Court and collection terms in plain English
Use the glossary to understand words that appear in summonses, complaints, answers, judgments, settlement agreements, garnishment notices, bank levies, and debt-collector communications.
Affirmative Defense
A defense that may need to be raised in the answer or by motion under local rules.
Read definitionAnswer
A formal response to a complaint, often admitting, denying, or stating lack of knowledge about allegations.
Read definitionArbitration Clause
Contract language that may require disputes to be handled outside court, depending on enforceability and timing.
Read definitionBank Levy
A collection action that may freeze or seize funds from a bank account under a judgment or order.
Read definitionChain Of Title
Documents connecting the current plaintiff or collector to the original account owner.
Read definitionComplaint
The document that lists the plaintiff's allegations and requested relief.
Read definitionConsent Judgment
A judgment entered by agreement, which can have collection consequences if payments are missed.
Read definitionDebt Buyer
A company that purchases debts and may collect or sue in its own name.
Read definitionDefault Judgment
A judgment entered after a defendant fails to respond or appear as required.
Read definitionDiscovery
A process for requesting information or documents in a lawsuit.
Read definitionDismissal With Prejudice
A dismissal that generally ends the claim in that case more permanently.
Read definitionDismissal Without Prejudice
A dismissal that may allow a case to be refiled under some circumstances.
Read definitionExemption
A legal protection that may shield certain income or property from collection if properly claimed.
Read definitionGarnishment
A collection process that may withhold part of wages or other payments after legal requirements are met.
Read definitionJudgment Creditor
A party that has a court judgment allowing collection steps.
Read definitionMediation
A negotiation process with a neutral facilitator, sometimes required or offered by courts.
Read definitionMotion To Vacate
A request asking the court to set aside an order or judgment under specific rules.
Read definitionSatisfaction Of Judgment
A filing or record showing a judgment has been paid or otherwise satisfied.
Read definitionService Of Process
The delivery method used to notify a person about a lawsuit.
Read definitionSettlement Agreement
A written agreement resolving a dispute, often with payment terms and dismissal language.
Read definitionStatute Of Limitations
A law setting time limits for filing certain claims.
Read definitionSummons
A court notice telling a defendant that a lawsuit has been filed and that a response may be required.
Read definitionTime-Barred Debt
Debt that may be too old for a lawsuit under an applicable limitation period, depending on state law and facts.
Read definitionValidation Notice
Information a debt collector must provide about a debt and dispute rights in many collection contexts.
Read definitionVerification
Information used to support that a debt is owed, by whom, and in what amount.
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