Any time you are dealing with a legal matter, you are going to hear many different terms. It is important to understand what the words and expressions mean. In a Minnesota divorce proceeding, there are several terms that you should familiarize yourself with, including;
- Dissolution of marriage — This is the phrase used for divorce in Minnesota. When a spouse wants to terminate the marriage relationship, he or she files for dissolution of the marriage.
- Spousal maintenance — Spousal maintenance, sometimes referred to as alimony, is the court-ordered financial support of one spouse to the other. Spousal maintenance is awarded based on a number of factors, including the need of the party seeking the support and the ability of the other party to pay.
- Prenuptial — Prenuptial means antenuptial, or “prior to marriage.” Antenuptial or prenuptial agreements are written contracts entered into by two individuals before they get married. This type of agreement sets forth each person’s rights to income, property and responsibility for debts, in the event of death or divorce.
- Parenting time — Parenting time is the phrase used to refer to the non-custodial parent’s right to visitation with the children after the divorce. Parenting time is the time each parent spends with a child, regardless of who has custody of the child. There are a variety of different parenting time arrangements that can be created to meet your family’s specific needs.
- Divorce decree — A divorce decree is the final judgment of the court. Your divorce decree can make determinations regarding asset division, child custody, child support, parenting time, spousal maintenance and any other matter related to the dissolution of your marriage.
At Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A., we help you understand the legal jargon related to your divorce and guide you through each step of the process, making sure you fully understand all of your options. If you are facing a Minnesota divorce, let us protect your rights and best interests.