divorce, nullity or judicial separation.
Annul
To end a valid marriage.
Appeal
Application to a higher court or other body for review of a decision taken by a lower court or tribunal. The higher court may overturn or uphold the lower court’s decision. Often, permission (leave) is required for an appeal to occur.
Applicant
The person applying to court for an order.
Application
The act of applying to court to ask it to do something.
Asset
Something owned by a person such as a building, a vehicle or money.
