corespondent

Co-respondent, also spelled corespondent, is a term used primarily in matrimonial law in some jurisdictions to designate a person who is alleged to have engaged in an adulterous relationship with one of the spouses and is named as a party to divorce or related proceedings. The designation typically arises in fault-based divorce systems, where the petition may allege that the co-respondent contributed to the marriage breakdown by having intercourse or an intimate relationship with the respondent.

In such proceedings, the co-respondent is treated as a party to the case and may be served with papers and given an opportunity to respond or defend the allegations. The precise rights and procedures for a co-respondent vary by jurisdiction, and many modern legal systems have moved toward no-fault divorce, reducing the practical importance of identifying a co-respondent. Nevertheless, the term remains in use in legacy statutes, case law, and in jurisdictions that retain fault-based grounds.

Etymology and variants: The term combines co- (together) with respondent, reflecting a role tied to the alleged conduct involving both spouses. Variants include corespondent and hyphenated forms such as co-respondent.

See also: Respondent; Petitioner; Matrimonial causes; Adultery; Fault-based divorce; Civil procedure.