Family Law Terminology Glossary (A–Z) | Spanish-English
The Heart of Domestic Law
Family Law Terminology
A Professional Gift to the Interpreting Community from Samuel Arcelay
Unlike other areas of law where "guilt" or "liability" are the central themes, family law revolves around a single guiding principle: The Best Interests of the Child. Decisions on custody, visitation, and child welfare are all filtered through this lens.
A
Abandonment (Parental)Abandono parental
Definition: Failure of a parent to maintain contact, provide support, or show intent to parent.
Notes: Ground for termination of parental rights.
Notes: Ground for termination of parental rights.
Abduction (Child)Sustracción de menores / Secuestro de menores
Definition: Taking or retaining a child without legal right.
Notes: Includes international abduction under the Hague Convention.
Notes: Includes international abduction under the Hague Convention.
Abusive ConductConducta abusiva / Maltrato
Definition: Pattern of physical, emotional, sexual, or financial control.
Adjudication of PaternityDeterminación judicial de paternidad
Definition: Court order legally establishing a child’s father.
AdoptionAdopción
Definition: The legal process of creating a parent-child relationship between individuals not biologically related.
Adoption PetitionPetición de adopción
Definition: Legal request asking the court to create a permanent parent–child relationship.
Affidavit of SupportDeclaración jurada de patrocinio económico
Definition: A document an individual signs to accept financial responsibility for another person.
Alimony / Spousal SupportManutención conyugal / Pensión alimenticia
Definition: Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after separation.
AnnulmentAnulación del matrimonio
Definition: Declaration that a marriage is void from the beginning due to legal defect.
Applicant (Family Petition)Solicitante / Peticionario
Definition: Person filing a request or petition in family court.
B
Battered Spouse SyndromeSíndrome de cónyuge maltratado/a
Definition: Psychological condition affecting victims of ongoing domestic abuse.
Best Interests of the ChildInterés superior del menor
Definition: Legal standard guiding decisions on custody, visitation, and welfare.
Bifurcated DivorceDivorcio bifurcado
Definition: Process where marital status is dissolved before other issues are resolved.
BigamyBigamia
Definition: The act of entering into a marriage while still legally married to another.
Birth Certificate AmendmentEnmienda del certificado de nacimiento
Definition: Legal modification of parentage or child information on a record.
Bond Hearing (Family Custody)Audiencia de fianza (custodia familiar)
Definition: Hearing concerning release conditions in cases linked to family matters.
Burden of Proof (Family Law)Carga de la prueba (ley de familia)
Definition: Level of evidence needed to support a claim (often preponderance).
C
Child AbuseAbuso infantil / Maltrato de menores
Definition: Physical, sexual, or emotional mistreatment of a child.
Child Custody OrderOrden de custodia de menores
Definition: Court decree outlining legal and physical custody arrangements.
Child Protective Services (CPS)Servicios de Protección Infantil
Definition: Government agency responsible for investigating abuse and neglect reports.
Child Support ArrearsAtrasos de manutención infantil
Definition: Unpaid, accumulated child support debt.
Child Support Enforcement AgencyAgencia de cumplimiento de manutención infantil
Definition: Government division that collects and tracks support payments.
Child Support GuidelinesGuías de manutención infantil
Definition: Statutory formulas used to determine support amounts.
Civil UnionUnión civil
Definition: Legal relationship providing protections at the state level only.
Co-Parenting PlanPlan de crianza compartida
Definition: Written schedule outlining responsibilities and time-sharing.
CohabitationCohabitación / Convivencia
Definition: Living together in a sexual relationship without marriage.
Common Law MarriageMatrimonio de derecho consuetudinario
Definition: Couple considered married without a registered license.
Community PropertyBienes gananciales / Comunidad de bienes
Definition: Property acquired during marriage jointly owned by spouses.
Conciliation CourtTribunal de conciliación
Definition: Specialized court division focused on settlement and mediation.
ConservatorshipTutela (de bienes o persona)
Definition: Management of affairs for another due to limitations.
Contempt of Court (Family)Desacato al tribunal (ley de familia)
Definition: Failure to obey family court orders (visitation, support).
D
De Facto ParentPadre/madre de facto
Definition: Person acting as parent without legal birth or adoption status.
Decree of DissolutionDecreto de disolución matrimonial
Definition: Official court order ending a marriage (Divorce Judgment).
Default DivorceDivorcio en rebeldía
Definition: Divorce granted because the other spouse failed to respond.
Dependency ProceedingProcedimiento de dependencia
Definition: Court process determining if a child is safe in a parent's care.
Discovery (Family)Descubrimiento de pruebas
Definition: Process of obtaining info from the other spouse for trial.
Dissolution of MarriageDisolución del matrimonio
Definition: The legal term for divorce.
Domestic PartnershipPareja de hecho / Unión doméstica
Definition: Legally recognized relationship short of marriage.
Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO)Orden de restricción por violencia doméstica
Definition: Protective order limiting contact due to abuse or threats.
Due Process (Family)Debido proceso (ley de familia)
Definition: Right to notice and fair hearing in family matters.
E
Emancipation of a MinorEmancipación de un menor
Definition: Court-ordered adult legal status for a minor.
Emergency Custody MotionMoción de custodia de emergencia
Definition: Request for immediate change due to urgent child risk.
Equitable DistributionDistribución equitativa
Definition: Fair, but not necessarily equal, division of marital assets.
Ex Parte Order (Family)Orden ex parte (familia)
Definition: Court order issued without prior notice due to urgency.
Extended Family PlacementColocación con familia extendida
Definition: Placing a child with relatives (kinship care).
Extrajudicial AgreementAcuerdo extrajudicial (familia)
Definition: Private agreement between parties without formal order.
F
Family Court ServicesServicios del tribunal de familia
Definition: Programs aiding families with mediation and evaluations.
Family Reunification PlanPlan de reunificación familiar
Definition: Plan for returning a child to parents after removal.
Final Parenting OrderOrden final de crianza
Definition: Binding decision outlining long-term parenting schedules.
Financial Affidavit (Divorce)Declaración jurada financiera
Definition: Sworn disclosure of income, debts, and assets.
Forced Marriage Protection OrderOrden de protección contra matrimonio forzado
Definition: Legal protection preventing unwanted or coerced marriage.
Foster Care PlacementColocación en cuidado de crianza
Definition: Temporary placement with licensed foster caregivers.
Frivolous Custody MotionMoción de custodia frívola
Definition: Motion filed without merit to harass or delay.
G
GarnishmentEmbargo de salario
Definition: Court-ordered deduction from wages for support.
Gestational Surrogacy AgreementAcuerdo de gestación subrogada
Definition: Contract where surrogate carries genetically unrelated child.
Good Cause (Family Law)Causa justificada
Definition: Legally sufficient reason to modify a court order.
Grandparent Visitation PetitionPetición de visitas para abuelos
Definition: Request for court-ordered visitation rights for grandparents.
Guardian Ad Litem (GAL)Tutor ad litem / Guardián ad litem
Definition: Advocate representing the best interests of a child.
Guardianship of a MinorTutela de un menor
Definition: Authority granted to an adult to care for a child.
H
Hague Convention CaseCaso bajo el Convenio de La Haya
Definition: Proceeding seeking return of child wrongfully removed across borders.
Hearing OfficerOficial de audiencias (tribunal de familia)
Definition: Judicial officer handling support and temporary orders.
Home StudyEstudio del hogar / Evaluación del hogar
Definition: Formal evaluation of home environment and parental fitness.
Hostile EnvironmentAmbiente hostil (violencia doméstica)
Definition: Pattern of threatening behavior creating emotional harm.
Household MemberMiembro del hogar
Definition: Person living in same residence; relevant for DVRO jurisdiction.
I
Imputed Income (Child Support)Ingreso imputado
Definition: Income assigned by court to underemployed parents.
In Camera Interview (Child)Entrevista en privado con el juez
Definition: Private interview to protect child from courtroom stress.
In Loco ParentisEn lugar de los padres
Definition: Legal status granting rights to non-parents acting as parents.
IncestIncesto
Definition: Sexual activity between close relatives.
Interim Parenting PlanPlan de crianza provisional
Definition: Temporary arrangement while litigation is pending.
Interstate Compact (ICPC)Convenio interestatal (ICPC)
Definition: Agreement among states regulating cross-border child placement.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)Violencia entre parejas íntimas
Definition: Abuse within a romantic or cohabiting relationship.
J
Joint CustodyCustodia compartida
Definition: Both parents share decision-making and/or physical care.
Judgment of ParentageSentencia de filiación
Definition: Court establishment of legal parentage and obligations.
Judicial SeparationSeparación judicial
Definition: Court-recognized separation without dissolving marriage.
Jurisdiction over the ChildJurisdicción sobre el menor
Definition: Court authority to decide custody based on residence.
Juvenile Court PetitionPetición en el tribunal de menores
Definition: Request for intervention in minor-related matters.
K
Kidnapping (Custodial)Secuestro / Interferencia con la custodia
Definition: Hiding a child from the lawful custodian without permission.
Kinship Care ProviderProveedor de cuidado de parentesco
Definition: Relative caring for a child temporarily or permanently.
Known Donor AgreementAcuerdo con donante conocido
Definition: Contract defining rights in gamete donation.
L
Legal CustodyCustodia legal
Definition: Authority to make major welfare decisions (health, school).
Legal GuardianTutor legal / Guardián legal
Definition: Court-appointed individual with decision-making authority.
Legal Separation AgreementAcuerdo de separación legal
Definition: Contract resolving issues while spouses live apart.
Legitimation (Parentage)Legitimación de paternidad
Definition: Legal process establishing rights for fathers outside marriage.
Lump-Sum AlimonyManutención conyugal en suma global
Definition: Single payment instead of periodic spousal support.
M
Maintenance (Spousal)Manutención conyugal / Pensión alimenticia
Definition: Financial support paid after separation or divorce.
Marital Settlement AgreementAcuerdo de liquidación matrimonial
Definition: Contract between spouses resolving property and custody.
Mediation (Family)Mediación (tribunal de familia)
Definition: Neutral mediator process to resolve parenting issues.
Menacing / HarassmentAmedrentamiento / Acoso
Definition: Threatening behavior causing emotional harm.
Minor ChildMenor de edad
Definition: Person under 18 years old.
Modification PetitionPetición de modificación
Definition: Request to change existing order due to new facts.
Mother’s Maiden NameApellido de soltera de la madre
Definition: Birth surname used in recordkeeping and identity.
Motion to Restrict Parenting TimeMoción para restringir el tiempo de crianza
Definition: Request to limit or supervise visits due to safety.
N
Neglect (Welfare)Negligencia (bienestar infantil)
Definition: Failure to provide basic needs (food, shelter, care).
No-Contact OrderOrden de no contacto
Definition: Court prohibition on one party contacting another.
Non-Custodial Parent (NCP)Padre/madre no custodio(a)
Definition: Parent without primary physical care of the child.
Notice of RelocationAviso de reubicación
Definition: Required notice when a custodial parent move with child.
Nuptial / Prenuptial AgreementAcuerdo prenupcial
Definition: Contract entered before marriage defining property rights.
O
Obligor / Obligee (Support)Deudor / Acreedor de manutención
Definition: Obligor pays support; obligee receives it.
Open AdoptionAdopción abierta
Definition: Adoption with agreed communication between families.
Order of Protection (OOP)Orden de protección
Definition: Order protecting from threats or abuse (stay-away).
Order to Show Cause (OSC)Orden para demostrar causa
Definition: Emergency request for immediate court action.
Overnight VisitationVisitas nocturnas
Definition: Periods where child stays overnight with visiting parent.
P
Parental AlienationAlienación parental
Definition: Attempt by one parent to turn child against the other.
Parenting CoordinatorCoordinador de crianza
Definition: Professional helping implement high-conflict court orders.
Parenting PlanPlan de crianza
Definition: Detailed schedule of custody, holidays, and decisions.
Paternity EstablishmentEstablecimiento de paternidad
Definition: Legal determination of a child’s father.
Permanent PlacementColocación permanente
Definition: Long-term home (adoption or permanent guardianship).
Physical CustodyCustodia física
Definition: Determines where the child lives and daily care.
Post-Nuptial AgreementAcuerdo posnupcial
Definition: Contract signed after marriage defining property rights.
Protective Supervision (CPS)Supervisión protectora
Definition: Monitoring of child living at home by agency.
Q
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)Orden calificada de relaciones domésticas (QDRO)
Definition: Order dividing retirement benefits in divorce.
Quasi-Parental RightsDerechos cuasiparentales
Definition: Limited rights for person acting as parent.
R
Rebuttable PresumptionPresunción refutable
Definition: Legal assumption holding unless disproved by facts.
Relative PlacementColocación con familiares
Definition: Placing child with relatives to maintain stability.
Relocation HearingAudiencia de reubicación
Definition: Proceeding to decide if parent may move child away.
Restraining OrderOrden de restricción
Definition: Order limiting contact between individuals.
Reunification ServicesServicios de reunificación
Definition: Programs helping parents regain custody after removal.
Revocation of Parental RightsRevocación de derechos parentales
Definition: Permanent termination of parent–child relationship.
S
Safe Harbor ProvisionDisposición de puerto seguro
Definition: Law protecting parents surrendering newborn at safe sites.
Safety Plan (CPS)Plan de seguridad
Definition: Agreement outlining steps to protect child at home.
Separation AgreementAcuerdo de separación
Definition: Contract resolving property/custody while apart.
Shared Parenting / CustodyCrianza compartida / Custodia compartida
Definition: Both parents share major decisions and time.
Sole Legal CustodyCustodia legal exclusiva
Definition: One parent has total authority on major decisions.
Status OffenseInfracción de estatus
Definition: Conduct illegal only for minors (truancy).
Supervised VisitationVisitas supervisadas
Definition: Parenting time monitored by a neutral third party.
T
Temporary Custody OrderOrden de custodia temporal
Definition: Short-term arrangement until final hearing.
Temporary Protective Order (TPO)Orden de protección temporal (TPO)
Definition: Short-term emergency order protecting a person.
Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)Terminación de derechos parentales (TPR)
Definition: Permanent legal severance of parent-child bond.
Time-Sharing ScheduleHorario de tiempo compartido
Definition: Calendar specifying when each parent has the child.
U
Uniform Child Custody (UCCJEA)Ley Uniforme de Jurisdicción (UCCJEA)
Definition: Law determining which state has custody jurisdiction.
Unfit Parent FindingDeterminación de padre/madre no apto(a)
Definition: Ruling that parent cannot provide safe, appropriate care.
V
Voluntary RelinquishmentRenuncia voluntaria de derechos parentales
Definition: Parent surrendering rights, often for adoption.
W
Ward of the StatePupilo del estado
Definition: Child under legal custody of the government.
Withholding of VisitationRetención de visitas
Definition: Wrongful blocking of court-ordered parenting time.
Z
Zone of Safety AnalysisAnálisis de zona de seguridad
Definition: Risk assessment of a child’s environment safety.
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