| Use This | Not That | Think | Not | Do it Like | Example URL |
| Reduce | Abate, Abatement | Reduce (rent), lower amount due | Abate | Maryland | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/a7obslggo4yz8ex5fofxgvggmta63166 |
| Amount Claimed | Ad Damnum | Damages claimed in a civil lawsuit | “to the loss” | California | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/1b9vbjz1jey5ws98fty7901ky9il22sj |
| Signor | Affiant | Person who signs a sworn statement | Affiant | Maryland | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/yc1sle6ri6kme3ucauunjj5ybz3k0vxj |
| Sworn Statement | Affidavit | Sworn statement, written statement under oath | Affidavit | Michigan | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/233ogskfk3vjwg7xcz7k47xrwhzf6unb |
| Behind | Arrears | Total rent due is | Arrears | Michigan | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/dhlyt2iu92umnobit2uxo68pk5efwxeg |
| Signed | Attest; attestation | Confirm something is true, genuine or authentic | Attest | Maryland | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/e4bm1iron9e8v169bgqt6diyih7yx120 |
| Personal Property | Chattels | Anything that you own that is not movable. Not real estate. | Chattels | New York | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/dvtsws6fary7hwiierjatz5k3ssw4fm6 |
| Collecting a Judgment | Citation to Discover Assets | Find information about a person’s income, bank accounts, and property for collection | Oral Examination in Aid of Enforcement | Iowa | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/eec7lspdv1nfs64fum65sn1wo0hnkss9 |
| Postpone | Continuance, Adjournment, Stay | To put off a court hearing until another time or place, suspend, pause | Continuance, Adjournment, Stay | Oregon | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/ky7ahvj33afj15ig1kvcndh440xw6jnp |
| New Trial | De Novo | Start again from the beginning, do over | De novo | California | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/043cah9ozeb6hobfsmm96cdlu4qwsb47 |
| Person Who Died | Decedent | Someone who died, deceased person, dead person | Decedent | New York | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/ozriu7m8pccdjf4o0nlft43ri6dmvnzg |
| Share Information | Discovery | Get information from the other side; Exchange documents and information | Discovery | Nevada | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/xuv8xjely764og041bszhdngknpe4ttz |
| Family Law | Domestic Relations | Law that covers family relationships. Divorce, child custody, domestic violence | Matrimonial Action | Maine | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/6g3wmyyjx1tcl419si2msln98vbpj05a |
| Permanent Home | Domicile | Primary address where a person intends to return to | “a domicilliary of…” | Vermont | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/og1wrqslv6jej31rrjd3q4b4hridf663 |
| Only One Side | Emergency Custody, Ex Parte, Injunction, TRO | Court order when only one side is present, usually in an emergency situation like emergency custody or domestic violence | Ex Parte InjunctionTemporary Restraining Order | Pennsylvania | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/5a01xa3wpv7f7p3kdaldwahujgeukghh |
| Money Held by a Third Party | Escrow | Court or another third party holds money until certain conditions are met, usually related to housing conditions | Court Registry | Ohio | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/r6svl7nc4e2epokaaj5s4c9vw702wbze |
| Court Order for Protection | Ex Parte Protective Order, TRO | Protection from abuse, restraining order | Protective Order | South Carolina | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/a5kopazihaxqw1s4kdo4wd0oig04gmty |
| Certified Copy, True Copy | Exemplification | Person in charge of the records certifies that the copy is accurate | Exemplification | Pennsylvania | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/wl5dt1055loij39khlzlzvmic27ny4vo |
| Transcript of Judgment | Fieri Facias, FiFa | Writ of Fi.Fa. or Fieri Facias | Missouri, St. Louis Circuit Court | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/2d4xkkf2j9trdmq9mf36obxns7fjsa6n | |
| Evict | Forcible Entry and Detainer | Rental property is returned to the landlord. Tenant must leave. | Forcible Entry and Detainer | Ohio | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/btbywyudh85h20oqcelwp760xgbwk9jb |
| Eviction Court | Forcible Entry and Detainer Court | Eviction, rent court | Forcible Entry and Detainer Court | Illinois – through legislation – 735 ILCS 5/9-101 | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/mdsusm5sg9nv4s2ynd3kkeakied95k2w |
| Give Information | Furnish | Give or provide information | Furnish Information | California | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/td3ir2i8naulpsu8yscocq0g1y1uqrqm |
| Unsafe Housing Conditions | Habitability, Rent Escrow | Landlord will not make repairs to a rental property. Tenant wants the court to order that the repairs be made. Dangerous housing conditions, unlivible conditions | Rent Escrow | Colorado | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/gnyzeco5s9y9v3l3goay8asu9je6c24d |
| Handwritten | Holographic | Holographic | New Jersey | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/avkssnp5wfbjfbtxto25ftyuugnlxubh | |
| Fee Waiver | In Forma Pauperis | File without paying a filing fee | In the manner of a pauper | California | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/we4o1w9cwfs36iramjbs9rrdq496oqeg |
| Unable to Pay Without Sacrificing a Need | Indigent | Low-income, not able to pay, hardship | Indigent | Maryland | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/vez5hkqapkrpsrw10rztjfmkd8xzw7rp |
| Not Final | Interlocutory | Appeal in the middle of the case that doesn’t end the case. | Interlocutory | Massachusetts (MassAccess) | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/uejggrw2uc1we3oi2ogshljmxuey5sda |
| Question | Interrogatories | Formal written questions from the other side | Interrogatories | Washington (Washington Law Help) | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/ah5x5ds1sjcqm40oisf7xpu18k4rohyr |
| Without a Will | Intestate | Property of a person who died will be distributed by law | Intestate | New York | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/dfq264fbk5qcwqox786acmbvdoqlqwez |
| Permission | Leave of Court | Court says “ok” | Application for Leave of Court; Motion for Leave of Court | Nevada | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/ivufrrq7bhw2cwcykikkv44swzxeg9wl |
| Pending Lawsuit on Property | Lis Pendens | Notice that a lawsuit is pending on a property which may impact ownership | A suit pending | Illinois | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/9lgbjd6a4ifjyonzv6i24qnbontay0p1 |
| Court Order to a Unit of Government | Mandamus, Prerogative Writ | Court orders a government unit (like a motor vehicle administration) to do something that it won’t do. Example: titling a car | Mandamus, Prerogative Writ | Ohio | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/cc2g778f44ylz9winwluc8v076ja9qa9 |
| Temporary | Pendente Lite | Temporary order by the court while the case is ongoing. Usually relates to child support or alimony while the parties wait for the case to be resolved. | awaiting the litigation | Minnesota | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/u6imobokcxw1ijlcxfvif225bazvfvn7 |
| Change Court Order | Petition to Modify; Motion to Modify | Ask the court to change an agreement for custody or child access | Petition to modify custody | New Hampshire | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/uvbk9j218vp9g90o043bv8mrd8ai3200 |
| In Proportion | Pro Rata | Divided equally based on the whole | “proportionate allocation” | North Dakota | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/225etcz2bbuw0226003jcp17bic6z4uy |
| Represent Yourself | Pro Se | Self-represented, no lawyer, SRL | pro se; pro per | South Dakota | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/o2cf48qm9jddfh8ot2ud6av72tz43p4g |
| Stop | Quash | Set aside, vacate, stop | Quash Garnishment | Alabama | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/oidecu3tauwi6ve7n46q9vekxkh6r4zj |
| Dismiss | Rescind, Terminate | Drop, end, stop case | Rescind, Terminate | Alaska | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/6a4289uwup8jf6jqh42mrlz95zisq82p |
| Delivery of Court Papers | Service of Process | You’ve been served! | Service of Process | Illinois | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/fuy2wwp8odjlifelmpkjq4ktxchzpw8v |
| Agreement | Stipulation | Agreement | Stipulation | New Hampshire | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/16mknj3g1imbjwd0cmb8vrh3fyqq0r4l |
| Appear and Bring Documents | Subpoena (Subpoena Duces Tecum) | Come to court to testify and bring documents | “you shall bring with you” | Wisconsin | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/vb0m3yf25l6qqkc23mcq5qxq31xpfonn |
| Set Aside | Vacate | Undo, set aside, void, cancel | Writ of Vacatur | California | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/dxiyyh6ose3wtisecsmne4pgckowuxa0 |
| Reopen a Case That Was Settled | Vacate Stipulated Dismissal | Reopen a case that was settled | Vacate stipulated dismissal | Alaska | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/hw0ghehpw90zgul7x1mecyxwp4itnf3b |
| Order | Writ | Formal written order, command by a court | Writ, Praecipe | Maryland | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/htscal4e6qianl545o6sbeek1n2t9r0e |
| Eviction Order | Writ of Possession | Court order that allows landlord to retake possession of a property | Warrant of Restitution, Writ of Possession | Illinois | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/fmsa314mfmano3hwm8jp6up5qcq8f9mn |
| Return of Personal Property | Writ of Replevin | Court order to return property that belongs to someone else | Replevin, Warrant of Detinue, | Hawaii | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/795shd8kbfyhz8afisw1s60re8luk8sr |
| Court process to give away a person’s property after they die | Probate | Court transfers legal ownership of property after a person dies. | Bequeath, Devise, Bequest | Alaska | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/d3642k42tqihe12ks4sq18kaltpvqygn |
| Person in charge of giving away a person’s property after they die | Executor | Personal representative | Executor | Alaska | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/u5lxab9ehq6zhwf8h8zgs1pc2izxlvk7 |
| A Notice From the Court | Petition, Complaint | Court papers | Petition, Complaint | Maryland | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/twpnmznsvddexmsc1itlxmz5x6zpfixl |
| Can File Now as if You Filed in the Past | Nunc pro tunc | Now for then, goes back in time, retroactive, change effective date to the past | Nunc pro tunc | Texas | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/twx4qhgk4xqqcuos36pt4nplqbzjbpz0 |
| Law | Statute | Law | Code | New Mexico | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/ggwqp2ei6slns8fx2ltvuvhqx78ynovr |
| Included | Herein | Incorporated in this document | Herein | Maryland | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/d4flnt0pukkiuubezn8znt5s6z6m0w84 |
| Tell the Court that a Person isn’t Following a Court Order | Petition for respondent to Show Cause | Let the court know that you think a person isn’t following a court order | Petition for Contempt | Nevada | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/4iybnf9vp0ik0kurvz4ri9viq5ibfpxg |
| Court orders a person to explain if they are or are not following a court order | Order to show cause; contemnor | Court orders a person to explain if they are or are not following a court order | Contempt | Illinois Legal Aid | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/bbkfype63ri3hhwx9suzegfoemib1pe2 |
| Challenge Unlawful Imprisonment | Writ of Habeas Corpus | Unlawful imprisonment | Habeas Corpus | Texas | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/ncv4sasznyyq7vommrrk9ph6eouxf8vf |
| Court | Tribunal | Court | Tribunal | New Hampshire | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/p7anp7aaanqa3xpld4iiih50l4mpsrih |
| Allow | Afford an opportunity | Able, allow | Afford an opportunity | Washington | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/m2gmm2at13u8lf2zcgrm29huzpnwy3mo |
| End | Terminate | End | Terminate | California | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/wm5smurpvsahcgxt9gs3g5n53hbmdit1 |
| Monthly | On a monthly basis | Monthly, once a month | On a monthly basis | New York | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/ejo4xh6iu7z2sfm8rwsb0v993msaouun |
| Request to Change a Child’s Name | Minor name change petition | Name change | Minor name change petition | Texas | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/l4itgwv92u3agpqinu43cjo8ezetd68v |
| Proof of Delivery of Court Papers | Affidavit of service | Delivery confirmation or delivery receipt | Affidavit of service | Illinois | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/f914uw34fcrtfi56uvwq4rxaonacspz9 |
| You | Affiant | You | Affiant | The Feds | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/swn00dfl4kefrrmw24g1e5fk5iw4c842 |
| Not Prosecute/Dismissed | Nolle prosequi | Remove charge/s | Nolle prosequi | Michigan | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/ccntr49mhd9dufz6bccjnpxxexvcngbn |
| Decrease | Diminution | Decline in value | Diminution | Idaho | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/pijonpkdxr82a51hemqgzhpu8urvhhra |
| They/Them | Gendered Terms | Person | He/Him/She/Her | Illinois | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/cdl3d5pdl0yg5zxma3zs3s6mug50ent9 |
| Final Outcome of a Court Case | Disposition | The judge’s decision | Disposition | Arkansas | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/ybuvkals7yrx855ajufgn5v7crihfk1m |
| Nevertheless, Even if, In spite of this | Notwithstanding | Nevertheless, even if, in spite of this | Notwithstanding | Texas | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/15vdqlypchi2godnvmzb0hdgbvkspnu3 |
| Reasons | Grounds | Legal reasons, rationale, basis | Grounds | Maryland | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/vsn1ajjdu4w4m7xw0xio5kmmhv7dodxo |
| Above | Aforementioned | Mentioned before, said this already, indicated above | Aforementioned | Maine | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/kchlzcsr7eirlysi0wouy1cwqwdyx4ui |
| A Person to Make Decisions for You | Proxy | Act for someone else as they would act for themselves | Surrogate, Decision-maker | California | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/59fysory0qnoeqeb8u9zgx38nq7ij1nw |
| Limits on the Rate of Interest | Usury | Interest rate higher than the law allows | Usury | Indiana | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/m43np29du5a318e8fk5mc0zcn6gus1zm |
| At the Same Time | Concurrent | Parallel, Along with | Simlutaneous | Colorado | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/7yz8a8aep3eq2jd8ezwezwoj8bim8jzi |
| Faithfully, Honestly | Good Faith | Act sincerely, with open intentions | Good Faith | New York | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/f4mawtuvd092gy89a27i5l0fvc1cdfz4 |
| Court Order to Stop | Injunction | Stop | Injunction | Minnesota | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/e2ztqv2b6d1uiitll0z0zrp2mo2hhnjr |
| According To | Pursuant | Consistent with | Pursuant | Colorado | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/ia0zvmlgwt6f602n9m9bage6cyp33nkd |
| Earlier | Priors | Before | Prior conviction | California | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/s7z68vpphq4c74gfmsyfgebhy2qoqo02 |
| Gun Violence Restraining Order | ERPO | Red Flag Laws | Extreme Risk Protective (or Protection) Order | California | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/2e8mq9cevs8lkqe147lcbfppvxk39lko |
| Decision | Verdict | The judge or jury’s decision | Finding, Ruling | Maine | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/hlgcsh3ea7zds0itcbilfdd4nho0ig10 |
| Change | Alter | Fix it | Amend | Maryland | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/o1shm270y5qel8dg3fprcm95jnecil9l |
| Location Where a Case is Heard | Venue | Proper place for a case to be heard | Latin – (Venir) to come | Colorado | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/evy1yiehoyoihbdxpmqkzurl3l4nosdc |
| Divorce | Dissolution | Split up, Break up | Dissolution of marriage | Washington | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/lawi6pq4iycrkw7gph5mvp9ooqcdzl3r |
| Substitute | Surrogate | In place of someone else, Acting for someone else, Take the place of another | On behalf of | New Jersey | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/1m6moest211ydca6coim847h2a4mbqrz |
| Person Who Did Not Follow a Court Order | Contemnor | Disobeyed | Person in contempt of court | Maryland | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/ss7mtkrbutr8am25ixo7ugl9fnc6fxlt |
| Fix | Remedy | Make it right | Cure, Rectify | Alaska | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/g10puyg2k2hkpgkmy01kq64hnxh7so9s |
| Case Returned to a Lower Court for Further Action | Remittur | Send back | Remand | California | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/majhati4o10v2kc3hm67yavrbumehay8 |
| Person Who Signed | Undersigned | Person who signed this | Signatory | Virginia | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/u4j364a6s0ztgnluo7mk4k65pxyxjs8h |
| Can’t file another lawsuit against same party if the court already decided a case with similar issue | Res Judicata | A question that has already been decided | Latin – A matter judged | Maine | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/vwmi50z1lfpnn9zzebgc29p7vete35gf |
| The Court Considers Without being Asked | Sua Sponte | Voluntarily | Latin – of their own accord | Massachussetts | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/qp4jl6jhr4ucxaigfm8ornljb369mvsg |
| A Legal Process that Ends a Parent’s Legal Control of their Child | Emancipated | Your child’s right to make their own legal decision | Emancipated | California | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/hm0hok5vv6pvsf6xeaeutu4h5xhx0a74 |
| Person Asking a Court to Do Something | Petitioner | Person who files a case or petition with the court | Claimant, Pleader | Alaska | https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.box.com/s/dv7a18e4ipemec1cx4q2bjqjleldg83l |
