Legal: Family Law (Custody & Domestic Relations)
The Interpreter Academy USA
Advancing the Evolution of Professional Interpretation
Part I: Master Resource Index (Family Law)
DOMESTIC RELATIONS TERMINOLOGY
| English Source | Spanish Equivalent | Academy Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Custody | Custodia física / Tenencia | The right of a parent to have a child live with them. |
| Legal Custody | Patria potestad / Custodia legal | The right to make major decisions about the child's life (education, health). |
| Arrearages | Mora / Pagos atrasados | Unpaid child support or alimony that has accumulated over time. |
| Order of Protection | Orden de protección / alejamiento | A court order to stop someone from hurting or stalking another person. |
| Equitable Distribution | Distribución equitativa | A judicial division of property rights and obligations between spouses. |
Part II: Legal Bar Exam Practice Test
The Fact Pattern
"In a contested divorce proceeding, the petitioner seeks sole legal custody and primary physical custody of the minor children. The respondent has significant arrearages regarding a temporary child support order. The court must now evaluate the best interests of the child standard. Additionally, the petitioner has requested an Order of Protection following an incident of domestic discord, and the division of marital assets will be determined under the principle of equitable distribution."
1. How is 'Legal Custody' (the right to make major decisions) best rendered in high-register Spanish?
A) Cuidado de los niños
B) Patria potestad / Custodia legal
C) Visitas
D) Derechos de autor
2. In a support hearing, what does the term 'Arrearages' refer to?
A) Pagos adelantados
B) Mora / Pagos atrasados de manutención
C) Gastos médicos
D) Herencia
3. The division of property is based on 'Equitable Distribution.' Select the correct rendering:
A) Reparto igualitario (mitad y mitad)
B) Distribución equitativa (reparto justo según el juez)
C) Venta de bienes
D) Embargo de propiedad
Academy Answer Key & Analysis
Q1: B. Patria potestad. While 'custodia legal' is used, 'patria potestad' is the standard legal term in many jurisdictions for the bundle of rights regarding a child's upbringing.
Q2: B. Mora / Pagos atrasados. Arrearages refer to debt that is overdue after missing payments.
Q3: B. Distribución equitativa. Note: 'Equitable' does not always mean 'Equal' (50/50); it means a division the court deems fair based on various factors.