Legal Dictionary

Tag: Family Law Definitions

  • Ethnocentrism

    The feeling or belief that one’s own cultural patterns are superior to all others. This results in the interpretation of other people in terms of one’s own cultural values and traditions. An example is people from monogamous societies condemning polygamy as being unnatural […]

  • Custody

    Legal Definition and Related Resources of Custody Meaning of Custody The care and keeping of anything; safekeeping, protection, charge , care, guardianship. imprisonment , as in the words to be in custody. A restraint on one’s liberty . […]

  • Bride Price

    Things of high value given by a groom to his bride’s father. It is a way of showing respect for the bride and her parents. At the same time, it is a compensation for the bride’s family for the loss of her economic services. It is also a way of validating the groom’s right to…

  • Caste

    Legal Definition of Caste Meaning of Caste An individual’s rigidly ascribed, or inherited, status within society. In India there are 4 major castes originally based on vocation: the Brahmans (or Hindu priests), warriors, farmers, and shop […]

  • Berdache

    See two-spirited….

  • Endogamy

    Legal Definition of Endogamy Meaning of Endogamy A marriage partner selection rule requiring that marriage be to someone within a defined social group such as an extended family, religious community, economic class, ethnic or age group. Selection […]

  • Informal Care

    Legal Definition of Informal Care Meaning of Informal Care Non-regulated care, arranged by a child’s parent/guardian, either in the child’s home or elsewhere. It comprises care by brothers or sisters (including step siblings), care by […]

  • Dowry

    Formerly applied to mean that which a woman brings to her husband in marriage. This is now called a portion. This word is sometimes confounded with dower. See Co. Litt. 31; Civ. Code La, art. 2317; Dig. 23. 3. 76; Code, 6. 12. 20. …

  • Civil Partnership

    The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into operation on 5 December 2005 and enables a same-sex couple to register as civil partners of each other. It provides civil partners with an equality of treatment with married couples in a wide range of legal matters….

  • Decree Nisi

    Nisi means unless. A decree that becomes absolute or shall take permanent effect at a specified time unless cause is show’n why it should not or unless same is changed by further proceedings. Loeb v Loeb, 215 A.2d 779, 89 N.J. Super 568.

  • District Judge

    A County Court judge responsible for dealing with most aspects of divorce including the financial matters….

  • Co-Respondent

    One joined as party defendant in equity suit. In divorce proceedings, the defendant who is alleged to have committed adultery with the defendant spouse .

  • Decree Absolute

    The order made by the court dissolving the marriage….

  • Ancillary Relief

    A general term for the various financial orders that a court can make in divorce or judicial separation proceedings….

  • Clean Break

    A one-off order that deals with all the financial issues between a husband and wife. There can be no subsequent claim for any other financial provision even if circumstances change….