ABSTRACT
In the course of a contested domestic relations case, the usual sequence involves a šling for divorce by one party, followed by a counteršling on the part of the other party, on the basis of which, in many jurisdictions, they are denoted plainti£ and defendant or petitioner and respondent. In those settings where the latter terms are used, the idea is to remove the implication that comes from other civil law where there is a complaint against a party for some kind of bad acts and that party then must defend against the allegations. e use of petitioner and respondent is meant to convey only the timing of šlings and to not carry the opprobrium of one person being o£ended against by another. From a psychological point of view, the more neutral terminology clearly re¯ects the reality of marriage relationships with their multiple and interactive nature.
