Also called alimony or spousal support.

An attempt to effect a peaceful settlement between disputing nations through the friendly good offices of another power. A non-adversarial process in which two or more parties work through discussion and compromise toward agreement with the aid of a neutral party, or Mediator. In Divorce Mediation, the Mediator works with the divorcing spouses.

When issues are being contested, and there is a minor child of the spouses or parents or of either of them whose welfare might be affected thereby, the family conciliation court has jurisdiction as provided in this part over the controversy and over the parties to the controversy and over all persons having any relation to the controversy. [Based on California Family Code - Sections: 1830]

You are asking the court to change something in your court judgment or a prior order. You must be able to show that there has been a "substantial change in circumstances" since the last court order. A motion put before the court requesting that changes be made in physical or legal custody, or in child support payments, thus modifying the existing arrangement.

Application made to a court for an order or a ruling. Written or verbal appeals to the court for some sort of temporary relief, such as maintenance, child support, attorney's fees, etc.