Glossary of Family Law Terms

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Garnishment: A proceeding whereby a debtor’s money, or other property, which is under the control of another is given to a third person to whom the debtor owes a debt. In family law this often applies to child support or alimony. One spouse may have their wages garnished to assure that a debt to the other spouse is paid.

Grounds: Acceptable reasons for seeking a particular result. In North Carolina, there are only two grounds for divorce available: a one-year separation and incurable insanity. The grounds for a legal separation are: (1) abandonment (2) adultery (3) alcoholism and/or drug addiction (4) cruel and inhuman treatment (5) personal indignities rendering life burdensome and intolerable and (6) turning a spouse out-of-doors. You should contact an attorney in your state to determine your state's definition.