When you are getting divorced you learn some new acronyms like PAR, PPR, CIS, QDRO. But what does all of this really mean in plain English? At first the new vocabulary of divorce can feel overwhelming. But with the help of a divorce mediator at Westfield Mediation, it can all become quite clear quite easily.
PAR and PPR are interrelated and have to do with parenting. PAR is the parent of alternate residence and the PPR is the parent of primary residence. The parent of primary residence is the parent with whom the child/children spend more than 50% of their time. The PAR is the parent with whom the child/children reside when not residing with the PPR. Practically speaking, when determining child support in New Jersey one parent is the PPR and one parent is designated as the PAR and the formula is calculated. When both parents share time equally the calculation is done with Parent A as the PPR and Parent B as the PAR. It is then recalculated with Parent B being the PPR and Parent A as the PAR and a final calculation is determined. It is a lot of acronym to describe how much time the kids spend with their parents.
A CIS- not CSI like the TV show- is a Case Information Statement. A Case Information Statement is a form you need to complete for the courts. It is not fun, but it is necessary. Take a look. In divorce mediation we address Part D of the CIS- the budgets- and Part E- Balance Sheet of Assets and Liabilities. So, most of this form can be tackled in mediation.
And finally- a QDRO. QDRO (quad-row) stands for Qualified Domestic Relations Order. It is used when dividing up a retirement account in a divorce. All plans are different and not every plan needs a QDRO, so be sure to check with your plan administrator to determine if a QDRO is needed to divide your retirement account. The judge needs to sign the order and then it is sent to your plan administrator. The plan administrator will then know that this retirement fund is being distributed to two people, instead of one, according to the terms of the divorce. It is a very important form to complete and can have major tax implications if done incorrectly.
To learn more about the vocabulary of divorce and divorce mediation, please contact Randi M. Albert, JD, or Michelle Weinberg, M. Ed., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, at Westfield Mediation, LLC at 908.913.0373. View our website at www.westfieldnjmediation.com or email us at info@westfieldnjmediation.com.
PAR and PPR are interrelated and have to do with parenting. PAR is the parent of alternate residence and the PPR is the parent of primary residence. The parent of primary residence is the parent with whom the child/children spend more than 50% of their time. The PAR is the parent with whom the child/children reside when not residing with the PPR. Practically speaking, when determining child support in New Jersey one parent is the PPR and one parent is designated as the PAR and the formula is calculated. When both parents share time equally the calculation is done with Parent A as the PPR and Parent B as the PAR. It is then recalculated with Parent B being the PPR and Parent A as the PAR and a final calculation is determined. It is a lot of acronym to describe how much time the kids spend with their parents.
A CIS- not CSI like the TV show- is a Case Information Statement. A Case Information Statement is a form you need to complete for the courts. It is not fun, but it is necessary. Take a look. In divorce mediation we address Part D of the CIS- the budgets- and Part E- Balance Sheet of Assets and Liabilities. So, most of this form can be tackled in mediation.
And finally- a QDRO. QDRO (quad-row) stands for Qualified Domestic Relations Order. It is used when dividing up a retirement account in a divorce. All plans are different and not every plan needs a QDRO, so be sure to check with your plan administrator to determine if a QDRO is needed to divide your retirement account. The judge needs to sign the order and then it is sent to your plan administrator. The plan administrator will then know that this retirement fund is being distributed to two people, instead of one, according to the terms of the divorce. It is a very important form to complete and can have major tax implications if done incorrectly.
To learn more about the vocabulary of divorce and divorce mediation, please contact Randi M. Albert, JD, or Michelle Weinberg, M. Ed., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, at Westfield Mediation, LLC at 908.913.0373. View our website at www.westfieldnjmediation.com or email us at info@westfieldnjmediation.com.