Ab initio is a Latin term that means "from the beginning” or “from inception.” Ab initio is used to indicate that some fact existed from the start of a relevant time period. It is often used as part of the phrase “void ab initio,” meaning something - such as a marriage - was void from the beginning.
[Last reviewed in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]
Ab intestato is a Latin term meaning "by intestacy." The term refers to laws governing the succession of property after the previous owner of the property dies without a valid will.
[Last reviewed in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]
Abandon refers to the act of abandonment. A party can “abandon” in multiple fields of law and abandoning generally, though not always, involves voluntarily giving up a right.
See abandonment for more information.
[Last reviewed in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]
Abandonment is a term that applies to a variety of areas of law. These areas include family law, civil procedure, and property.
Abduction means the taking of a person against their will, generally by means of persuasion, fraud, or force. Some jurisdictions also require that the abductee (the person who is abducted) be a child or that the abductor intend to marry or harm the abductee or subject them to prostitution or trafficking.
Abortion is the voluntary termination of a pregnancy.
Absolute is used commonly in property law and in divorce law meaning final or without limitations.
Abuse is an action that intentionally causes harm or injures another person. This can refer to physical abuse, psychological abuse, mental abuse, or child abuse (see below).
Abuse is also to misuse something—e.g., abuse of process.
Access is the right to use, communicate, or approach something or someone. Some common usages of the term “access” in a legal sense include:
An accompanying relative, or immediate relative, is a family member of a person who has immigrated to the United States.
