| Petitioner: |
Person who originally files for divorce |
| Respondent: |
Opposite party. Oregon law requires a response to the petitioner's filing within 30 days. |
| Discovery: |
A legal process that provides divorce information as a part of every court case. Each side may ask the other questions and request documents that have anything relevant to the case. |
| Litigation: |
To engage in legal proceedings. This encompasses the entire process of a divorce. |
| Mediation: |
An increasingly popular alternative to going to court, this process allows for a non-biased third party to help guide a couple through the divorce process. The mediator will provide reasonable solutions and help everyone involved work towards an amicable agreement. |
| Paternity: |
The legal action taken by the court to determine the rights of a child born out of wedlock. |
| Restraining order: |
Protection order that legally requires your spouse to stay away. |
| Retainer: |
An agreed upon fee(s) between lawyer and client to work on a case |
| Appeal: |
If someone disagrees with a ruling, or feels cheated they may ask a higher court to review a judge's decision in hopes of a more favorable one. |
| Divorce by default: |
A provision in the law that allows for judgment against a party who can not be found or refuses to take part in the legal process. |
