An irrevocable trust created by a married couple to avoid probate and minimize federal estate tax. An AB trust is created by each spouse placing property into a trust and naming someone other than his or her spouse as the final beneficiary of...
marriage
AB Trust
Definition
Abandon
Definition
In marriage, abandonment is grounds for divorce in most states. Grounds arise when one spouse physically leaves the other with no intent on returning. Usually, the minimum time allowed to claim abandonment is one year, but it changes from...
Abandonment
See alsoAbandon
Absolute
Definitions
1) Property: Used in property law to describe an estate that is free from any limitations at all. Only a fee simple may be absolute.
2) Divorce: An absolute divorce is a final judgment of divorce that dissolves the marriage and allows...
Abuse
Definition
1) Abuse, generally: physically, sexually, or mentally injuring a person.
2) Child abuse: physically, sexually, or mentally injuring a child either with intent or through neglect.
3) Substance abuse: excessively using or misusing...
Adult
A person is considered a legal adult at the age of 18. In family law, the age a person may consent to enter into marriage may be less than 18 years, and will differ from state to state. Although 18 is the age a parent's child support obligation...
Adultery
A form of extramarital sex between a married person and a person who is not a party to the marriage. In a fault-based divorce scheme adultery is grounds for divorce. In some states, adultery may be a factor in property distribution and/or a...
Age of Consent
In family law, age of consent refers to the age one can give meaningful consent to enter into a marriage. If over the age of 18 years, meaningful consent is presumed. However the presumption may be negated if the person lacked capacity due to mental...
Age of Majority
See adult and age of consent.
Alias
Alias derives from the term “alias dictus,” which means “otherwise called.” An alias is a pseudonym, nickname, or alternative name for an individual (alternative to their legal name). The expression “John Doe, alias” or “John Doe alias” means...