Basic Legal Jargon You May Run Across During Your Divorce Court Case

Sometimes, all that legal mumbo-jumbo can be soinformation the supplements their lawsuit.
confusing.  But as long as you know the basics, you'llJURISDICTION--the authority of the court over the
easily be able to understand anything that you readdefendant in the lawsuit.
that comes from the courts, and knowledge isRECONSIDERATION--this is essentially a new trial
definitely power when you're dealing with yourthat can be started due to an error or belief of error
ex-wife and her attorney.by the judge in the previous, original divorce court
DISSOLUTION--essentially, "divorce."  Dissolution oftrial.
marriage is typically how you seen this word used.ARBITRATION--someone else that makes decisions
MAINTENANCE--this is typically more popularly knownregarding the case before and outside of the
as alimony.  This is typically used to help the ex-wifecourtroom.  This is typically a lot less costly than
get on her feet after the divorce, and cantaking the case in front of a jury or judge.
supplement her own income.MEDIATION--an agreed-upon process in which you
PLAINTIFF--the person who filed and began the initialwill come together and negotiate certain terms of
divorce proceedings.the divorce well before the issue goes into court. 
DEFENDANT--otherwise known as the respondent,This can also be done and agreed upon, or even
and the person who received the suit from theenforced, by a judge.
plaintiff.By knowing these terms, you will have an advantage
COMPLAINT--initial statement that is sent to theover your ex-wife, especially if she is going through
court by the plaintiff stating the issues at hand andthe divorce Pro Se as well!