Divorce Law FAQs

What is a separation?

A separation is defined as the termination of legal cohabitation. A separation is also known as a limited divorce.

What is an annulment?

An annulment is defined as the legal declaration that a marriage was never valid. In this instance, the marriage is treated as though it never occurred.

What is child custody?

Child custody refers to whom the children live with after a divorce.

What are the different types of child custody?

There are four types of child custody: legal custody, physical custody, joint custody, and sole custody.

What is child support?

Child support refers to the payments made by one spouse to another in order to pay for the upbringing of the children after a divorce.

Who pays child support?

Child support can be paid by either spouse, depending on who is awarded physical custody of the children and who is financially able to pay support. Child support guidelines differ from state to state.

What is alimony?

Alimony is defined as payment from one spouse to another that is awarded pending a divorce or after divorce proceedings. There are three types of alimony: permanent alimony, temporary alimony, and lump sum alimony.

Who pays alimony?

Either spouse can pay alimony. If the wife is the homemaker and primary caretaker of the children, then the husband will be responsible for alimony payments. However, the reverse may also be true.