The Law Dictionary for Everyone
A summons is a legal document that is issued by a court in a civil lawsuit, or by a government agency in an administrative action. The document notifies the defendant he is being sued, or that there is an administrative action against him, as well as the date and time of the first hearing. A summons also provides the defendant […]
Read moreThe Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (“UCCJEA”) is legislation adopted by every state for the purpose of determining which state has jurisdiction over, and authority to make decisions for, a child in a custody case. The UCCJEA has four main sections, all of which cover jurisdiction and enforcement related to child custody cases that cross state boundaries. To explore […]
Read moreWhen an individual or entity, initiates a lawsuit against another party, they are legally required to provide the other party with notice of the impending lawsuit, as well as copies of any documents that have been filed with the court. This is known as “service of process.” Documents are often served to an opposing party through a professional server known […]
Read moreSame-sex marriage is the legal union between two people of the same gender. Throughout history, same sex unions have taken place around the world, but laws recognizing such marriages did not start occurring until more modern times. As of 2015, only 17 countries around the globe have laws allowing same sex couples to become legally married. Support in some countries […]
Read moreWhen an individual acts on his own behalf during a legal action, rather than through an attorney, he is considered to be a pro se litigant. This Latin term literally means “advocating on one’s own behalf.” In all jurisdictions in the United States, an individual is allowed to represent himself, whether as the plaintiff or defendant in a civil lawsuit, […]
Read moreIn the United States, suing someone, or taking them to court for some other legal action, requires that they be notified that the legal action has been initiated, and just what that action is. This is done by providing them with a copy of the official legal documents filed with the court in a specific manner, called “service of process.” […]
Read moreSpousal support refers to the obligation of a person to provide financial support to his or her spouse after separation or divorce. The purpose of spousal support, also referred to as “alimony,” is to reduce the unfair financial effects of divorce on a lower-wage-earning spouse, and to help ensure each spouse is able to maintain the same standard of living […]
Read moreFamily law refers to a parent who has been awarded sole physical custody of a child, or with whom the child primarily lives. The custodial parent is primarily responsible for the day-to-day care of the child. Commonly, parents are assigned joint physical and legal custody, which means they legally share parental duties, but it is necessary for the court to […]
Read moreMediation is a method of resolving issues between two or more parties without resulting to litigation. Mediation makes use of a neutral third party, a “mediator,” to help guide the parties to the dispute toward a solution that all can agree to. Most commonly, mediation is a voluntary method of alternative dispute resolution, but on occasion, the court may order […]
Read moreA restraining order is issued by a court to protect a person from physical abuse, threats, or harassment by another specific person. A restraining order is obtained after the court determines that the applicant has a reasonable belief that he or she is in imminent danger, or may be in danger due to the actions of another. In some jurisdictions, […]
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