Disclaimer

Not legal advice. DefineLaw provides free plain-English definitions for general informational purposes only. Using this site, reading a definition, or contacting us does not create an attorney–client relationship, and no content on this site should be treated as advice about your specific matter.

The definitions are simplified and may not reflect the law of your state, and laws change over time. A term that is accurate in one jurisdiction may work differently in another, and many legal concepts have exceptions that a short definition cannot capture. Where an entry notes a state-by-state variation, the note is a pointer, not a complete map.

No guarantee of accuracy

We make reasonable efforts to keep the glossary accurate and current, but we make no guarantee, express or implied, that any definition is error-free, complete, or applicable to your circumstances. The examples on the site are illustrative only and are not a description of any real transaction, person, or case.

What to do instead

Before acting on anything important — signing a contract, transferring property, making an estate plan, or responding to a lawsuit — consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. The cost of professional advice is almost always less than the cost of a mistake made on incomplete information, and an attorney can apply the general rules in these definitions to the facts of your situation.

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