CourtHelp Legal Glossary

To seize and hold in the custody of the law. Generally used with personal property, not people.

This is done in support proceedings when the parent is unemployed or underemployed (not working a full work week or working less than usual) and the court calculates the parent’s gross income based upon past earnings or ability.

Latin: “In a chamber.” In the judge’s private room or in a courtroom emptied of all spectators (including the jury).

Latin: “In the manner of a pauper.” Permission given by a court to a person to file a case without paying the fees because the person cannot afford to pay them.

Latin: "At the beginning" or "At the outset." A motion at the beginning of trial to ask that certain evidence not be heard.

Latin: “In one’s own person” When a person represents themself without a lawyer.

Latin: “In the matter of.” Also means about or concerning.

Latin: “Against a thing.” Having to do with the right or title to property.

A pending case that has been filed, but for some reason can’t be heard by the court.

A person who, for any reason, can't protect his or her rights, even if not declared incompetent by the court.

To put in jail.

Any form of periodic payment to a person, regardless of source, including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, workers' compensation, disability, pension or retirement program payments, and interest.

1. An administrative order by the Support Collection Unit (SCU) that tells the employer of the party who must pay child support (payor) to deduct the child support, including back money owed (arrears) from the person’s paycheck and send the payments to SCU. 2. The process used by a sheriff or marshal to collect part of a person’s income to pay off a judgment. 3. The court order delivered ("served") by a sheriff or marshal that tells a judgment debtor’s employer to withhold the earnings of the judgment debtor for the purpose of wage garnishment.

An order that tells the employer of a person who must pay child support to take out money from his or her wages to meet the child support obligations. This includes back money owed (arrears) and forward future payments. The money goes directly to the payee.

When automatic deductions are made from wages or income to pay a debt like child support. Income withholding is often part of a child support order. It can be voluntary or involuntary.

When a person can't do something or can't handle his or her own affairs.

The lack of legal ability to stand trial or testify.

To hold yourself or another person responsible for criminal actions.

A duty to pay for another person's loss or damage.

Identification number that the court clerk’s office gives a case. This number is on all papers filed in the case.

1. The decision by a grand jury that says there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial. Used mainly for felonies. 2. A document that contains the list of charges that the grand jury will vote on to decide whether there is enough reason to continue on to trial.

1. This term usually refers to a person that is poor, needy, and has no one to look to for support. 2. A person found by the court to be unable to afford an attorney or meet the expense of defending a criminal manner. If a defendant is found to be indigent, a defense attorney may be appointed by the court.

To write the oral (verbal) answer of a respondent on the court file.

A brief description of the reason for the suit in a case for money only

A minor. In New York State, anyone under 18 years of age.