Annulment- also called “Nullity”, refers to legally declaring the marriage invalid

Contested- when the parties disagree with each other regarding the terms of the divorce and need a judge to make orders regarding those issues

Dissolution- also called “divorce”, refers to the legal end of the marriage

Incurable Insanity- Family Code §2310(b)

Irreconcilable Differences- Family Code §2310(a)

Legal Separation- rights, duties and responsibilities of the spouses are determined fully by the court while maintaining the marital union

Mediator- a person appointed by the court to help parents make a parenting plan

Petitioner- the person who initiates the marital termination proceeding

Respondent- the person served with the divorce papers