Marble’s Legal Glossary

Find definitions of legal terms to help understand the federal court system.

Filter by letter

A

Adoption

Understand what adoption is, how it works, and the legal rights it creates for families.

Alimony

Learn what alimony means, who qualifies, and how it’s calculated after divorce.

Annulment

Explore the legal meaning of annulment, how it differs from divorce, and when it applies.

C

Child support

Explore how child support works, who pays, and how it’s calculated by the court.

Common law marriage

Learn how common law marriage works, what states allow it, and what it means legally.

D

Domestic partnership

Understand domestic partnerships, what rights they offer, and how they differ from marriage.

Domestic violence

Understand the types, signs, and legal protections related to domestic violence.

G

Garnishee

Find out what a garnishee is and how they’re involved in wage or account garnishment orders.

Guardian ad litem

Learn what a guardian ad litem does and how they represent a child’s best interests in court.

I

Irreconcilable differences

Find out what irreconcilable differences mean and how they allow couples to divorce without blame.

L

Legal custody

Understand what legal custody means and how it affects decision-making for a child.

Legal separation

Learn how legal separation works, how it differs from divorce, and what rights it protects.

M

Marital property

Learn what marital property includes and how it’s divided during divorce.

N

Non-custodial parent

Learn what a non-custodial parent is and how their rights and responsibilities work.

P

Parental alienation

Understand parental alienation, how it harms families, and how courts may respond.

Parenting plan

Learn what a parenting plan includes and how it helps manage custody and co-parenting.

Paternity

Learn what paternity means, how it’s established, and why it matters for parental rights.

Permanent resident

Learn what a permanent resident is, the rights it gives, and how it differs from citizenship.

Prenuptial agreement

Find out what a prenup covers, how it works, and why couples may choose one.

Q

QDRO

Learn what a QDRO is, how it divides retirement benefits, and when it’s used in divorce.

S

Sole custody

Discover what sole custody means, how it affects parenting rights, and when it’s awarded.

Spousal support

Learn how spousal support works, when it applies, and how courts determine payments.

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