http://www.divorcenet.com/dictionary.html
Agreement; Separation Agreement; Property Settlement Agreement; Marital Agreement. A legally enforceable, spousal contract settling all matters.
Generally not referred to as a “divorce agreement” since only the court can grant a divorce. If the parties fail to reach an agreement, the case goes to trial, and the court’s decision and judgment is substituted. Court’s judgments are modifiable based on a “material change in circumstances.” An agreement may be either modifiable or unmodifiable (“surviving”). Typically, these agreements settle issues relating to:
1. Asset and liability division
2. Alimony, health, and life insurance
3. Legal and physical custody, child support, visitation, medical insurance and expenses, and college.
Ex Parte: hearing, motion, order. Ex parte means without notice to, or attendance of, the opposing party.
In response to an ex parte motion, i.e., a motion without notice to the opposing spouse, the court conducts an ex parte hearing without the attendance of the spouse. Based on this hearing , an ex parte order is issued, and the opposing spouse receives notice of the fiat accompli.
Often attachments are issued ex parte to avoid giving notice to the defendant, since, a person who knows his property is about to be attached might quickly sell or mortgage it and secrete the money.
http://www.legalexplorer.com/legal/legal-QA.asp?PositionPoint=13&Sid=13#A7
Can I get divorced if I don't know where my spouse is?
Yes, but you have to show the court that you made reasonable efforts to locate your spouse. You also must publish a notice in a local newspaper in an attempt to inform your spouse that you have started a divorce.
If it is at all possible to find an address, you must attempt to have notice of the divorce action served upon your spouse. The court has no power to order child support or maintenance unless your spouse has been personally served with notice.
How long does it take to get a divorce?
Unless the court makes an exception for an emergency, at least four months (120 days) must pass between the serving of the initial papers and the final hearing. Most divorces take longer than four months. Several factors affect the length of the process: the complexity of the case, the ability of the spouses to agree on the issues, and the amount of other business before the trial court.
A divorce isn't effective until the final hearing. Once the divorce is final, both parties must wait at least six months before marrying other people.
Started now, a divorce with property awarded to you might enable you to sell your home, avoiding foreclosure...