Dictionary of Law
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Founded: 587
personal effects :: n. things which include clothes, cosmetics and ite ... e, Susannah"). See also: personalty
real property :: n. 1) all land, structures, firmly attached and in ... onal property real estate reversion
personalty :: n. movable assets (things, including animals) whic ... lso: personal effects real property
after-acquired property :: n. 1) personal or real property acquired by a debt ... lso: bankruptcy secured transaction
property damage :: n. injury to real or personal property through ano ... l value. See also: damages property
property :: n. anything that is owned by a person or entity. P ... rty real property separate property
tangible property :: n. physical articles (things) as distinguished fro ... operty personal property personalty
personal property :: n. same as "personalty." See also: personalty ... "personalty." See also: personalty
property tax :: n. an annual governmental tax on real property or ... are made. See also: ad valorem tax
real estate investment trust :: n. nicknamed REIT, a real estate investment organi ... its upon sale-if there is a profit.
real estate :: n. land, improvements and buildings thereon, inclu ... the future. See also: real property
literary property :: n. the writings of an author which entitles him/he ... as copyrighted. See also: copyright
common property :: n. 1) real property owned by "tenants in common," ... e, like parks and national forests.
notorious possession :: n. occupation of real property or holding personal ... e is as if the person is the owner.
interest :: n. 1) any and all, partial or total right to prope ... nal property real property standing
notice :: n. 1) information, usually in writing in all legal ... Thirty-day notice three-day notice
mortgage :: n. a document in which the owner pledges his/her/i ... losure notice of default trust deed
legatee :: n. a person or organization receiving a gift of an ... eficiary devise devisee legacy will
personal services :: n. in contract law, the talents of a person which ... his/her unique ability and product.
legacy :: n. a gift of personal property or money to a benef ... o: beneficiary bequest legatee will
real party in interest :: n. the person or entity who will benefit from a la ... st is the beneficiary of the trust.
right :: 1) n. an entitlement to something, whether to conc ... e also: civil rights marital rights
separate property :: n. in community property states (California, Texas ... pouse. See also: community property
tenancy in common :: n. title to property (usually real property, but i ... on. See also: joint tenancy tenancy
quasi community property :: n. in community property states, property acquired ... : community property palimony quasi
use :: n. the right to enjoy the benefits of real propert ... ay it is only of academic interest.
promissory note :: n. a written promise by a person (variously called ... lso: interest obligee obligor usury
realty :: n. a short form of "real estate." See also: real e ... real estate." See also: real estate
writ of execution :: n. a court order to a sheriff to enforce a judgmen ... ing plaintiff). See also: execution
title :: n. 1) ownership of real property or personal prope ... ink slip real property title search
personal service :: n. delivering a summons, complaint, notice to quit ... process substituted service summons
bankruptcy :: n. a federal system of statutes and courts which p ... y proceedings trustee in bankruptcy
devise :: 1) v. an old-fashioned word for giving real proper ... so: bequest gift legacy remise will
bequeath :: v. to give personal property under provisions of a ... s of a will. See also: bequest will
color of title :: n. the appearance of having title to personal or r ... rty based on this "color of title."
public property :: n. property owned by the government or one of its ... l public. See also: common property
devisee :: n. a person who receives a gift of real property b ... will. See also: beneficiary legatee
abandoned property :: n. property left behind (often by a tenant) intent ... -use. See also: abandon abandonment
community property :: n. property and profits received by a husband and ... and distribution separate property
future interest :: n. a right to receive either real property or pers ... maturity (age 18) or upon marriage.
collateral :: 1) n. property pledged to secure a loan or debt, u ... ral to the Colorado divorce action.
guardian :: n. a person who has been appointed by a judge to t ... torship. See also: conservator ward
gift in contemplation of death :: n. (called a gift causa mortis by lawyers showing ... ift tax unified estate and gift tax
chattel :: n. an item of personal property which is movable, ... ments). See also: personal property
mechanic's lien :: n. the right of a craftsman, laborer, supplier, ar ... ll sue for the debt. See also: lien
merger :: n. 1) in corporate law, the joining together of tw ... and taking one, and wife the other.
metes and bounds :: (meets and bounds) n. a surveyor's description of ... of a parcel or lot are first drawn.
mining claim :: n. a description by boundaries of real property in ... g within a specific period of time.
marketable title :: n. the title to real property which has no encumbr ... e. See also: contract real property
lien :: n. any official claim or charge against property o ... ord's lien mechanic's lien mortgage
life estate :: n. the right to use or occupy real property for on ... hter, Sadie, will own the property.
lis pendens :: (lease pen-dense) n. Latin for "a suit pending," a ... ob can be penalized by court order.
fee tail :: n. an old feudal expression for a title to real pr ... rest only. See also: fee fee simple
market value :: n. the price which a seller of property would rece ... ich are often called "comparables."
fertile octogenarian :: n. an unrealistic notion that any person (male or ... e passed laws to cure this anomaly.
fiduciary :: 1) n. from the Latin fiducia, meaning "trust," a p ... lation fiduciary relationship trust
mortgagee :: n. the person or business making a loan that is se ... money. See also: mortgage mortgagor
occupant :: n. 1) someone living in a residence or using premi ... gain ownership. See also: occupancy
occupancy :: n. 1) living in or using premises, as a tenant or ... ining ownership. See also: occupant
note :: n. a promissory note, a written statement of debt ... the note. See also: promissory note
occupation :: n. 1) fairly permanent trade, profession, employme ... of real property or use of a thing.
operation of law :: n. a change or transfer which occurs automatically ... atically upon the child turning 18.
parcel :: n. a defined piece of real estate, usually resulti ... See also: real estate real property
paramount title :: n. a right to real property which prevails over an ... n's claim of title. See also: title
ouster :: n. 1) the wrongful dispossession (putting out) of ... ainst his/her expectations or will.
non-contiguous :: adj. referring to two or more parcels of real prop ... l property which are not connected.
non-conforming use :: n. the existing use (residential, commercial, agri ... eneral plan grandfathered in zoning
mortgagor :: n. the person who has borrowed money and pledged h ... agee). See also: mortgage mortgagee
license :: 1) n. governmental permission to perform a particu ... eement. See also: licensee licensor
monument :: n. 1) an established landmark which a surveyor use ... torn down or substantially altered.
fair market value :: n. the amount for which property would sell on the ... so: appraise appraiser market value
expectancy :: n. a possibility of future enjoyment of something ... o: distribution remainder reversion
nominee :: n. 1) a person or entity who is requested or named ... ic office. See also: agent executor
nominal party :: n. a defendant or a plaintiff included in a lawsui ... ed. See also: necessary party party
muniment of title :: n. documentary evidence of title to real property. ... also: deed quiet title action title
moiety :: : (moy-et-tee) n. half. Generally a reference to i ... perty, moiety is seldom used today.
leasehold :: n. the real estate which is the subject of a lease ... sehold. See also: condominium lease
inverse condemnation :: n. the taking of property by a government agency w ... e also: condemnation eminent domain
intervening cause :: n. an event which occurs between the original impr ... cause negligence superseding cause
grant deed :: n. the document which transfers title to real prop ... rant grantee grantor quitclaim deed
grant :: v. to transfer real property from a title holder ( ... deed grantee grantor quitclaim deed
joint tenancy :: n. a crucial relationship in the ownership of real ... ty property tenancy in common title
freehold :: n. any interest in real property which is a life e ... -year variety). See also: leasehold
judicial foreclosure :: n. a judgment by a court in favor of foreclosure o ... deed of trust foreclosure mortgage
good title :: n. ownership of real property which is totally fre ... or deed of trust on the property).
insurance :: n. a contract (insurance policy) in which the insu ... t clause Workers' Compensation Acts
indenture :: n. a type of real property deed in which two parti ... bind a person to work for another.
hostile possession :: n. occupancy of a piece of real property coupled w ... verse possession quiet title action
grantee :: n. the party who receives title to real property ( ... or quitclaim deed. See also: grant
holding :: 1) n. any ruling or decision of a court. 2) n. any ... 4) v. keeping in one's possession.
implied warranty :: n. an assumption at law that products are "merchan ... er. See also: caveat emptor implied
in fee simple :: adj. referring to holding clear title to real prop ... property. See also: fee fee simple
indefeasible :: adj. cannot be altered or voided, usually in refer ... ce to an interest in real property.
in kind :: adj. referring to payment, distribution or substit ... . See also: distribution trust will
jurat :: (jur-at) n. Latin for "been sworn," the portion of ... wledgment declaration notary public
jurisdiction :: n. the authority given by law to a court to try ca ... Superior Court Supreme Court venue
lease :: 1) n. a written agreement in which the owner of pr ... triple net lease unlawful detainer
landlord :: n. a person who owns real property and rents or le ... so: lease lessee lessor rent tenant
landlocked :: adj. referring to a parcel of real property which ... which it was created (carved out).
grantor :: n. the party who transfers title in real property ... or quitclaim deed. See also: grant
lessor :: n. the owner of real property who rents it to a le ... lord and tenant lease lessee tenant
fixture :: n. a piece of equipment which has been attached to ... ary repair. See also: trade fixture
let :: v. 1) to allow or permit. This is distinguished fr ... rson. See also: lease rent sublease
landlady :: n. female of landlord or owner of real property fr ... rents or leases. See also: landlord
land :: n. real property, real estate (and all that grows ... See also: real estate real property
fraudulent conveyance :: n. the transfer (conveyance) of title to real prop ... the conveyance will probably fail.
partition :: n. a lawsuit which one co-owner of real property c ... sell, keep or divide the property.
free and clear :: adj. referring to the ownership of real property u ... the title has no claim against it.
laches :: n. the legal doctrine that a legal right or claim ... , breach of contract, fraud, etc.).
fraud in the inducement :: n. the use of deceit or trick to cause someone to ... nt. See also: extrinsic fraud fraud
foreclosure :: n. the system by which a party who has loaned mone ... ced sale mortgage notice of default
foreclosure sale :: n. the actual forced sale of real property at a pu ... dicial sale mortgage sheriff's sale
leverage :: 1) n. the use of borrowed money to purchase real e ... e been created by risky leveraging.
reentry :: n. taking back possession and going into real prop ... ages. See also: landlord and tenant
take :: v. to gain or obtain possession, including the rec ... eal property or stealing an object.
syndicate :: n. a joint venture among individuals and/or corpor ... l dissolve. See also: joint venture
survivorship :: n. the right to receive full title or ownership du ... onvenience. See also: joint tenancy
tax :: n. a governmental assessment (charge) upon propert ... unified estate and gift tax use tax
tenancy :: n. the right to occupy real property permanently, ... rety tenancy in common tenant title
tenement :: n. 1) a term found in older deeds or in boiler-pla ... d by stairways. See also: structure
tenant :: n. a person who occupies real property owned by an ... rental payments. See also: tenancy
tenancy at will :: n. occupation of real property owned by another un ... right to occupy. See also: tenancy
surrender :: v. 1) to turn over possession of real property, ei ... lf up to law enforcement officials.
substantial performance :: n. in the law of contracts, fulfillment of the obl ... also: contract specific performance
springing interest :: n. a future right to title to real property create ... lso: future interest interest title
servient estate :: n. real property which has an easement or other us ... See also: dominant estate easement
service by publication :: n. serving a summons or other legal document in a ... perty. See also: service of process
statute of frauds :: n. law in every state which requires that certain ... ulent title claims. See also: fraud
straw man :: n. 1) a person to whom title to property or a busi ... a trail will mislead hunting dogs).
subject to :: adj. referring to the acquisition of title to real ... : assumption deed of trust mortgage
subcontractor :: n. a person or business which has a contract (as a ... ependent contractor mechanic's lien
tenure :: n. 1) in real property, the right to possess the p ... e a probationary period has passed.
title insurance :: n. a policy issued by an insurance company guarant ... : chain of title title title search
vested remainder :: n. the absolute right to receive title after a pre ... pass to him. See also: vest vested
vest :: v. to give an absolute right to title or ownership ... . See also: vested vested remainder
vendor :: n. a seller, particularly of real property. ... ler, particularly of real property.
warrant :: 1) n. an order (writ) of a court which directs a l ... e search and seizure search warrant
warranty deed :: n. a deed to real property which guarantees that t ... : grant deed quitclaim deed warrant
incorporeal :: adj. referring to a thing which is not physical, s ... his is distinguished from tangible.
waste :: n. 1) any damage to real property by a tenant whic ... ch may include poisonous effluents.
vendee :: n. a buyer, particularly of real property. ... yer, particularly of real property.
unlawful detainer :: n. 1) keeping possession of real property without ... Thirty-day notice three-day notice
tort :: n. from French for "wrong," a civil wrong or wrong ... nce slander trespass wrongful death
title search :: n. the examination of county records for the prope ... e escrow lien title title insurance
title report :: n. the written analysis of the status of title to ... lso: abstract title title insurance
trespass :: n. entering another person's property without perm ... for an illegal purpose is a crime.
triple net lease :: n. a lease in which the lessee's (tenant's) rent i ... ers and malls. See also: lease rent
undivided interest :: n. title to real property held by two or more pers ... y by the entirety tenancy in common
unconstitutional :: adj. referring to a statute, governmental conduct, ... ee also: constitution Supreme Court
self-dealing :: n. in the stock market, using secret "inside" info ... ederal Securities and Exchange Act.
seisin :: (sees-in) n. an old feudal term for having both po ... perty). See also: fee simple seized
quiet title action :: n. a lawsuit to establish a party's title to real ... opposition. See also: notice title
acknowledgment :: n. the section at the end of a document where a no ... me leases and various other papers.
puffing :: n. the exaggeration of the good points of a produc ... seller is possible. See also: fraud
quitclaim deed :: n. a real property deed which transfers (conveys) ... also: convey deed grant deed title
reconveyance :: n. in those states which use deeds of trust as a m ... conveyance. See also: deed of trust
redeem :: v. to buy back, as when an owner who had mortgaged ... so: foreclosure mortgage redemption
record :: 1) v. (ree-cored) to put a document into the offic ... eeding race to the courthouse trial
proprietary rights :: n. those rights which go with ownership of real pr ... hip of real property or a business.
probate :: 1) n. the process of proving a will is valid and t ... e also: administrator executor will
possibility of a reverter :: n. the potential that the title to a real property ... further issue. See also: reversion
possessory interest :: n. in real estate, the intent and right of a perso ... o: possess possession real property
perfect :: : (with stress on the second syllable) v. 1) to co ... perfect. See also: mechanic's lien
post :: v. 1) to place a notice on the entrance or a promi ... or recording a payment. 4) to mail.
prescription :: n. the method of acquiring an easement upon anothe ... ty. See also: prescriptive easement
privity :: n. contact, connection or mutual interest between ... with the seller. See also: contract
prescriptive easement :: n. an easement upon another's real property acquir ... on. See also: easement prescription
executory interest :: n. an interest in property (particularly real esta ... or never, if certain events occur.
release :: 1) v. to give up a right as releasing one from his ... the writing that grants a release.
running with the land :: adj. permanently part of the title (ownership) to ... title (ownership) to real property.
rule against perpetuities :: n. the legal prohibition against tying up property ... . See also: restraint on alienation
reversion :: n. in real property, the return to the grantor or ... lled "reverter." See also: reverter
satisfaction of judgment :: n. a document signed by a judgment creditor (the p ... ord. See also: abstract of judgment
satisfaction of mortgage :: n. a document signed by a lender acknowledging tha ... id off the debt. See also: mortgage
search :: v. 1) to examine another's premises (including a v ... e search and seizure search warrant
savings and loan :: n. a banking and lending institution, chartered ei ... vings into the home finance market.
restrictive covenant :: n. 1) an agreement included in a deed to real prop ... o: covenant that runs with the land
restriction :: n. any limitation on activity, by statute, regulat ... rated into the title of each owner.
remainderman :: n. the person who will receive a remainder in real ... real property. See also: remainder
remainder :: n. in real property law, the interest in real prop ... ed reversion title vested remainder
reliction :: n. gradual change of water line on real property w ... more dry land. See also: accretion
rent :: 1) v. to hire an object or real property for a per ... ice. See also: lease month-to-month
rental value :: n. the amount which would be paid for rental of si ... alimony to be paid. See also: rent
restraint on alienation :: n. an attempt in a deed or will to prevent the sal ... enant rule against perpetuities use
reserve :: v. to keep for oneself a right or a portion of the ... e to another. See also: reservation
peaceable possession :: n. in real estate, holding property without any ad ... to possession or title by another.
improvement :: n. any permanent structure on real property, or an ... g trees) which increases its value.
amortization :: n. a periodic payment plan to pay a debt in which ... payment. See also: promissory note
alienation :: n. the transfer of title to real property, volunta ... such as a mortgage. See also: alien
ancillary administration :: n. administration of an estate's assets in another ... or "subordinate." See also: probate
appraise :: v. to professionally evaluate the value of propert ... surance claims. See also: appraiser
appraiser :: n. a professional who makes appraisals of the valu ... isal Institute). See also: appraise
adverse possession :: n. a means to acquire title to land through obviou ... o: possession prescriptive easement
adverse :: adj. clearly contrary, such as an adverse party be ... the property, such as an easement.
access :: n. 1) in real estate the right and ability to get ... See also: DNA egress paternity suit
acceleration clause :: n. a provision in a contract or promissory note th ... . See also: acceleration assumption
ad valorem :: adj. Latin for "based on value," which applies to ... per parcel. See also: property tax
addendum :: n. an addition to a completed written document. Mo ... proposals or included fraudulently.
administrator :: n. the person appointed by the court to handle the ... e also: administer executor probate
appreciate :: v. to increase in value over a period of time thro ... securities. See also: appreciation
appurtenant :: adj. pertaining to something that attaches. In rea ... t. See also: easement real property
capital gains :: n. the difference between the sales price and the ... so: basis delayed exchange exchange
breach of warranty :: n. determination that a statement as to title of p ... See also: implied warranty warranty
chain of title :: n. the succession of title ownership to real prope ... title conveyance foreclosure title
clear title :: n. holding ownership of real property without any ... s which might affect the ownership.
private property :: n. land not owned by the government or dedicated t ... ernment or dedicated to public use.
basis :: n. the original cost of an asset to be used to det ... ssistance. See also: adjusted basis
bar :: 1) n. collectively all attorneys, as "the bar," wh ... a room, building, or real property.
assess :: v. to set a value on property, usually for the pur ... e place upon sale of real property.
arm's length :: adj. the description of an agreement made by two p ... th" transaction. See also: contract
assign :: 1) v. to transfer to another person any asset such ... en shows up in contracts and wills.
assignee :: n. a person to whom property is transferred by sal ... rly real property. See also: assign
attached :: adj. 1) referring to two buildings which are conne ... o: attachment fixture trade fixture
abut :: v. when two parcels of real property touch each ot ... of real property touch each other.
abstract of title :: n. the written report on a title search which show ... e also: chain of title title report
chattel mortgage :: n. an outmoded written document which made a chatt ... ed by the property. See also: UCC-1
limited partnership :: n. a special type of partnership which is very com ... mited liability partner partnership
notice to quit :: n. the notice given by a landlord (owner) to a ten ... h-to-month notice unlawful detainer
pawn :: v. to pledge an item of personal property as secur ... nsed by the state. See also: pledge
bequest :: n. the gift of personal property under the terms o ... e been made). See also: legacy will
conflict of interest :: n. a situation in which a person has a duty to mor ... a position adverse to the customer.
landlord's lien :: n. the right of a landlord to sell abandoned perso ... to the ex-tenant and a public sale.
dowry :: n. from the days when a groom expected to profit f ... sts in the Civil Code of Louisiana.
executive clemency :: n. the power of a President in federal criminal ca ... ernor. See also: commutation pardon
hotchpot :: n. the putting together, blending or mixing of var ... t in the hotchpot and then divided.
injunction :: n. a writ (order) issued by a court ordering someo ... t. See also: injunctive relief writ
insolvency :: n. 1) the condition of having more debts (liabilit ... the property. See also: bankruptcy
pledge :: v. to deposit personal property as security for a ... ise to do something. See also: pawn
quasi in rem :: adj. referring to a legal action which is primaril ... See also: in personam in rem quasi
execution :: n. 1) the act of getting an officer of the court t ... so: death penalty writ of execution
Uniform Commercial Code :: n. a set of statutes governing the conduct of busi ... s except Louisiana. See also: UCC-1
abeyance :: 1) n. when the owner- ship of property has not bee ... 2) legal jargon for "undetermined."
abstract :: n. in general, a summary of a record or document, ... tract of judgment abstract of title
abstract of judgment :: n. a written summary of a judgment which states ho ... aying the debt. See also: levy lien
UCC-1 :: n. a financing agreement form for using personal p ... (UCC) adopted in almost all states.
theft :: n. the generic term for all crimes in which a pers ... rglary embezzlement larceny robbery
self-defense :: n. the use of reasonable force to protect oneself ... ndalism. See also: assault homicide
bad debt :: n. an uncollectible debt. The problem is to determ ... ust no income on which to be taxed.
intangible property :: n. items such as stock in a company which represen ... t are not actual, tangible objects.
statute of limitations :: n. a law which sets the maximum period which one c ... ies. See also: demurrer laches toll
cloud on title (cloud) :: n. an actual or apparent outstanding claim on the ... ion reconveyance title title report
assume :: v. to take over the liability for a debt on a prom ... he assumption. See also: assumption
determinable :: adj. defining something which may be terminated up ... es or no longer lives in the house.
demise :: 1) v. an old-fashioned expression meaning to lease ... r life. 3) n. death. 4) n. failure.
devolution :: n. 1) the transfer of title to real property by th ... nment to another. See also: devolve
dispossess :: v. to eject someone from real property, either leg ... ty, either legally or by self-help.
dominant estate :: n. in real estate law, the property retained when ... See also: easement servient estate
deficiency judgment :: n. a judgment for an amount not covered by the val ... o: foreclosure judicial foreclosure
defective title :: n. an apparent title to real property which fails ... so: chain of title defect defective
cotenant :: n. one who holds an interest in real property toge ... or more others. See also: cotenancy
cotenancy :: n. the situation when more than one person has an ... y by the entirety tenancy in common
covenant :: 1) n. a promise in a written contract or a deed of ... o compete deed restrictive covenant
dedication :: n. the giving of land by a private person or entit ... perty. See also: quiet title action
deed :: 1) n. the written document which transfers title ( ... veyance deed of trust warranty deed
easement :: n. the right to use the real property of another f ... rstandings at the time of creation.
ejectment :: n. a lawsuit brought to remove a party who is occu ... o the property through her parents.
eviction :: n. a generic word for the act of expelling (kickin ... ve eviction lease unlawful detainer
estate :: n. 1) all that one owns in real estate and other a ... ife estate probate real estate will
exception in deed :: n. a notation in a deed of title to real property ... the transfer (conveyance) of title.
exchange :: 1) v. to trade or barter property, goods and/or se ... ins tax. See also: delayed exchange
excise :: n. a tax upon manufacture, sale or for a business ... s redundantly called an excise tax.
escrow agent :: n. a person or entity holding documents and funds ... on local practice. See also: escrow
escrow :: 1) n. a form of account held by an "escrow agent" ... w the deal." See also: escrow agent
encroach :: v. to build a structure which is in whole or in pa ... wn property. See also: encroachment
eminent domain :: n. the power of a governmental entity (federal, st ... ngs. See also: condemn condemnation
encumbrance :: (incumbrance)n. a general term for any claim or li ... and must be paid for at some point.
equity :: n. 1) a venerable group of rights and procedures t ... ry enjoin equitable injunction writ
equity of redemption :: n. the right of a mortgagor (person owing on a loa ... so: foreclosure mortgage redemption
conveyance :: n. a generic term for any written document which t ... r Recorder of Deeds. See also: deed
deed of trust :: n. a document which pledges real property to secur ... : foreclosure mortgage reconveyance
contingent interest :: n. an interest in real property which, according t ... ontingent remainder future interest
condominium :: n. title to a unit of real property which, in real ... ium projects. See also: common area
condition precedent :: n. 1) in a contract, an event which must take plac ... o the property. See also: condition
convey :: v. to transfer title (official ownership) to real ... ion conveyance deed grantee grantor
continuing trespass :: n. the repeat-ed unauthorized use of anoth- er's r ... l illegal entry. See also: trespass
condition subsequent :: n. 1) in a contract, a happening which terminates ... Dad Fauntleroy. See also: condition
contingent remainder :: n. an interest, particularly in real estate proper ... contingent interest future interest
drop dead date :: n. a provision in a contract or a court order whic ... ng property or entering a judgment.
lessee :: n. the person renting property under a written lea ... lord and tenant lease lessor tenant
driving under the influence (DUI) :: n. commonly called "drunk driving," it refers to o ... (DWI), drunk driving, or a "deuce".
writ of attachment :: n. a court order directing a sheriff (or other law ... hat defendant. See also: attachment
expense :: n. in business accounting and business taxation, a ... ment. See also: capital expenditure
fraud :: n. the intentional use of deceit, a trick or some ... audulent conveyance intrinsic fraud
levy :: 1) v. to seize (take) property upon a writ of exec ... heriff's sale tax writ of execution
due process of law :: n. a fundamental principle of fairness in all lega ... procedural and substantive rights.
just compensation :: n. 1) in general a fair and reasonable amount of m ... ation make one whole quantum meruit
exemplary damages :: n. often called punitive damages, these are damage ... See also: damages punitive damages
gift :: n. the voluntary transfer of property (including m ... ift tax unified estate and gift tax
landlord and tenant :: n. the name for the area of law concerning renting ... ord lease lessee lessor rent tenant
latent defect :: n. a hidden flaw, weakness or imperfection in an a ... warranty product liability warranty
franchise :: 1) n. a right granted by the government to a perso ... on property, income or profits tax.
fruit of the poisonous tree :: n. in criminal law, the doctrine that evidence dis ... property. See also: Miranda warning
legal separation :: n. a court-decreed right to live apart, with the r ... n is rarely used. See also: divorce
forfeit :: v. to lose property or rights involuntarily as a p ... drunk driving. See also: forfeiture
unjust enrichment :: n. a benefit by chance, mistake or another's misfo ... perty. See also: constructive trust
divorce :: 1) n. the termination of a marriage by legal actio ... y separate property spousal support
variance :: n. 1) an exception to a zoning ordinance, authoriz ... process." See also: dismissal proof
misappropriation :: n. the intentional, illegal use of the property or ... mbezzlement fiduciary larceny theft
trustee :: n. a person or entity who holds the assets (corpus ... es. See also: settlor trust trustor
extortion :: n. obtaining money or property by threat to a vict ... . See also: blackmail robbery theft
extreme cruelty :: n. an archaic requirement to show infliction of ph ... ring the suffering spouse (victim).
double taxation :: n. taxation of the same property for the same purp ... it is not discriminatory or unfair.
marital deduction :: n. an estate tax deduction allowed a surviving spo ... community property estate tax trust
willfully :: adv. referring to doing something intentionally, p ... on the property." See also: willful
embezzlement :: n. the crime of stealing the funds or property of ... in trust. See also: embezzler theft
lienor :: n. a person who holds a lien on another's property ... s property or funds. See also: lien
widow's election :: n. the choice a widow makes between accepting what ... nt and distribution succession will
floating easement :: n. an easement (a right to use another's property ... of the easement. See also: easement
wanton :: adj. 1) grossly negligent to the extent of being r ... sexually immoral and unrestrained.
false pretenses :: n. the crime of knowingly making untrue statements ... orm of theft. See also: fraud theft
forfeiture :: n. loss of property due to a violation of law. See ... violation of law. See also: forfeit
investment :: n. the money put into use for profit, or the prope ... chased for profit. See also: invest
in personam :: adj. (in purr-soh-nam) from Latin for "directed to ... here. See also: in rem jurisdiction
in lieu :: prep. instead. "In lieu taxes" are use taxes paid ... go through the foreclosure process.
impound :: v. 1) to collect funds, in addition to installment ... cases. See also: forfeit forfeiture
equitable lien :: n. a lien on property imposed by a court in order ... lso: constructive trust equity lien
in rem :: adj. from Latin "against or about a thing," referr ... cular person. See also: in personam
incidental beneficiary :: n. someone who obtains a benefit as the result of ... parent. See also: beneficiary trust
enjoyment :: n. 1) to exercise a right. 2) pleasure. 3) the use ... o be free of noise or interference.
inchoate :: adj. or adv. referring to something which has begu ... ract which has not been formalized.
hypothecate :: v. from Greek for "pledge," a generic term for usi ... sion. See also: secured transaction
homestead :: 1) n. the house and lot of a homeowner which the h ... s in "he homesteaded the property."
mitigation of damages :: n. the requirement that someone injured by another ... he lease) to mitigate his/her loss.
hit and run :: n. the crime of a driver of a vehicle who is invol ... , and then walks back to the scene.
hereditament :: n. any kind of property which can be inherited. Th ... till found in some wills and deeds.
exclusionary rule :: n. the rule that evidence secured by illegal means ... e poisonous tree motion to suppress
holder :: n. a general term for anyone in possession of prop ... older in due course promissory note
escheat :: n. from old French eschete, which meant "that whic ... the death of the last known owner.
et ux. :: (et uhks) n. abbreviation for the Latin words et u ... ression a chauvinistic anachronism.
indispensable party :: n. a person or entity which must be included in a ... tion to join Olivia as a defendant.
heirs of the body :: n. descendants of one's bloodline, such as childre ... nal owner. See also: heir reversion
intestacy :: n. the condition of having died without a valid wi ... e. See also: intestate probate will
emblements :: n. crops to which a tenant who cultivated the land ... ome the property of his/her estate.
grandfathered in :: adj. refers to continued allowed use of property a ... or zoning ordinances were adopted.
grandfather clause :: n. 1) a clause in a statute or zoning ordinance (p ... Such laws are now unconstitutional.
embezzler :: n. a person who commits the crime of embezzlement ... r property of an employer or trust.
invitee :: n. a person who comes onto another's property, pre ... ail employees. See also: negligence
invest :: v. to put money into a business or buy property or ... mplete gamble. See also: investment
grand larceny :: n. the crime of theft of another's property (inclu ... f the loot. See also: larceny theft
inter vivos trust :: n. a trust created by a writing (declaration of tr ... nter vivos testamentary trust trust
emergency :: n. a sudden, unforeseen happening which requires a ... r to protect lives and/or property.
ingress :: 1) n. entrance. 2) n. the right to enter. 3) v. th ... property. See also: easement egress
encroachment :: n. the act of building a structure which is in who ... hbor's property. See also: encroach
heir :: n. one who acquires property upon the death of ano ... y pretermitted heir succession will
expropriation :: n. a taking of property or rights by governmental ... the taker. See also: eminent domain
inter vivos :: (in-tur veye-vohs) adj. Latin for "among the livin ... e will. See also: inter vivos trust
gross negligence :: n. carelessness which is in reckless disregard for ... damages negligence punitive damages
execute :: v. 1) to finish, complete or perform as required, ... ishment contract executed execution
joint :: adj., adv. referring to property, rights or obliga ... ncy joint venture tenancy in common
security interest :: n. generic term for the property rights of a lende ... : deed of trust lien mortgage UCC-1
repossess :: v. to take back property through judicial processe ... upon default in required payments.
rescue doctrine :: n. the rule of law that if a rescuer of a person h ... to the car grill. See also: damages
reservation :: n. a provision in a deed which keeps (reserves) to ... reserves lot 5." See also: reserve
remedy :: n. the means to achieve justice in any matter in w ... gment provisional remedy settlement
possession :: n. 1) any article, object, asset or property which ... ctive possession. See also: possess
power of appointment :: n. the right to leave property by will, transfer, ... death of the person with the power.
relief :: n. generic term for all types of benefits which an ... r possibilities. See also: judgment
pour over will :: n. a will of a person who has already executed a t ... invalid trust. See also: trust will
Restatement of the Law :: n. a series of detailed statements of the basic la ... tracts, property, torts and trusts.
restitution :: n. 1) returning to the proper owner property or th ... her a shorter sentence than normal.
right of way :: n. 1) a pathway or road with a specific descriptio ... s easement egress floating easement
riot :: n. 1) technically a turbulent and violent disturba ... to unlawful possession of firearms.
penalty :: n. 1) in criminal law, a money fine or forfeiture ... contractor fails to complete a job.
retroactive :: adj. referring to a court's decision or a statute ... ospective." See also: ex post facto
resulting trust :: n. a trust implied by law (as determined by a cour ... See also: constructive trust trust
petty larceny :: n. a term used in many states for theft of a small ... emeanor in charging and sentencing.
perfected :: adj. having completed all necessary legal steps to ... itle to property. See also: perfect
restraining order :: n. a temporary order of a court to keep conditions ... so: injunction permanent injunction
prenuptial agreement :: n. also called an antenuptial agreement, a written ... been "taken" by a previous spouse.
redemption :: n. the act of redeeming, buying back property by p ... ts of foreclosure. See also: redeem
probable cause :: n. sufficient reason based upon known facts to bel ... of Rights search search and seizure
pro rata :: (proh rat-ah or proh ray-tah) adj. from Latin for ... e year in which he/she holds title.
privileges and immunities :: n. the fundamental rights that people enjoy in fre ... t impinge on constitutional rights.
public use :: n. the only purpose for which private property can ... e also: condemnation eminent domain
proper party :: n. a person or entity who has an interest (financi ... lf. See also: necessary party party
public easement :: n. the right of the general public to use certain ... lso: easement prescriptive easement
public :: 1) n. the people of the nation, state, county, dis ... lands and public and private roads.
protest :: 1) v. to complain in some public way about any act ... dishonored (not paid by the bank).
disclaimer :: n. 1) denial or renunciation by someone of his/her ... ssolving a partnership or business.
private road :: n. a road or driveway on privately owned property, ... ng. See also: prescriptive easement
primogeniture :: n. from Latin for "first born," the ancient rule f ... oes not exist in the United States.
recoverable :: adj. referring to the amount of money to which a p ... ehicle." See also: damages judgment
recovery :: n. the amount of money and any other right or prop ... ceived by a plaintiff in a lawsuit.
receivership :: n. the process of appointment by a court of a rece ... n receivership." See also: receiver
receiver :: n. 1) a neutral person (often a professional trust ... owing they were obtained illegally.
ratable :: adj. taxable according to value, such as an estate ... lue, such as an estate or property.
recapture :: n. in income tax, the requirement that upon sale o ... capital gains. See also: income tax
private nuisance :: n. the interference with an individual's peaceful ... See also: nuisance public nuisance
peculation :: n. misappropriation of public (government) funds o ... roperty. See also: misappropriation
patent defect :: n. an obvious flaw in a product or a document (suc ... he property description in a deed).
spot zoning :: n. a provision in a general plan which benefits a ... . See also: grandfathered in zoning
negligence :: n. failure to exercise the care toward others whic ... gence per se res ipsa loquitur tort
stakeholder :: n. a person having in his/her possession (holding) ... ment or agreement. See also: escrow
no fault divorce :: n. divorces (dissolutions) in which neither spouse ... and South Dakota. See also: divorce
specific legacy :: n. a gift in a will of a certain article or proper ... ecific bequest specific devise will
sheriff's sale :: n. an auction sale of property held by the sheriff ... so: execution forced sale levy writ
special damages :: n. damages claimed and/or awarded in a lawsuit whi ... . See also: damages general damages
special master :: n. a person appointed by the court to carry out an ... ting to the judge. See also: master
subordination :: n. allowing a debt or claim which has priority to ... . See also: subordination agreement
subordination agreement :: n. a written contract in which a lender who has se ... ty records. See also: subordination
trader :: in U.S. income tax law, a person who deals in prop ... ultation with a C.P.A. or attorney.
transfer :: n. 1) the movement of property from one person or ... son or shipment to continue travel.
transfer in contemplation of death :: n. giving property under the belief of the giver t ... lso: gift in contemplation of death
tenancy by the entirety :: n. joint ownership of title by husband and wife, i ... ee also: community property tenancy
tax sale :: n. an auction sale of a taxpayer's property conduc ... government to collect unpaid taxes.
succession :: n. the statutory rules of inheritance of a dead pe ... istribution." See also: inheritance
survivor :: n. a person who outlives another, as in "to my son ... are alive they are both survivors.
swindle :: v. to cheat through trick, device, false statement ... orm of theft. See also: fraud theft
separation agreement :: n. an agreement between two married people who hav ... divorce legal separation separation
senior lien :: n. the first security interest (lien or claim) pla ... rtgage race to the courthouse UCC-1
omnibus clause :: n. 1) an automobile insurance policy clause which ... he beneficiaries named in the will.
risk of loss :: n. the responsibility a carrier, borrower or user ... e is damage or loss. See also: risk
offset :: 1) n. also called a "setoff," the deduction by a d ... e also: counterclaim defense setoff
risk :: n. chances of danger or loss, particularly of prop ... so: assumption of risk risk of loss
option :: n. a right to purchase property or require another ... ng or upon expiration of the lease.
party wall :: n. a wall shared by two adjoining premises which i ... the property of one of the parties.
outbuilding :: n. a structure not connected with the primary resi ... arn, cabana, pool house or cottage.
order :: 1) n. every direction or mandate of a judge or a c ... defendant. See also: judge judgment
robbery :: n. 1) the direct taking of property (including mon ... We've been robbed." See also: theft
secured transaction :: n. any loan or credit in which property is pledged ... d of trust lien mortgage pawn UCC-1
sell :: v. to transfer possession and ownership of goods o ... of equivalent value. See also: sale
seller :: n. one who sells goods or other property to a buye ... er (purchaser). See also: sale sell
notice of default :: n. a notice to a borrower with property as securit ... notice of default. See also: notice
self-help :: n. 1) obtaining relief or enforcing one's rights w ... maximizing of one's opportunities.
self-executing :: adj. immediately effective without further action, ... party the right to try to collect.
securities :: n. generic term for shares of stock, bonds and deb ... ee also: bond debenture share stock
nuisance :: n. the unreasonable, unwarranted and/or unlawful u ... evening). See also: public nuisance
seized :: (seised) n. 1) having ownership, commonly used in ... by force. See also: seisin seizure
trust :: n. an entity created to hold assets for the benefi ... testamentary trust trustee trustor
putative :: adj. commonly believed, supposed or claimed. Thus ... not the last will of the deceased.
closing :: n. the final step in the sale and purchase of real ... company, escrow holder or attorney.
cashier's check :: n. a check issued by a bank on its own account for ... ansfers, tax payments and the like.
case system :: n. the method of studying law generally used in Am ... Langdell and soon became standard.
color of law :: n. the appearance of an act being performed based ... xtort payoffs to forget the ticket.
confidential relation :: n. a relationship in which one person has confiden ... remely obvious. See also: fiduciary
covenant that runs with the land :: n. a promise contained in a deed to land or real e ... l future owners. See also: covenant
counterfeit :: 1) adj. describing a document, particularly money, ... d for real. See also: forgery utter
contiguous :: adj. connected or "next to", usually meaning adjoi ... ng adjoining pieces of real estate.
capitalized value :: n. anticipated earnings which are discounted (give ... as favorably as expected or hoped.
bulk sales acts :: n. state laws (spelled out in the Uniform Commerci ... g without paying current creditors.
attempt :: v. and n. to actually try to commit a crime and ha ... felt he tried but did not succeed.
argumentative :: adj. the characterization of a question asked by t ... oody glove just walked over there?"
alter ego :: n. a corporation, organization or other entity set ... See also: pierce the corporate veil
attorney-in-fact :: n. someone specifically named by another through a ... cument. See also: power of attorney
bona fide :: adj. Latin for "good faith," it signifies honesty, ... t doubt on the right to hold title.
broker :: n. in general, a person who arranges contracts bet ... security ("hocked") at high rates.
bond :: n. 1) written evidence of debt issued by a company ... good up to the amount of the bond.
bona fide purchaser :: n. commonly called BFP in legal and banking circle ... See also: BFP holder in due course
culpable :: adj. sufficiently responsible for criminal acts or ... ons and thus should take the blame.
d.b.a. :: n. short for "doing business as," when a person or ... that is registered with the state.
legitimate :: adj., adv1) legal, proper, real. 2) referring to a ... 3) v. to make proper and/or legal.
joint venture :: n. an enterprise entered into by two or more peopl ... s terminated. See also: partnership
insanity :: n. mental illness of such a severe nature that a p ... M'Naughten rule temporary insanity
malpractice :: n. An act or continuing conduct of a professional ... eed. See also: errors and omissions
malum prohibitum :: (mal-uhm prohibit-uhm) adj. Latin meaning "wrong d ... lso: malum in se white collar crime
N.O.V. :: adj. shorthand acronym of Latin for non obstante v ... notwithstanding the verdict verdic
meet and confer :: n. a requirement of courts that before certain typ ... s which are freighted with emotion.
marriage :: n. the joining of a male and female in matrimony b ... of time without legal formalities.
implied consent :: n. consent when surrounding circumstances exist wh ... aybe" or "later." See also: implied
holdover tenancy :: n. the situation when a tenant of real estate cont ... to a lawsuit for unlawful detainer.
escrow instructions :: n. the written instructions by buyer and seller of ... ir agents. See also: closing escrow
election of remedies :: n. an outmoded requirement that if a plaintiff (pa ... dence has not been fully presented.
direct evidence :: n. real, tangible or clear evidence of a fact, hap ... o: circumstantial evidence evidence
felonious :: adj. referring to an act done with criminal intent ... is an attack meant to do real harm.
fictitious defendants :: n. when a party suing (plaintiff) is not sure if h ... are not permitted in federal cases.
highway :: n. any public street, road, turnpike or canal whic ... rivilege and not an absolute right.
full disclosure :: n. the need in business transactions to tell the " ... icant fact. See also: caveat emptor
friendly suit :: n. a lawsuit filed in order to obtain a court orde ... eement in which there was an error.
affix :: v. 1) to attach something to real estate in a perm ... al, as affix a signature or a seal.
adjuster :: n. an employee (usually a non-lawyer) of an insura ... e company in approving settlements.
harassment :: (either harris-meant or huh-rass-meant) n. the act ... See also: harass sexual harassment
file :: 1) v. to deposit with the clerk of the court a wri ... rrespondence and notes on the case.
fiduciary relationship :: n. where one person places complete confidence in ... handling. See also: fiduciary trust
hearsay :: n. 1) second-hand evidence in which the witness is ... t or gossip. See also: hearsay rule
information and belief :: n. a phrase often used in legal pleadings (complai ... nswer complaint declaration perjury
libel :: 1) n. to publish in print (including pictures), wr ... libel per se public figure slander
liability :: n. one of the most significant words in the field ... bility joint tortfeasors negligence
invasion of privacy :: n. the intrusion into the personal life of another ... randeis. See also: right to privacy
executive privilege :: n. a claim by the President or another high offici ... the Watergate scandal (1973-1974).
crime :: n. a violation of a law in which there is injury t ... drugs. See also: felony misdemeanor
bait and switch :: n. a dishonest sales practice in which a business ... rants the costs of a separate suit.
attorney's advertising :: n. the commercials which appear on television or c ... es to handle high volume practices.
admission against interest :: n. an admission of the truth of a fact by any pers ... earsay. See also: admission hearsay
canon law :: n. laws and regulations over ecclesiastical (churc ... nduct with no religious connection.
character witness :: n. a person who testifies in a trial on behalf of ... ases and civil cases such as fraud.
corporation :: n. an organization formed with state governmental ... ation public corporation securities
constructive notice :: n. a fiction that a person got notice even though ... personally. See also: constructive
conservatee :: n. a person whom a court has determined because of ... and the like. See also: conservator
mail box rule :: n. in contract law, making a written offer or acce ... nse in hand when the time runs out.
Massachusetts Trust :: n. a business in which the investors give manageme ... provide for eventual distribution.
wrongful death :: n. the death of a human being as the result of a w ... ual beneficiaries (family members).
voir dire :: (vwahr [with a near-silent "r"] deer) n. from Fren ... t witness jury peremptory challenge
substituted service :: n. accomplishing service (delivery) of legal docum ... ee also: service service of process
environmental law :: n. a body of state and federal statutes intended t ... imental effects on the environment.
search and seizure :: n. examination of a person's premises (residence, ... robable cause search search warrant
accretion :: n. 1) in real estate, the increase of the actual l ... cted event. See also: probate trust
abuse of discretion :: n. a polite way of saying a trial judge has made s ... partner's realistic ability to pay.
a priori assumption :: (ah-pree-ory) n. from Latin, an assumption that is ... when the reality is not so certain.
subpena duces tecum :: : (suh-pea-nah dooh-chess-take-uhm or dooh-kess-ta ... ng a court order. See also: witness
subpena :: (subpoena): (suh-pea-nah) n. an order of the court ... ubpena duces tecum subpoena witness
representative :: 1) n. an agent. 2) n. in probate law, a generic te ... of the conditions at the job site."
peremptory challenge :: n. the right of the plaintiff and the defendant in ... challenge for cause jury voir dire
non-discretionary trust :: n. a trust in which the trustee is directed to inv ... ower in the matter. See also: trust
scope of employment :: n. actions of an employee which further the busine ... ter and servant respondeat superior
service :: n. 1) paid work by another person, either by contr ... ersonal services service of process
services :: n. work performed for pay. See also: personal serv ... See also: personal services service
service of process :: n. the delivery of copies of legal documents such ... by publication substituted service
natural person :: n. a real human being, as distinguished from a cor ... ated at law as a fictitious person.
party :: n. 1) one of the participants in a lawsuit or othe ... y real party in interest respondent
cause of action :: n. the basis of a lawsuit founded on legal grounds ... property. See also: element lawsuit
carrier :: n. in general, any person or business which transp ... lso: common carrier private carrier
capitalization :: n. 1) the act of counting anticipated earnings and ... for conversion into capital assets.
civil rights :: n. those rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, ... ill of Rights civil civil liberties
claim :: 1) v. to make a demand for money, for property, or ... the government, it is lawsuit time.
condemn :: v. 1) for a public agency to determine that a buil ... condemnation action eminent domain
commingling :: n. the act of mixing the funds belonging to one pa ... rust accounts for funds of another.
coinsurance :: n. an insurance policy in which the insurance comp ... e insurance company share the risk.
capital expenditure :: n. payment by a business for basic assets such as ... y intended to improve productivity.
capital assets :: n. equipment, property, and funds owned by a busin ... . See also: capital capital account
blackmail :: n. the crime of threatening to reveal embarrassing ... e to property). See also: extortion
Bill of Rights :: n. the first ten amendments to the federal Constit ... ved to the states or to the people.
bigamy :: n. the condition of having two wives or two husban ... d to several husbands is polyandry.
booby trap :: n. a device set up to be triggered to harm or kill ... protect one's property is a crime.
breach :: 1) n. literally, a break. A breach may be a failur ... breach of trust breach of warranty
capital :: 1) n. from Latin for caput, meaning "head," the ba ... count capital assets stock in trade
burden :: n. anything that results in a restrictive load upo ... perty to reach his home (easement).
breaking and entering :: n. 1) the criminal act of entering a residence or ... above. See also: burglary trespass
condemnation :: n. the legal process by which a governmental body ... eminent domain inverse condemnation
condemnation action :: n. a lawsuit brought by a public agency to acquire ... e also: condemnation eminent domain
damages :: n. the amount of money which a plaintiff (the pers ... liquidated damages special damages
custody :: n. 1) holding property under one's control. 2) law ... inor child. See also: child custody
curtesy :: n. in old common law, the right of a surviving hus ... ommunity property dower life estate
dealer :: n. anyone who buys goods or property for the purpo ... ins taxes by buying other property.
defect :: n. an imperfection, quite often so great that the ... See also: defective defective title
devolve :: v. when property is automatically transferred from ... ory sovereign rights to run itself.
descent :: n. the rules of inheritance established by law in ... on inheritance intestate succession
delayed exchange :: n. an exchange of property to put off capital gain ... method and survived an IRS lawsuit.
cumulative sentence :: n. when a criminal defendant has been found guilty ... in a five-year term in the example.
copyright :: 1) n. the exclusive right of the author or creator ... plagiarism public domain trademark
conflict of law :: n. a situation in which both state and federal law ... y arose. See also: forum preemption
confiscate :: v. to take one's goods or property without legal r ... affic. See also: condemnation theft
conditional sale :: n. a sale of property or goods which will be compl ... ng by September 1st. See also: sale
constitutional rights :: n. rights given or reserved to the people by the U ... e also: Bill of Rights constitution
constructive trust :: n. when a person has title to property and/or take ... tence. See also: constructive trust
conversion :: n. a civil wrong (tort) in which one converts anot ... the crime of theft. See also: theft
contractor :: n. 1) a person or entity that enters into a contra ... actor mechanic's lien subcontractor
contemplation of death :: n. the anticipation of death in a relatively short ... e also: unified estate and gift tax
bifurcate :: v. the order or ruling of a judge that one issue i ... is necessary. See also: bifurcation
beneficiary :: n. a broad definition for any person or entity (li ... beneficiary third-party beneficiary
trade fixture :: n. a piece of equipment on or attached to the real ... uch damage. See also: fixture trade
statutory rape :: n. sexual intercourse with a female below the lega ... majority minority molestation rape
specific devise :: n. the gift in a will of a certain piece of real e ... ther, David." See also: devise will
undisclosed principal :: n. a person who uses an agent for his/her negotiat ... dispute. See also: agent principal
vacate :: v. 1) for a judge to set aside or annul an order o ... of real estate and cease occupancy.
zoning :: n. a system of developing a city or county plan in ... овской гарантии . will :: n. a written document which leaves the estate of t ... will and testament probate testator
warranty :: n. a written statement of good quality of merchand ... of the contract. See also: warrant
ripe :: adj. in constitutional law, referring to a law cas ... or more issues raised by the case.
reformation :: n. the correction or change of an existing documen ... neral partner sues for reformation.
power of attorney :: n. a written document signed by a person giving an ... y, as in a real estate transaction.
power of acceptance :: n. the ability to accept an offer and thus create ... ecide to accept the original offer.
possession of stolen goods :: n. the crime of possession of goods which one know ... e legal owner. See also: possession
prayer :: n. the specific request for judgment, relief and/o ... ee also: complaint default judgment
preferred stock :: n. a class of shares of stock in a corporation whi ... on stock corporation dividend stock
professional corporation :: n. a corporation formed for the purpose of conduct ... rofessionals. See also: corporation
price fixing :: n. a criminal violation of federal antitrust statu ... stributors to beat the competition.
premises :: n. 1) in real estate, land and the improvements on ... t). See also: real estate structure
abandon :: v. to intentionally and permanently give up, surre ... lso: abandoned property abandonment
abandonment :: n. the act of intentionally and permanently giving ... : abandon abandoned property patent
attachment :: n. the seizing of money or property prior to getti ... bond. See also: writ of attachment
assumption :: n. the act of taking over a debt as part of paymen ... secures that debt. See also: assume
assignment :: n. the act of transferring an interest in property ... ing with property. See also: assign
attractive nuisance doctrine :: n. a legal doctrine which makes a person negligent ... ch make negligence harder to prove.
bailment :: n. 1) the act of placing property in the custody a ... "bailment." See also: bailee bailor
beneficial use :: n. the right to enjoy the use of something (partic ... s is held by another. See also: use
bankruptcy proceedings :: n. the bankruptcy procedure is: a) filing a petiti ... ankruptcy court claim in bankruptcy
bailor :: n. a person who leaves goods in the custody of ano ... is found. See also: bailee bailment
asset :: n. generally any item of property that has monetar ... ill and rights to market a product.
as is :: adj. description of a condition in a sales contrac ... es to cancel the "as is" provision.
adequate remedy :: n. a remedy (money or performance) awarded by a co ... es it, giving cause for his arrest.
acceleration :: n. 1) speeding up the time when there is vesting ( ... See also: acceleration clause vest
abate :: v. to do away with a problem, such as a public or ... ty septic tank. See also: abatement
adultery :: n. consensual sexual relations when one of the par ... s and grist for scandal newspapers.
after-acquired title :: n. title to property acquired after the owner atte ... ed title goes automatically to Sam.
antenuptial (prenuptial) agreement :: n. a written contract between two people who are a ... ave been "taken" by a prior spouse.
alien :: 1) n. a person who is not a citizen of the country ... 3) v. to convey title to property.
diminution in value :: n. in the event of a breach of contract, the decre ... actly as specified in the contract.