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common terms used in family law:

  • Affidavit – a sworn document.
  • Decree nisi – the Court’s certificate that you are entitled to a divorce.
  • Decree absolute – the document that shows that you are divorced and able to remarry.
  • Petitioner – the person bringing the proceedings.
  • Respondent – the person responding.
  • Ancillary relief – the term for sorting out the financial matters.
  • Form E - the detailed financial statement that has to be filled in whenever an application for orders of a financial nature is filed at court.

For further information or to talk to someone about a specific matter, please call a Family law team member in the office nearest you:

Christine Plews in our Oxford office on 01865 254213 or christine.plews@bllaw.co.uk.

Simon Burge in our Southampton office on 023 8085 7088 or simon.burge@bllaw.co.uk.

Fiona Wilson in our London office on 020 7814 6909 or fiona.wilson@bllaw.co.uk.

Jane Longworth in our Portsmouth office on 023 9222 1122 or jane.longworth@bllaw.co.uk

Alternatively, please email our general helpdesk on familylawinfo@bllaw.co.uk.