When involved in domestic litigation, it can be difficult enough to navigate the legal jargon, terms, objections, and the like. But even more confusing still are the various acronyms used in domestic relations law. Below are five (5) common acronyms you might hear through the course of your family law matter.
1) DRCB
DRCB stands for Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau, which is an agency that performs evaluations in a domestic relations matter particularly in matters involving custody and parenting time disputes. The DRCB appoints an evaluator who meets with the family members, together and separately often, reviews outside/collateral materials, and submits a report to the Court. This is much like a custody evaluation, but is done by a specific agency appointed by the Court.
2) QDRO
Recent blog posts have explored the QDRO or Qualified Domestic Relations Order, which is a legal instrument used to divide retirement funds/plan during a divorce. If, as part of the dissolution of marriage decree, Husband is to receive 50% of Wife’s 401(k), a QDRO would be drafted and Ordered to divide same at the proper time.
3) CSOW
CSOW is short for Child Support Obligation Worksheet. This is the worksheet that incorporates the formula for determining a parent’s child support obligation and is ordered by the Court. This includes the breakdown of information, including work-related daycare expenses, health insurance expenses, and parenting time credit. This often must be included with a final Order on child support matters.
4) INSCCU
The INSCCU is the Indiana State Central Collections Unit. This is where child support is processed in the state of Indiana. If child support is not being withheld from a payor’s paycheck or processed through the clerk’s office, it is through the INSCCU. This is a central agency that covers multiple Indiana counties.
5) DCS
Department of Child Services is shortened to DCS and is the department in Indiana that helps to protect children from abuse and/or neglect. If a person (not just a parent-but a doctor, teacher, or friend) suspects abuse, they may contact DCS to notify them of their concern. This can often lead to an investigation, and may become part of a domestic relations matter.
We hope that this blog post was helpful in exploring some of the common terms in domestic relations law to help the process be understood a little easier. This blog post is not intended as legal advise. Dixon & Moseley, P.C. practices throughout the state of Indiana. This blog post was written by attorney, Jessica Keyes.
