What is a divorce?

A divorce is a civil lawsuit filed by one spouse (the “plaintiff”) against the other spouse (the “defendant”) seeking a termination of the marriage.  When a divorce is filed, the plaintiff is essentially asking the court to make a final determination regarding the division of property, and where appropriate, spousal support and allocation of parental rights.

Where the parties are unable to come to an agreement on the division of property, and if appropriate, the allocation of parental rights and the payment of spousal support, a divorce may be the only option for terminating the marriage.