Terms

Commonly used legal terms

Last updated 30 June 2025

Access

How often the parent who does not have care and control sees the child(ren)

Applicant

The spouse filing the matrimonial application for

divorce

Care and Control

Who takes care of the child(ren) on a daily basis; the parent the child(ren) live with

Custody

About making major decisions concerning the child(ren)

Maintenance

How much to contribute towards the child(ren)’s expenses

Respondent

The spouse being served with the matrimonial application for divorce

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