The Law Dictionary for Everyone
When a couple divorces, and the marital assets divided, many do not consider that a retirement fund belonging to either spouse is indeed part of their marital community property. To be more specific, that portion of the retirement account that was built up during the course of the marriage is community property. This necessitates complex calculations done by a specialized […]
Read moreIn the legal system, a stipulation is an agreement made between two or more parties to a legal proceeding. Stipulations may be made prior to trial, or during a trial, as these agreements are made to regulate certain matters related to the proceeding, and are entered as part of the official court record. Often times, stipulations are used to assist […]
Read moreParenting classes are educational courses parents attend to learn about caring for their children. Parents attend the classes based on court orders, or simply as a way to learn better parenting skills. Parenting classes are found all throughout the United States, and they cater to parents with children of all ages. The primary goals of parenting classes include improving relationships […]
Read moreIn the legal system, an Order to Show Cause is a court order requiring an individual or entity to explain, justify, or prove something. In the U.S., courts frequently use orders to show cause to initiate a court proceeding that needs to be heard outside the usual schedule, such as when a temporary order is being sought. In these cases, […]
Read moreThe Latin term “status quo” refers to the existing state of circumstances. In the legal system, a judge has the authority to issue a status quo order to prevent anyone from taking any action until the matter can be heard and resolved by the court. A status quo order preserves the existing situation, so that no party’s position can be […]
Read moreWhen a couple separates or divorces, the issue of child custody and visitation becomes very important. Many parents are able to work out an agreement regarding where the children will live, and visitation with the other parent on their own. Other parents find this to be a hot-button issue drenched in emotional pain, anger, and resentment, making it necessary for […]
Read moreWage garnishment is a legal procedure by which an individual’s earnings are withheld to repay a creditor. Wage garnishment takes place after the creditor has filed a civil lawsuit, and been granted a judgment against the debtor in court. In some cases, however, a court order is not required. Wage garnishment laws vary by jurisdiction, but most allow creditors to […]
Read moreInsurance fraud occurs when a person or entity makes false insurance claims in order to obtain compensation or benefits to which they are not entitled. Insurance fraud is committed in many forms, but regardless of the type, it is considered a serious crime in all jurisdictions. To explore this concept, consider the following insurance fraud definition. Definition of Insurance Fraud […]
Read moreWhen two people decide mutually to file for a divorce, and are able to decide matters related to the divorce, such as property distribution, child custody support, and spousal support, without help from the court, it is considered to be an “uncontested divorce.” Uncontested divorces can save couples a great deal of time and money, as they are not depending […]
Read moreA subpoena is a court-ordered demand that a person appear in court or other legal proceeding, or that specific documents be produced and presented at a specified date, time, and location. The Latin word subpoena means “under penalty,” and if a person refuses, or fails to comply with a subpoena, he is subject to civil or criminal penalties. To explore […]
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