Legal Glossary

A tax form showing income from sources other than employment, such as self-employment, interest, dividends, or contract ...

A tax-advantaged retirement savings plan offered by employers. Contributions are made pre-tax, and accounts are often di...

When a tenant leaves the property without notice and stops paying rent, indicating they have given up their tenancy. Lan...

LEGAL: When a tenant leaves the property without notice and stops paying rent, indicating they have given up their tenan...

The constitutional right to have meaningful access to the court system, including the right to file lawsuits and have ca...

Whether evidence can be introduced in court. Evidence must be relevant, not hearsay (or fall under an exception), and no...

A statement by a party that can be used against them as evidence. Admissions are not considered hearsay and are always a...

The legal process of permanently transferring parental rights and responsibilities from biological parents to adoptive p...

A written statement of facts made under oath and signed before a notary public or court officer. Affidavits are used as ...

LEGAL: A defense that doesn't deny the allegations but provides a legal reason why the plaintiff shouldn't win. In evict...

Also known as spousal support or maintenance, this is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after divorce or...

Methods of resolving disputes outside of court, including mediation, arbitration, and negotiation. Often faster and less...

A legal declaration that a marriage never legally existed, as opposed to divorce which ends a valid marriage. Grounds in...

The defendant's formal response to a complaint, admitting or denying the allegations and stating any defenses....

LEGAL: A written response to a complaint filed by the defendant, admitting or denying the allegations and asserting any ...

A request to a higher court to review and potentially reverse a lower court's decision. Appeals must be based on legal e...

Money paid with a rental application, which may be refundable if the application is rejected or applied toward the secur...

A fee charged by landlords to process rental applications. Application fees are typically non-refundable and cover costs...

A professional assessment of the value of property, typically real estate, performed by a licensed appraiser. Used in pr...

An alternative dispute resolution process where a neutral third party (arbitrator) hears both sides and makes a binding ...