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Glossary of Family Law Terms

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Garnishee: An insurance company, bank, employer or others upon whom a judgment creditor has placed a Writ of Garnishment because that person or entity holds assets due the original debtor.

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.

Good Cause: A standard by which a recipient of welfare is excused from cooperating with the CSE agency because by doing so the recipient and the children could be in danger. A good cause finding usually results from ample documentation of violence and abuse by the non-custodial parent.

Good Faith: Absence of intent to commit fraud.

Goodwill: The value of a business that is beyond the market value of any tangible assets. It includes reputation, prestige, and company name.

Grounds: Acceptable reasons for seeking a particular result. In NC, 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.

Guardian Ad Litem: An adult, usually appointed by the court, who represents the non - legal interest of a minor child in a divorce. He or she is a trained social worker, counselor or other professional.