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...
divorce
abandon
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.
...abandonment
Abandonment is a term that applies to a variety of areas of law. These areas include matrimonial law, civil procedure, and property.
Matrimonial LawIn matrimonial law, abandonment is a form of marital misconduct which...
absolute
Absolute is used commonly in property law and in divorce law meaning final or without limitations.
Property: Absolute is used in property law to describe an estate that is free from any limitations. Only a fee simple may be...abuse
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...
access
Access is the right to use, communicate, or approach something or someone. Some common usages of the term “access” in a legal sense include:
In the context of copyright, the term “access” refers to the ability of a potential...adultery
Adultery is a form of extramarital sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who is not a party to the marriage. In a fault divorce, adultery is one of the grounds for divorce. In addition to obtaining a divorce, some states...
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...
alienation of affections
Alienation of affections is a mostly outdated law that allows a spouse to sue an individual that causes their other spouse to end their marriage. Separate from any divorce proceedings, the spouse bringing an alienation of affections suit must...
alimony
Alimony refers to the financial assistance and monetary support provided by one spouse to another after a marriage ends in divorce. Oftentimes, the receiving spouse must be unable to support themselves without the help of their ex-spouse....