Creditor’s claim (sometimes referred to as a proof of claim) is a filing with a bankruptcy or probate court to establish a debt owed to that individual or organization. The claim usually gives specific details of the debt, how it came about, and includes evidence of the debt, but the contents will vary based on the jurisdiction and context.
Criminal conversation is a common law tort that allows a spouse to sue a third party for engaging in sexual intercourse with their spouse; it is the civil claim for adultery.
Custody refers to the condition of having physical control over, or the legal right to control, a person or property. Possession of custody generally carries corresponding duties to safeguard and care for the person or property in one’s charge.
Decedent is a term that is generally used in the law governing estates and trusts, in reference to a person who has died. Decedents have rights that continue after their death and the authority to take certain actions/make certain decisions through third-party representatives. The assets of a decedent are known as the decedent’s estate.
The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was a federal law passed by the 104th United States Congress intended to define and protect the institution of marriage. This law specifically defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman which allowed individual
Definite beneficiaries are a requirement of a valid trust, along with settlor capacity and intent, trust property, a valid trust purpose, and duties that the trustee must perform. This means th
Dependent has multiple legal meanings. Generally, “dependent” refers to an individual who relies on support from another individual and usually cannot exist or sustain themselves independently without the aid or support of someone else. Basically, it is an individual who needs support and their support is contingent from the help of another individual. The dependent individual is sustained by the other individual.
Dependents benefits are social security proceeds which may be received by those who rely on the primary recipient’s income. Dependents benefits often take the form of survivor benefits, although in some circumstances dependents may receive benefits while the recipient still lives.
A descendant is a person born in a direct biological line. For example, a person's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are their descendants. In legal writing, the term "descendant" can have multiple meanings, including those who have been adopted as well as those who are descendants through lineal consanguinity.
