Dedicated to Preserving Your Family's Future

Family Law Glossary

Defining the Terms You Need to Know

At Palmer Rodak & Associates, we know that family law is riddled with terms, laws, and distinctions that can be confusing to anyone navigating a family law case. To ensure that you understand your rights and options, our Oceanside family lawyers take the time to educate clients on the many terms that may be used throughout their case. Read our family law glossary below to learn more.

Call (760) 573-2223 or contact us online with any questions or to schedule a free consultation.

Alimony, Maintenance & Spousal Support

These are legal terms for the financial support that one former spouse pays to the other during or after a divorce. Alimony can be ordered temporarily and last only for the duration of the divorce, or it can be ordered for several months or years after the divorce. Spousal support is intended to financially support a lower-earning or jobless spouse while they pursue education or a career.

Child Support

Child support is a payment made from one parent to another to support the child or children they have together. Child support is generally paid to the spouse with primary physical custody of the child. It is a way to ensure that a parent who spends less time with the child provides their fair share of financial support. State guidelines provide a formula for calculating child support.

Physical or Legal Custody & Visitation

Physical custody refers to who a child spends time with, while legal custody determines who is allowed to make decisions on the child’s behalf. Both types of custody can be shared jointly or held solely by one parent.

If one parent has a lesser share of physical custody than the other, that parent will be granted visitation rights. A schedule will outline when the child will spend time with each parent.

Divorce or Dissolution of Marriage

These interchangeable terms refer to the process by which a couple’s marriage ends. Once a divorce has been finalized, each party will be allowed to legally remarry. During the divorce process, the parties will have to agree on how they will divide their marital property, who will have to pay child support and/or alimony, and who will have custody of any children they have together. If the spouses cannot agree on these topics, court intervention may be necessary.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is any act or threat of violence – physical, verbal, psychological, emotional, or sexual – committed against someone with whom you share a familial or intimate relationship. Victims of domestic violence can be spouses, parents, children, siblings, dating partners, former dating partners, and roommates.

Prenuptial Agreement

A prenuptial agreement – often referred to as simply a “prenup” – is a legal contract that two partners can sign before getting married. This agreement can outline how the couple will divide their property should they separate. It can also include other provisions regarding the marriage, the relationship, alimony, and the terms of divorce. A prenuptial agreement cannot include provisions about child support, child custody, or anything illegal.

Community Property

California is a community property state, which means that all marital property is divided equally in a divorce. Marital property is any property either spouse acquired during the marriage, apart from gifts and inheritances.

Discuss your case with our Oceanside family lawyers today. Call (760) 573-2223.

Continue Reading Read Less

Meet The Team

Over 60 Years of Combined Experience Advocating for You

Our Team

Testimonials

Former Clients Share Their Experience

"My kids are my world and I am very happy to have her represent me in my case. I am extremely relieved having her by my side."
Layla made me feel so confident right away. She’s a very smart, strong woman who knows what she’s talking about. My kids are my world and I am very happy to have her represent me in my case. I am extremely relieved having her by my side.

- Corrie M.
"If you are looking for an experienced attorney to help resolve your divorce or custody case, I highly recommend this firm."
Matthew Palmer and his team are fantastic. They were very helpful and competent. If you are looking for an experienced attorney to help resolve your divorce or custody case, I highly recommend this firm.

- Jason J.
"I Have Referred All Friends!"
Palmer Rodak & Associates are hands down the best and most knowledgeable staff in the San Diego/Oceanside area. Matthew Palmer has worked with me on a few different motions with 100% success.

- Amber L.
"They all made a horrible experience so much easier."
Such a great staff! They all made a horrible experience so much easier. Excellent customer service and professionalism during every phone call, meeting and email. I would not hesitate to tell any and everyone how wonderful this team is! I cannot thank you enough!

- Stacey S.
"They all worked with me and fought for what was right. I'm very grateful to them for helping me to move forward in my life."
All of the associates at the Palmer and Rodak firm were so kind and understanding. They all worked with me and fought for what was right. I'm very grateful to them for helping me to move forward in my life.

- Brittany N.
"Goes Beyond Expectations"
This Family Law Firm goes beyond all expectations. Palmer Rodak & Associates are the most professional, and compassionate legal team in San Diego.

- Francisco E.
"I felt like I was in control of my case while receiving competent counsel and representation."
I retained Layla to assist me with a post-judgment custody case. Not only did she explain everything to me in a way I could understand she kept my costs down by running every possible scenario by me and giving me an estimate of the fees. I felt like I was in control of my case while receiving competent counsel and representation.

- William G.

View All Reviews

Contact Palmer Rodak & Associates Today!

We’re Ready to Help

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Palmer Rodak & Associates at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

What It Means to Work with Us

Certified Family Law Specialists
A certified specialist is more than just an attorney who specializes in a particular area of law. A certified Family Law Specialist must have passed the appropriate examination, fulfilled ongoing education requirements and been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges.
Team Approach
When you work with us you get representation that is backed with over 60 years of collective experience. Our team works together to ensure your best interests are met.
Results-Driven Advocacy
Legal outcomes matter - especially when your family, finances, or future are on the line. That’s why we focus on results. Whether in negotiations or litigation, our team works strategically to secure the strongest possible outcome for every client.
Every Client Matters
We listen closely to our clients' issues, hopes, and anxieties, and develop a legal strategy best suited to achieve your goals. Throughout the entire process, we will keep you informed with updates and explanations of the latest developments in your matter.