Glossary Archive

Ad Valorem Tax Clause An Ad Valorem Tax Clause is a provision commonly found in contracts, particularly in real estate leases and loan agreements, that stipulates the responsibility for paying property taxes based on the assessed value of the property. "Ad valorem" is a Latin term meaning "according to value," and in this context, it...

Adjudication Adjudication is the legal process through which a court or an official body resolves a dispute or determines the outcome of a legal matter. This process involves the evaluation of evidence, consideration of legal arguments, and application of relevant laws in order to reach a binding decision. In the context of estate planning, adjudication...

The administration of estate refers to the process of managing and distributing a deceased person's estate, which includes all of their assets, liabilities, and property, following their death. This process is typically overseen by an appointed personal representative or executor, who is responsible for ensuring that the estate is settled according to the laws of...

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is a specialized adjudicator who presides over administrative hearings and disputes involving government agencies. ALJs operate within administrative agencies at both the federal and state levels and their primary role is to conduct fair and impartial proceedings regarding regulatory matters, disputes, or grievances that arise under...

An Administrator CTA (With Will Annexed) is a legal term used in probate law referring to a person appointed by the court to manage the estate of a deceased person when the deceased left a will but did not name an executor, or when the named executor is unable or unwilling to serve. In this...

Overview An Administrator Pendente Lite is a temporary administrator appointed by a court to manage the estate of a deceased individual while probate proceedings are ongoing. This role is crucial in ensuring that the estate is properly administered during the period before a permanent administrator or executor is appointed. Detailed Explanation The term “pendente lite”...

Probate Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's estate is administered and distributed. This process typically involves proving the validity of the deceased's will, identifying and inventorying the deceased's assets, paying debts and taxes, and ultimately distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries. The probate process begins when a...

Overview An Advance Directive is a legal document that outlines an individual's preferences regarding medical treatment and healthcare decisions in the event that they become unable to communicate those wishes due to illness, injury, or incapacity. It serves to guide healthcare providers and family members in making decisions that align with the individual's values and...

An Advance Healthcare Directive is a legal document that allows an individual to outline their preferences for medical treatment and healthcare decisions in the event that they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves due to illness or incapacity. This directive typically includes two main components: a Living Will and a Durable Power...

Mediation Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which a neutral third party, known as the mediator, assists two or more parties in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution to a dispute. It is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that emphasizes collaboration and communication rather than adversarial tactics. Mediation is commonly used in...