The Law Dictionary for Everyone
When a parent or guardian caring for children requests, or is receiving, public assistance, the state requires that the other parent fulfill his or her financial responsibilities toward their biological children. Whether the state welfare agency receives a new application for such public assistance as food stamps, welfare benefits, or Medicaid benefits, or is being asked to enforce a current […]
Read moreNon-marital property is any real or personal property that was owned by either spouse before the marriage. During a divorce, non-marital property is often referred to as “separate property,” and is not subject to distribution between the spouses, but remains the sole property of the spouse who owned it prior to the marriage. There are other instances in which property […]
Read moreWhen parents separate or divorce, how the children will be cared for becomes an issue. The legal term “parenting plan” refers to a written plan that states with whom the children will primarily live, a definitive schedule for visiting with the other parent, who will make major decisions regarding the children’s lives, and other important issues. A parenting plan may […]
Read moreWhen a judge makes a decision regarding child custody and visitation, the decision becomes an official court order. A child custody order is enforceable by the court, as well as by law enforcement should it become necessary. Changes to the provisions of a child custody order must be submitted to the court, and a new or modified order issued. To […]
Read moreThe unlawful killing of another person, without justification, is referred to as “murder.” The crime of murder is considered by many, to be the most serious crime someone can commit. As such, an individual convicted of murder may be sentenced to serve many years in prison, to serve the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of being […]
Read moreA document filed with the court asking the judge to throw out certain claims in a civil or criminal case, or to throw out the case altogether, is called a “Motion to Dismiss.” A Motion to Dismiss is often filed by a defendant immediately after the lawsuit has been served, but may be filed at any time during the proceedings. […]
Read moreThe law in the U.S. recognizes that, when parents separate or divorce, the children need to have frequent and continuing contact with both parents, in order to ensure both parents are able to share in the rights and responsibilities of raising healthy, happy children. The court has discretion in accomplishing this goal, and often awards primary physical custody of the […]
Read moreIn the legal process, an “answer” refers to a written response filed by a defendant to a plaintiff’s complaint or petition. The answer, also called a “response” in some situations, typically denies the accusations made, or facts stated, by the plaintiff. The defendant may also include facts in an attempt to justify his actions, or to make a counterclaim against […]
Read moreAny property that is acquired during the period a couple is married is considered marital property, belonging to both spouses equally, regardless of which spouse paid for it, or how it is titled. This may include such things as houses, furniture, appliances, and other types of personal or real property. Financial assets and debts acquired during the period of the […]
Read moreA legal petition is the first official document that is filed in a legal action. The document provides a basic outline of the case, and its main purpose is to provide the defendant with notice of the impending lawsuit. Exactly what must be included in a petition varies slightly by state, but in all jurisdictions, the petition, also called a […]
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