This section says that unless specified otherwise, the definitions and rules outlined in this part of the code should be used to understand and interpret the entire code.

This section defines who can receive child support. It includes any minor child and, in some specific cases outlined in other sections, even an adult child who may still qualify for support.

This law section defines the term “community estate,” which covers both community property and quasi-community property.

In this section, 'community property' refers to assets or property that are shared between a married couple, as defined by the rules starting in another part of the law.

This law clarifies that when you come across the term "county" in this context, it also covers both individual cities and combined city-counties.

This section defines what "date of separation" means in a marriage. It's the day when a clear and final breakup is shown by one spouse telling the other they want to end the marriage and acting in a way that supports this intention. When confirming the separation date, the court will consider all relevant evidence. The law overrides specific past court decisions.

This law defines what an 'employee benefit plan' is. It covers both public and private plans for things like retirement, pensions, savings, profit sharing, and vacation pay. These plans can be either a defined contribution or a defined benefit type. It doesn't matter if they meet the specific qualifications under a federal law called ERISA. The definition also includes how 'employee benefit plan' is described under ERISA laws.

This law section explains that 'family support' is a deal or legal order where child support and spousal support are mixed together. It doesn't specify how much money is for each support type; instead, it lumps them into one total payment.

The law defines an 'income and expense declaration' as a specific form used in family law cases. This form is created by the Judicial Council and is used to detail a person's financial situation.

In this context, both 'judgment' and 'order' also mean a decree if it fits the situation.

This part of the law explains that the term 'person' is not limited to just individual humans. It also covers groups and business entities like firms, organizations, partnerships, corporations, and even government bodies.

This law clarifies that the term “proceeding” also refers to a legal action, meaning any kind of lawsuit or court case.

This law defines 'property' as including both real property, like land and buildings, and personal property, which can be things like cars or jewelry. It also covers any interest you might have in such property, like a mortgage or a lease.

The term 'property declaration' refers to a specific form used in family law cases to declare property, which has been approved by the Judicial Council.

Quasi-community property is a term used for certain assets one or both spouses acquire when living somewhere else, which would be considered community property if they were living in California at the time. If someone buys property while living in another state or trades property that would have been community property in California, it's treated like community property in California.

This law says that when you're looking at legal paperwork, if you see the term 'petitioner', it can also mean 'plaintiff' if it fits the situation.

In this section, the term 'respondent' can also mean 'defendant' when it makes sense to do so in the context of a case.

This section defines 'separate property' as any property deemed separate according to specific rules starting from another section, Section 760, and beyond in the family code.

Spousal support is essentially financial assistance that one spouse must provide to the other spouse.

This law section says that anytime the term “spouse” is used, it also includes a “registered domestic partner.”

This section defines the term “State” to include not just the states in the United States, but also the District of Columbia and any commonwealths, territories, or island areas under U.S. control.

This section clarifies what 'support' means in terms of family obligations. It includes money owed for child or spousal support, or for family needs. It also covers past due amounts. When talking about minors or certain children, it includes their living expenses and education costs.

This section defines a 'support order' as any court judgment or order requiring someone to provide financial support, regardless of whether it's temporary or permanent and can be changed or canceled. It specifies that only the first support order is treated like an installment payment plan. Orders that determine the amount to cover past support periods are not treated as a typical monetary judgment for certain legal procedures.