CourtHelp Legal Glossary

To stop or put off for the time being.

An order that sets the conditions for a certain amount of time to give a person a chance to do something that can result in the case being dismissed (thrown out).

In criminal law, this means the defendant doesn't have to serve the sentence at the time the sentence is given.

Person appointed to manage, but not distribute, the assets of an estate until a permanent administrator is appointed.

Payments made to poor families for a limited time, based on title IV-A of the Social Security Act.

A court order requiring the defendant to stay away from someone until the criminal case is resolved.

An order given during a case that says who should pay support while the case lasts.

A court order that says a person must not do certain things that can cause harm that can't be fixed. It can be done immediately, with no notice to the other party and with no court hearing. It lasts only until a hearing can be held. TROs are often used in domestic violence cases to protect a person from violence or the threat of violence.

The tenant's right to use and control the landlord's rental unit. This is created by a rental agreement, either spoken or written, between the landlord and the tenant.

A right to occupy property for as long as the tenant wants. The right is given by the property owner or landlord. Ending a tenancy at will needs the same legal procedure as in ending a month-to-month tenancy.

A person who rents or leases a rental unit. The tenant has the right to use and stay in the rental unit for the lease or rental period of time.

A business that collects and sells information on tenants, like if they pay their rent on time and if they have been defendants in eviction cases.

A request to the court by an agency to end parental rights of a child who is already in foster care. This is done when the agency believes that the parents have not kept in contact or planned for the child’s future, or have abandoned or abused the child, or they are mentally ill or disabled in a way that can harm the child.

When a Judge or referee makes a decision to end a parent or legal guardian’s rights or obligations over his or her child or children. This happens in a child abuse or neglect case where the Judge or referee thinks a youth is in great danger, or when a youth has been in foster care for 15 out of 22 months.

A time frame during which a court conducts its business.

Having made a will or having died leaving a valid will.

A person that has made a will or that has died leaving a legal will.

To give evidence under oath as a witness in a court case.

Statements made by witnesses under oath.

Taking another person's personal property (watch, jewelry, car, etc.) with the plan to keep it from the owner.

A party to an action who is not the original plaintiff or defendant.

When a defendant in a case sues another party and brings them into the case.

A citation, usually for a traffic violation.

When a party agrees to give up the right to certain time limits.

A plan that says when parents can spend time with their children. Also called visitation or parenting plan.