Legal Terms Explained

Plain EnglishThe person or company starting the lawsuit.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe person or company being sued.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe person who starts a family law case (the equivalent of a plaintiff).

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe person being responded to in a family law case (the equivalent of a defendant).

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe party who asks a higher court to review and change a lower court's decision.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe party defending the lower court's decision on appeal.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe party who files a cross-complaint.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe party a cross-complaint is filed against.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA non-party who joins an existing case because they have a stake in the outcome.

Plain EnglishSomeone who is not the plaintiff or the defendant but is involved in the dispute.

Plain EnglishA person or company directly involved in the case.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA licensed lawyer who represents a party in court.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishAnother word for attorney or lawyer. Judges often address attorneys as "counsel."

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe attorney representing the other side.

Plain EnglishA second attorney working with you or your attorney on the same case.

Plain EnglishThe judicial officer assigned to your case.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA judicial officer who acts like a judge — often in family law, small claims, or traffic.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA judicial officer with limited authority — common in federal court for pretrial matters.

Plain EnglishThe courtroom officer (usually a deputy sheriff) who keeps order and handles security.

Plain EnglishThe court staff member who files documents, manages the calendar, and assists the judge in court.

Plain EnglishThe person who creates an official word-for-word transcript of court proceedings.

Plain EnglishThe judge's right-hand staff member — schedules hearings, manages the courtroom calendar.

Plain EnglishAn attorney or law student who researches legal issues and drafts opinions for a judge.

Plain EnglishA neutral person who helps both sides try to settle a case voluntarily.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA neutral person (or panel) who hears a dispute and makes a binding decision instead of a judge.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishAn adult appointed by the court to represent the interests of a minor or incompetent party in a case.

Plain EnglishA neutral expert appointed by the judge to handle a specific issue — like discovery disputes.

Plain EnglishA neutral person appointed by the court to take control of property or a business during a case.

Plain EnglishA formal proceeding in front of a judge to decide a specific issue.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe full court proceeding where evidence is presented and the case is decided.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA scheduled meeting with the judge to manage or move the case forward.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishAn early court hearing where the judge sets a trial date and case schedule.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA short check-in hearing where the judge asks where the case stands.

Plain EnglishA hearing focused on setting deadlines and the trial date.

Plain EnglishA meeting designed to help the parties resolve the case before trial.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA court-ordered settlement conference, usually close to trial.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishYour chance to speak to the judge about a motion at the hearing.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe judge calls each case on the day's calendar to confirm who is ready to proceed.

Plain EnglishThe clerk or judge calls each case to confirm attendance at the start of court.

Plain EnglishThe judge's private office, separate from the courtroom.

Plain EnglishA trial where the judge — not a jury — decides the case.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA trial where a jury decides the facts and reaches a verdict.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe very first document you file to start a lawsuit.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishSimilar to a complaint, but used in family law and certain other cases.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe defendant's formal written response to a complaint.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA claim filed by a defendant against the plaintiff, a co-defendant, or a new party.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA request asking the judge to make a specific order.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishYour written response arguing the other side's motion should be denied.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe moving party's last written word — answers the opposition.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA signed written statement of facts under penalty of perjury.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA sworn written statement signed before a notary.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA written legal argument filed with the court.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA written argument to a court explaining a party's position on the law.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA document or item attached to a filing or offered as evidence at a hearing or trial.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishAnything offered to prove or disprove a fact — documents, testimony, photos, recordings.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA document added to and incorporated into a filing.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA signed statement showing that the other side received copies of your papers.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe official court notice telling the other party they're being sued.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA court order requiring someone to appear, testify, or produce documents.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA formal document telling the other side something will happen — a hearing, a deposition, a deadline.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA written direction signed by the judge.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe court's final written decision that resolves the case.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe clerk's short record of what happened at a hearing.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe judge's draft decision posted before the hearing.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA request asking the court to officially accept certain facts or records without formal proof.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA response to a complaint arguing it is legally defective even if everything in it is true.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA request to remove specific words, paragraphs, or claims from a pleading.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA revised version of the original complaint that replaces it.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe first revised version of your complaint after the original.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe second revised version of your complaint.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishTo submit a document to the court so it becomes part of the official case record.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishTo formally deliver legal papers to another party.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishFiling court documents electronically through an approved system.

Plain EnglishThe papers are mailed to the other party.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishSomeone over 18 (not you) hands the papers directly to the other party.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishLeaving the papers with another competent adult at the party's home or workplace, then mailing a copy.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe papers are emailed or sent through the court's e-filing system.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishAn extra copy of a filing delivered directly to the judge's department.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA copy of a filed document stamped by the court clerk to show it was filed.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe amount the court charges to accept and process a filing.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA court order excusing you from paying filing fees because of low income.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA professional, registered with the county, who serves legal papers for a fee.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishCalifornia's official Proof of Service of Summons form.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishStatements a witness gives under oath at a hearing, trial, or deposition.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA person who gives testimony about what they saw, heard, or know.

Plain EnglishPreliminary facts that show why evidence is reliable and admissible.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishProving that a document or item is what you claim it is.

Plain EnglishAn out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of what was said.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishWhether the evidence has any tendency to prove or disprove a disputed fact.

Plain EnglishA fact that actually matters to the outcome of the case.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA formal challenge to a question, answer, or piece of evidence.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe judge agrees with the objection — the evidence or question is not allowed.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe judge disagrees with the objection — the evidence or question is allowed.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe court accepting a well-known or easily verified fact as true without formal proof.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe formal pre-trial process where each side requests evidence from the other.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishEarly required exchanges of basic information about witnesses, documents, and damages.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA written question one party sends to another that must be answered under oath.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishCustomized written questions you draft for your specific case.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishPre-printed standard questions on a Judicial Council form (DISC-001).

Plain EnglishA discovery request asking the other side to hand over documents or things.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA discovery request asking the other side to admit or deny specific facts.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA required, good-faith conversation between parties before filing certain motions.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA side-by-side document listing each discovery request and the response — required for most discovery motions.

Plain EnglishA court order limiting or controlling discovery to prevent abuse or protect private information.

Plain EnglishA list describing documents you withheld from production based on privilege.

Plain EnglishOut-of-court sworn questioning of a witness by attorneys, recorded by a court reporter.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA request to throw out a case (or claim) before trial.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA request to remove specific words, paragraphs, or claims from a pleading.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA request asking the judge to order the other side to answer discovery.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA request to postpone a hearing or trial date.

Plain EnglishA motion asking the judge to decide the case (or a claim) without a trial.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishLike summary judgment, but targets specific claims or issues — not the whole case.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA pretrial request to exclude certain evidence from being introduced at trial.

Plain EnglishA request to invalidate a subpoena or service of process.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA request to undo a court order, judgment, or default.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA request to make the other side comply with a settlement or court order.

Plain EnglishA request asking the judge to reconsider a prior ruling based on new facts or law.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe cover page of a motion that tells everyone the basics.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe written legal argument that supports your motion.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe day the judge will consider your motion.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishHow a judge usually addresses the lawyers (or you, if self-represented).

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe judge is announcing a factual or legal conclusion that will support the ruling.

Plain EnglishThe judge is now making a formal order. Whatever comes next is binding.

Plain EnglishThe hearing is being moved to a later date.

Plain EnglishArgument is over; the judge will issue a ruling later.

Plain EnglishThe judge is making sure something is noted in the official transcript.

Plain EnglishThe judge is calling the attorneys up to speak quietly, off-record.

Plain EnglishThe court reporter stops typing — this part won't appear in the transcript.

Plain EnglishThe court reporter is typing again — this is part of the official transcript.

Plain EnglishThe judge is telling you to bring up your next witness to testify.

Plain EnglishThe judge agrees with the objection — the evidence or question is not allowed.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe judge disagrees with the objection — the evidence or question is allowed.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe judge is giving the other side a chance to reply.

Plain EnglishThe judge is asking if either side has more to add before moving on.

Plain EnglishA legally sufficient reason for the court to take a requested action.

Plain EnglishThe judge ruled in favor of whoever filed the motion.

Plain EnglishThe judge ruled against the moving party.

Plain EnglishThe dismissal or ruling does NOT block the same claim from being filed again later.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe dismissal is final — the claim cannot be brought again.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishPermission from the court to fix and refile a pleading.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishAn attorney's signal that what they're about to say should be captured in the transcript.

Plain EnglishI'm answering or agreeing, but I'm reserving an objection or condition.

Plain EnglishI'm answering, but I'm not giving up my right to object later.

Plain EnglishObjection — the question asks the witness to guess about something they don't actually know.

Plain EnglishObjection — the question is built on a fact that hasn't been proven yet.

Plain EnglishObjection — the witness already answered that question.

Plain EnglishObjection — there's no preliminary showing of how the witness knows this.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishObjection — the question describes the evidence inaccurately.

Plain EnglishObjection — the question is really two or more questions rolled into one.

Plain EnglishObjection — the question is making an argument, not seeking information.

Plain EnglishA request to remove an answer (or part of it) from the official record.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe attorney is finished questioning this witness.

Plain EnglishAsking the judge if the witness can leave the courtroom and be released from the subpoena.

Plain EnglishThe duty to prove a disputed fact in court.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishMore likely than not — the standard in most civil cases.

Plain EnglishA higher standard — highly probable, substantially more likely than not.

Plain EnglishThe criminal standard — no other reasonable explanation.

Plain EnglishLatin for "at first sight" — enough evidence to support a claim unless rebutted.

Plain EnglishA legally sufficient reason for the court to take a requested action.

Plain EnglishA reasonable basis to believe a fact is true — common in criminal and warrant contexts.

Plain EnglishA fact that actually matters to the outcome of the case.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA real, disputed fact that a reasonable jury could decide either way.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA legal standard — how a typical, prudent person would behave in the same situation.

Plain EnglishThe legal deadline to file a lawsuit, measured from when your claim arose.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe last date by which something must be filed or served.

Plain EnglishSame as deadline — the date by which an action must be completed.

Plain EnglishAdditional time to meet a deadline, granted by agreement or court order.

Plain EnglishPostponing a hearing or trial to a later date.

Plain EnglishPausing the clock on a deadline (often the statute of limitations).

Plain EnglishEvery day, including weekends and holidays.

Plain EnglishDays the court is open — excludes weekends and judicial holidays.

Plain EnglishMonday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Plain EnglishA voluntary agreement that resolves the case without trial.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA settlement process where a neutral mediator helps the parties reach an agreement.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA private process where a neutral arbitrator makes a binding decision instead of a judge.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishBack-and-forth discussions aimed at reaching an agreement.

Plain EnglishA formal request for a specific resolution — often money — sent to the other side.

Plain EnglishA proposal to settle the dispute.

Plain EnglishA response to an offer proposing different terms.

Plain EnglishA written agreement giving up the right to sue over the released claims.

Plain EnglishA promise to keep settlement terms (or other information) private.

Plain EnglishA promise not to publicly speak negatively about the other party.

Plain EnglishThe official end of a case (or a claim) by court order.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA jury's formal decision on the issues at trial.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe court's final written decision that resolves the case.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA written direction signed by the judge.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe judgment that fully resolves all claims and parties — the trigger for appeal deadlines.

Plain EnglishAsking a higher court to review and change a lower court's decision.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe document that starts the appeal — usually due within 60 days of notice of entry of judgment.

Plain EnglishA court order pausing enforcement of a judgment or pausing the case.

Plain EnglishAn emergency order from a higher court directing a lower court or official to act (or stop acting).

Plain EnglishThe process of collecting on a judgment.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA court order requiring an employer or bank to pay part of someone's wages or account to satisfy a judgment.

Plain EnglishA summary of a judgment recorded with the county to create a lien on the debtor's real property.

Plain EnglishA filed document showing the judgment has been paid in full.

Plain EnglishEntered by the clerk when a defendant fails to respond within the deadline — a step before default judgment.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishLatin for representing yourself without a lawyer.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishSame as Pro Se — representing yourself in court.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishLatin for "in one's own person" — formal phrase for self-representation.

Plain EnglishYou are handling the case yourself without a lawyer.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishAn urgent request made to the court with minimal notice to the other side.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA fresh review — the court looks at the issue from scratch, giving no deference to the prior ruling.

Plain EnglishLatin for "a thing decided." A final judgment blocks the same claim from being relitigated.

Plain EnglishThe principle that courts follow prior precedent.

Plain EnglishLatin for "at first sight" — enough evidence to support a claim unless rebutted.

Plain EnglishA subpoena that also requires the person to bring specified documents.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe process of questioning potential jurors (or sometimes a witness) to test qualifications.

Plain EnglishA writ challenging unlawful detention or imprisonment.

Plain EnglishLatin for "friend of the court" — a non-party who files a brief to help the court decide.

Plain EnglishA private review of materials by the judge alone, outside public view.

Plain EnglishOn the court's own motion — the judge acts without either party asking.

Plain EnglishLatin for "now for then" — an order corrected to take effect as of an earlier date.

Plain EnglishThe labeled top section of every court document.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA unique ID the court clerk assigns when your case is first filed.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe name of the document you're filing.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe county where you'll file the case.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe specific courthouse within the county.

Plain EnglishThe specific courtroom (and judge) assigned to your case.

Plain EnglishAn ID number every licensed attorney has in their state bar.

Plain EnglishWho the lawyer is representing in the case.

Plain EnglishA formal written document filed with the court that states a party's claims or defenses.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishSpecial paper format many courts require for most filings.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishAn official statewide form created by the California courts.

Plain EnglishA clear, numbered list of what happened.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA legal theory that gives you a right to sue.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe list of things you want the court to order.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA signed statement, under penalty of perjury, that what's in the document is true.

Plain EnglishCalifornia's official form to start a divorce, legal separation, or annulment.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishCalifornia's official Summons form for family law cases.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishThe legal word for divorce.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA court order that divides finances and addresses custody but does NOT end the marriage.

Plain EnglishA court order saying the marriage was never legally valid.

Plain EnglishThe standard no-fault reason for divorce in California.

Plain EnglishA rare ground for divorce when a spouse cannot make decisions because of a mental condition.

Plain EnglishThe date you and your spouse decided the marriage was over (and at least one of you acted on it).

Plain EnglishChildren under age 18 (or 19 if still in high school) of the relationship.

Plain EnglishBefore filing for divorce in California, at least one spouse must have lived in California for 6 months AND in the filing county for 3 months.

Plain EnglishStandard orders that take effect the moment the Family Law Summons is served.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishCalifornia's expedited eviction lawsuit.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA simplified court for cases up to $12,500 (individuals) or $6,250 (entities).

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.

Plain EnglishA civil court order protecting someone from abuse by a close family or household member.

Tap to see when you'll see it, why it matters, and what to do.