Acknowledgement of Service
A court document setting out that you have received an application or petition from the other side. How you complete this form may affect the outcome of your case.
Active growth
Increase in value of non-matrimonial assets which is due to the endeavours of one of the parties during the marriage.
Adultery
Involves one spouse having sexual intercourse with a person who is not their spouse. A ground for divorce. Also known as: having an affair.
Adverse inferences
Where a party has failed to provide proper disclosure the court can assume that they have deliberately hidden assets and make an order based on the assumptions and inferences it is possible to draw from the existing evidence.
Affidavit
A type of witness statement, which is verified by giving an oath or affirmation.
Affirmation
Similar to an oath, made by a person as an alternative to swearing on a Holy Book.
Alimony
An American term for maintenance.
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
Attempts to come to resolve matters without using the courts. Common ADR in family disputes include arbitration and mediation.
Ancillary relief
Term previously used for financial remedies proceedings.
Annulment
Formal declaration that a marriage is void, with the effect that the marriage is considered never to have taken place in the eyes of the law. Also known as: nullity
Anton Pillar order
This is an order for the search of premises and the seizure of documents or evidence. It will only be granted in the most exceptional of circumstances.
Appeal
An application to a higher court to overturn the decision from the lower court.
Appeal out of time
Bringing an appeal after the normal time limit has expired. This can normally only be done in certain exceptional circumstances.
Appellant
The party appealing a decision of the lower court.
Applicant (in divorce proceedings)
The party making the application to the court, for example making an application to the court for assistance in financial matters through the Form A.
Application
Asking the court to make an order.
Application for Deemed Service
Where a respondent fails to return the acknowledgment of service, the petitioner can progress the case by apply for an order that service is deemed to have taken place.
Arbitration (in divorce and finance proceedings)
A form of dispute resolution, where a neutral third party makes binding decisions in place of a judge.
Arbitrator
An independent and impartial person suitably qualified to adjudicate an arbitration.