California Family Law Glossary – Expanded (60 Terms)
Comprehensive Definitions for Divorce and Custody Matters in Los Angeles County and Ventura County
Best Interest of the Child
The legal standard under Family Code § 3011 prioritizing a child’s health, safety, welfare, and stability in custody decisions.
Legal Custody
Authority to make major decisions regarding education, healthcare, and welfare of a child.
Physical Custody
The parenting schedule determining where a child resides and how time is shared.
Joint Custody
Custody shared by both parents, either legally, physically, or both.
Sole Custody
Custody awarded to one parent with primary decision-making or residential authority.
50/50 Custody
A parenting arrangement in which each parent has approximately equal parenting time.
Parenting Plan
A written schedule outlining custody, visitation, and decision-making arrangements.
Visitation
Parenting time awarded to a noncustodial parent.
Domestic Violence Presumption
Family Code § 3044 presumption against awarding custody to a parent who committed domestic violence within five years.
Ex Parte Application
An emergency court request made on shortened notice due to immediate risk.
Temporary Orders
Short-term court orders in effect while a case is pending.
Permanent Orders
Final custody, support, or property orders issued after hearing or trial.
Move-Away Case
A custody dispute arising when a parent seeks to relocate with a child.
Custody Evaluation
A court-ordered assessment under Evidence Code § 730 to evaluate parenting capacity.
Minor’s Counsel
An attorney appointed to represent the child’s interests in custody proceedings.
Contested Divorce
A divorce involving disputes requiring judicial determination.
Uncontested Divorce
A divorce where parties agree on all material terms.
Community Property
Property acquired during marriage subject to equal division under California law.
Separate Property
Property acquired before marriage, after separation, or by gift or inheritance.
Moore/Marsden Calculation
Formula used to determine community interest in separate property with mortgage payments during marriage.
Spousal Support
Financial payments from one spouse to the other following separation or divorce.
Temporary Spousal Support
Short-term support calculated using guideline formulas.
Permanent Spousal Support
Long-term support determined under Family Code § 4320 factors.
Child Support
Financial support calculated under statewide guideline formulas.
Guideline Support
Statutory formula used to calculate child support.
Imputed Income
Income assigned to a party based on earning capacity rather than actual earnings.
Family Code § 4320
Statutory factors governing long-term spousal support determinations.
Family Code § 3011
Statute outlining best interest factors in custody cases.
Family Code § 3020
Public policy promoting frequent and continuing contact with both parents.
Family Code § 3044
Statute creating presumption against custody for domestic violence perpetrators.
Restraining Order (DVRO)
Court order prohibiting contact and addressing safety concerns under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act.
Permanent Restraining Order
A restraining order issued after hearing, lasting up to five years.
Discovery
Formal exchange of information between parties in litigation.
Request for Order (RFO)
Formal motion requesting court intervention in a family law case.
Trial
Formal evidentiary hearing where a judge decides disputed issues.
Settlement Conference
Meeting aimed at resolving disputes before trial.
Mediation
Neutral-facilitated negotiation process in custody disputes.
QDRO
Qualified Domestic Relations Order dividing retirement benefits.
CalPERS
California Public Employees’ Retirement System.
CalSTRS
California State Teachers’ Retirement System.
Defined Benefit Plan
Retirement plan promising fixed payments at retirement.
Defined Contribution Plan
Retirement account based on contributions and investment performance.
Deferred Compensation
Income earned now but paid later, often subject to division.
Goodwill
Intangible value of a business beyond tangible assets.
Forensic Accountant
Financial expert analyzing complex asset or income issues.
Fiduciary Duty
Legal obligation spouses owe each other to disclose assets and debts.
Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure
Mandatory financial disclosure exchanged early in divorce.
Final Declaration of Disclosure
Updated financial disclosure before resolution or trial.
Status Conference
Court hearing to monitor case progress.
Custody Modification
Request to change existing custody orders based on changed circumstances.
Support Modification
Request to change existing support orders.
Contempt
Proceeding alleging violation of a court order.
Attorney’s Fees
Court-ordered payment of legal fees under certain statutes.
Income and Expense Declaration
Judicial Council form detailing income and monthly expenses.
Judgment
Final court order resolving divorce or parentage action.
Stipulation
Agreement between parties submitted for court approval.
Venue
The court location where a case is filed and heard.
Service of Process
Formal delivery of legal documents to initiate a case.
About Cathleen Elisabeth Norton
Cathleen Elisabeth Norton is a Certified Family Law Specialist designated by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. She represents clients in divorce, custody, domestic violence, and complex financial matters throughout Los Angeles County and Ventura County.