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Coffee with Claire #22 – Commonly Asked Questions Blog Series

July 3, 2018

What is the Judgment and Decree?

Writer’s note: This blog series is meant to act as responses to “quick” questions you may have for attorneys.  Think of these answers as a “quick” answer you might receive over coffee from your friendly neighborhood attorney.

The Judgment and Decree (J&D) is your final divorce document - the document that actually divorces you.  This is the document most people initially ask about at the beginning of a divorce proceeding.

This is the document that is generally needed to change names, show proof of divorce for insurance, bank and other financial institution, school, and other purposes.  It has all the facts of your case (like the Petition), but also has the Conclusions of Law – or what to do with the facts.  For example:  there is a Fact you own a 2010 Honda Odyssey.  Now we need a Conclusion of who to award the vehicle to, or to sell the vehicle.  This is done with children (granting custody and parenting time), assets, debts, and other property.

The J&D can be called a couple of different names, but it ultimately has the same affect: to divorce two people in marriage.

If the divorce ended in an agreement, it may be called a Marital Termination Agreement, followed by a Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Order for Judgment and Judgment and Decree; or it may be called a Stipulated Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Order for Judgment and Judgment and Decree.  If the divorce ended by a court trial and order by a judge, it may be called your, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Order for Judgment and Judgment and Decree.

If you have questions about divorce or custody proceedings, please contact Claire Tralle to set up a free initial telephone call.

 

The information in the Coffee with Claire series are intended to provide information only.  No legal advice is being provided or implied via this blog post.  No attorney-client relationship is formed by providing this information.  An attorney-client relationship with Tralle Law, LLC is formed only after a retainer contact is signed by all parties.