Louisiana Legal Glossary
Plain-English explanations of common legal, lending, real estate, and court-related terms that may appear in public records.
198 term(s) shown
Mortgage
Lending
Definition: A legal agreement where property is used as collateral for a loan.
Example: A homeowner takes out a mortgage to buy a house; the lender can foreclose if payments stop.
Collateral Mortgage
Lending
Definition: A mortgage that secures future or multiple debts, not just one loan.
Example: A business uses a collateral mortgage to cover a line of credit that can be reused.
Vendor's Lien
Real Estate
Definition: A seller's right to claim the property if the buyer fails to pay the purchase price.
Example: A seller finances part of a sale and files a vendor's lien to protect their interest.
Judicial Mortgage
Court
Definition: A lien created by recording a court judgment against someone's property.
Example: After winning a lawsuit, a creditor files a judicial mortgage against the debtor's home.
Lien
Debt
Definition: A legal claim against property to secure payment of a debt.
Example: A contractor files a lien for unpaid work on a property.
Tax Lien
Government
Definition: A claim placed by the government for unpaid taxes.
Example: A taxing authority files a tax lien for unpaid taxes.
Mechanic's Lien
Construction
Definition: A lien filed by contractors or suppliers for unpaid labor or materials.
Example: A roofer files a lien after not being paid for a completed job.
Lis Pendens
Court
Definition: A notice that a property is involved in a pending lawsuit.
Example: A dispute over ownership results in a lis pendens filed on the property.
Notice of Seizure
Court
Definition: A legal notice that property is being taken to satisfy a debt.
Example: A sheriff posts a notice of seizure before a foreclosure sale.
Sheriff's Sale
Court
Definition: A public auction of property seized to pay debts.
Example: A foreclosed home is sold at a sheriff's sale.
Foreclosure
Lending
Definition: The legal process of taking and selling property due to loan default.
Example: A bank forecloses after missed mortgage payments.
Judgment
Court
Definition: A court decision ordering one party to pay another.
Example: A judge orders a debtor to pay $10,000.
Default Judgment
Court
Definition: A judgment issued when the defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit.
Example: A creditor wins automatically when the debtor does not appear in court.
Writ of Fieri Facias (Fi Fa)
Court
Definition: A court order allowing seizure of property to satisfy a judgment.
Example: A creditor uses a Fi Fa to seize assets after winning a case.
Garnishment
Court
Definition: A legal process to collect money directly from wages or bank accounts.
Example: A creditor garnishes wages to collect a debt.
Petition
Court
Definition: A formal written request filed with a court.
Example: A lawsuit begins with a petition filed by the plaintiff.
Civil Suit
Court
Definition: A non-criminal legal case between parties.
Example: A business sues a customer for unpaid invoices.
Divorce Filing
Court
Definition: A legal request to end a marriage.
Example: One spouse files for divorce in court.
Bankruptcy Filing
Bankruptcy
Definition: A legal process to eliminate or restructure debt.
Example: A person files bankruptcy to discharge or reorganize debts.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy
Definition: Liquidation of assets to pay debts, with remaining debts discharged.
Example: Non-exempt assets may be sold to pay creditors.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy
Definition: A repayment plan over time to settle debts.
Example: A debtor keeps their home while paying debts over several years.
UCC Filing (UCC-1)
Business
Definition: A filing that gives a lender a security interest in personal property.
Example: A lender files a UCC on business equipment used as collateral.
UCC Termination
Business
Definition: A filing that removes a previously recorded UCC lien.
Example: After a loan is paid off, the lender files a termination.
UCC Amendment
Business
Definition: A change to an existing UCC filing.
Example: A lender updates debtor information on a UCC filing.
Donation (Property)
Real Estate
Definition: A transfer of property without payment.
Example: Parents donate property to their children.
Cash Sale
Real Estate
Definition: A property transfer where full payment is made upfront.
Example: A buyer purchases land without financing.
Quitclaim Deed
Real Estate
Definition: A transfer of ownership without guarantees.
Example: A family member transfers interest in inherited property.
Warranty Deed
Real Estate
Definition: A deed guaranteeing clear title to the buyer.
Example: A buyer receives a warranty deed at closing.
Act of Sale
Real Estate
Definition: The official document transferring property ownership.
Example: It is filed in parish records after a property purchase.
Title
Real Estate
Definition: Legal ownership of property.
Example: A title search confirms ownership before a sale.
Title Search
Real Estate
Definition: A review of public records to verify ownership and liens.
Example: It is commonly done before closing on a home.
Encumbrance
Real Estate
Definition: Any claim or liability attached to property.
Example: A lien or mortgage is an encumbrance.
Easement
Real Estate
Definition: A right to use another person's land for a specific purpose.
Example: Utility companies often use easements for lines or access.
Servitude
Real Estate
Definition: A Louisiana property right that affects how land may be used.
Example: A right-of-way across neighboring property is a common servitude.
Affidavit
Legal
Definition: A sworn written statement.
Example: It may be used to confirm facts in a legal filing.
Notary
Legal
Definition: A person authorized to verify signatures and documents.
Example: Notaries are commonly used in real estate transactions.
Power of Attorney
Legal
Definition: Authorization for one person to act on behalf of another.
Example: Someone may use a power of attorney to manage finances for an elderly parent.
Heirship Affidavit
Estate
Definition: A document identifying the heirs of a deceased person.
Example: It may be used when no formal succession has been opened.
Succession
Estate
Definition: The legal process of transferring assets after death.
Example: In Louisiana, succession is the process used to settle an estate.
Executor
Estate
Definition: A person appointed to carry out a will.
Example: The executor handles distribution of estate assets.
Administrator
Estate
Definition: A person appointed to manage an estate when there is no will.
Example: A court may assign an administrator to handle estate matters.
Notice of Default
Lending
Definition: A notice that a borrower has failed to meet loan terms.
Example: It may be sent before foreclosure proceedings begin.
Promissory Note
Lending
Definition: A written promise to repay a loan.
Example: A borrower signs a promissory note when taking out a mortgage.
Refinancing
Lending
Definition: Replacing an existing loan with a new one.
Example: A homeowner refinances to lower the interest rate on a mortgage.
Subordination
Lending
Definition: Changing the priority of liens.
Example: One lender agrees to be second in line for repayment behind another lender.
Release of Lien
Debt
Definition: A document removing a lien after payment.
Example: A lender files a release once a mortgage has been paid off.
Assignment
Lending
Definition: A transfer of rights from one party to another.
Example: A mortgage may be assigned to a new lender.
Trustee
Estate
Definition: A person who manages assets for the benefit of others.
Example: A trustee may oversee property or funds held in trust.
Trust
Estate
Definition: A legal arrangement to manage assets for beneficiaries.
Example: A trust may be used in estate planning to control how assets are distributed.
Notice of Filing
Court
Definition: A formal notice that a document has been filed.
Example: Parties may receive a notice of filing after legal action is entered into the record.
Donation Inter Vivos
Real Estate
Definition: A gift made during a person's lifetime.
Example: A parent transfers land to a child while still alive through a donation inter vivos.
Donation Mortis Causa
Estate
Definition: A gift that takes effect at death, similar to a testamentary transfer.
Example: Property may pass under a donation mortis causa through a will.
Community Property
Real Estate
Definition: Property generally acquired during marriage and owned jointly by spouses under Louisiana law.
Example: A house bought during marriage may be community property.
Separate Property
Real Estate
Definition: Property owned by one spouse alone under Louisiana law.
Example: Property inherited by one spouse is often considered separate property.
Curator
Estate
Definition: A person appointed to manage the affairs or property of someone who cannot do so.
Example: A court may appoint a curator in certain legal proceedings.
Tutorship
Estate
Definition: A legal relationship where someone is appointed to care for a minor's person or property.
Example: A tutorship may be opened after a parent's death.
Usufruct
Real Estate
Definition: A Louisiana legal right allowing someone to use and enjoy property owned by another.
Example: A surviving spouse may have a usufruct over family property.
Naked Ownership
Real Estate
Definition: Ownership of property without the present right to use it, often because someone else holds the usufruct.
Example: Children may hold naked ownership while a parent holds usufruct.
Predial Servitude
Real Estate
Definition: A charge on one property for the benefit of another property.
Example: One parcel may have access rights across a neighboring parcel through a predial servitude.
Conventional Mortgage
Lending
Definition: A mortgage created by agreement between the borrower and lender.
Example: A bank loan secured by a home is a common conventional mortgage.
Legal Mortgage
Lending
Definition: A mortgage that arises by operation of law rather than by direct agreement.
Example: Certain legal situations may create a legal mortgage without a standard loan document.
Privilege
Debt
Definition: A Louisiana legal right similar to a lien that gives a creditor priority over certain property.
Example: Some unpaid claims may create a privilege against property.
Small Succession
Estate
Definition: A simplified legal process in Louisiana to transfer property when the estate is below a certain value.
Example: Heirs may use a small succession affidavit to transfer a home without full court proceedings.
Succession Affidavit
Estate
Definition: A sworn document used to transfer property from a deceased person without opening a formal succession.
Example: Heirs sign a succession affidavit to claim ownership of property.
Forced Heirship
Estate
Definition: A Louisiana law requiring certain heirs (typically children) to receive a portion of an estate.
Example: A parent cannot fully disinherit a forced heir under Louisiana law.
Intestate
Estate
Definition: Dying without a valid will.
Example: If someone dies intestate, Louisiana law determines who inherits the property.
Testate
Estate
Definition: Dying with a valid will in place.
Example: A person who leaves a will is considered to have died testate.
Executor's Deed
Estate
Definition: A deed used by an executor to transfer property from an estate.
Example: An executor sells estate property and transfers it using an executor's deed.
Judgment of Possession
Estate
Definition: A court order placing heirs into legal ownership of a deceased person's property.
Example: After succession, heirs receive a judgment of possession for real estate.
Inventory (Succession)
Estate
Definition: A listing of all assets and liabilities in a deceased person's estate.
Example: The inventory includes property, bank accounts, and debts.
Letters Testamentary
Estate
Definition: A document issued by a court giving an executor authority to act on behalf of an estate.
Example: Banks may require letters testamentary before releasing funds.
Letters of Administration
Estate
Definition: A court document appointing someone to manage an estate when there is no will.
Example: A court issues letters of administration to an appointed administrator.
Estate Debt
Estate
Definition: Any obligations or liabilities owed by a deceased person's estate.
Example: Credit card balances or loans may be paid from estate assets.
Creditor Claim (Estate)
Estate
Definition: A request by a creditor to be paid from a deceased person's estate.
Example: A lender files a claim to recover unpaid debt from the estate.
Act of Mortgage
Lending
Definition: A formal document creating a mortgage on property.
Example: Filed when a borrower secures a loan with real estate.
Assignment of Mortgage
Lending
Definition: Transfer of a mortgage from one lender to another.
Example: A bank sells a loan to another lender.
Cancellation of Mortgage
Lending
Definition: Removal of a mortgage lien after the debt is paid.
Example: Filed once a home loan is fully satisfied.
Notice of Judgment
Court
Definition: A record showing that a court judgment has been issued.
Example: A creditor records a judgment to create a lien.
Abstract of Judgment
Court
Definition: A summary of a court judgment used to create a lien.
Example: Filed in records to attach debt to property.
Notice of Lis Pendens
Court
Definition: Notice that property is involved in litigation.
Example: Filed during disputes over ownership.
Seizure and Sale
Court
Definition: Legal process of taking and selling property to satisfy debt.
Example: Occurs after a creditor wins a judgment.
Writ of Seizure
Court
Definition: Court order authorizing property seizure.
Example: Issued before a sheriff sale.
Partition
Court
Definition: Division of property among co-owners.
Example: Heirs divide inherited land through partition.
Partition by Licitation
Court
Definition: Court-ordered sale of property when division is not possible.
Example: Property sold and proceeds split among owners.
Affidavit of Identity
Legal
Definition: A sworn statement verifying a person's identity.
Example: Used to resolve name discrepancies in records.
Affidavit of Correction
Legal
Definition: A document used to correct errors in recorded documents.
Example: Fixes misspelled names on deeds.
Act of Donation
Real Estate
Definition: A formal transfer of property without payment.
Example: Parent transfers land to a child.
Boundary Agreement
Real Estate
Definition: Agreement between owners defining property lines.
Example: Resolves disputes over land boundaries.
Survey
Real Estate
Definition: A map showing property boundaries and features.
Example: Used before buying or selling property.
Right of Use
Real Estate
Definition: A limited right to use another’s property.
Example: Utility access rights.
Bond for Deed
Real Estate
Definition: A contract where the buyer pays over time before receiving title.
Example: Seller finances property sale.
Notice of Contract
Construction
Definition: Filed to protect owners from contractor liens.
Example: Limits lien exposure on construction projects.
Notice of Termination
Construction
Definition: Filed when construction is completed.
Example: Starts deadline for lien filings.
Preliminary Notice
Construction
Definition: Notice sent to preserve lien rights.
Example: Contractors notify owners before filing liens.
Business Filing
Business
Definition: Official record of a business registration or change.
Example: Filing a new LLC with the state.
Articles of Organization
Business
Definition: Documents forming an LLC.
Example: Filed to create a business entity.
Articles of Incorporation
Business
Definition: Documents forming a corporation.
Example: Filed to establish a corporation.
Registered Agent
Business
Definition: Person or company designated to receive legal documents.
Example: Required for LLCs and corporations.
Act of Correction
Legal
Definition: A recorded document used to fix an error in an earlier filing.
Example: A misspelled name on a deed is corrected by filing an act of correction.
Act of Exchange
Real Estate
Definition: A document showing that parties exchanged property rather than selling it for cash.
Example: Two landowners swap parcels and record an act of exchange.
Act of Partition
Real Estate
Definition: A document dividing jointly owned property among owners.
Example: Siblings inherit land together and divide it by an act of partition.
Amended Petition
Court
Definition: A revised court filing that changes or adds to an earlier petition.
Example: A plaintiff files an amended petition to add new facts or claims.
Answer
Court
Definition: A defendant's formal written response to a lawsuit.
Example: The defendant files an answer denying parts of the petition.
Appeal
Court
Definition: A request for a higher court to review a lower court's decision.
Example: A losing party appeals a judgment they believe was incorrect.
Attachment
Court
Definition: A legal process to seize property to secure a claim.
Example: A creditor seeks attachment of property before final judgment.
Authentic Act
Legal
Definition: A Louisiana document executed before a notary and witnesses with special legal effect.
Example: Many acts of sale and donations are executed as authentic acts.
Cash Deed
Real Estate
Definition: A deed showing property was sold for immediate payment.
Example: A buyer pays in full at closing and receives a cash deed.
Cause of Action
Court
Definition: The legal basis for filing a lawsuit.
Example: Breach of contract is a common cause of action.
Certificate of Judgment
Court
Definition: A record confirming that a court judgment was entered.
Example: A creditor records a certificate of judgment to preserve collection rights.
Codicil
Estate
Definition: A formal amendment to a will.
Example: A person updates one gift in their will by signing a codicil.
Consent Judgment
Court
Definition: A judgment entered by agreement of the parties.
Example: Two parties settle a dispute and ask the court to enter a consent judgment.
Conservatory Writ
Court
Definition: A court order intended to preserve rights or property while a case is pending.
Example: A party seeks a conservatory writ to stop property from being transferred during litigation.
Curatorship
Estate
Definition: The legal arrangement under which a curator manages the affairs of another person.
Example: A curatorship may be opened for someone unable to manage their own property.
Dation en Paiement
Real Estate
Definition: A transfer of property to satisfy a debt instead of paying cash.
Example: A borrower transfers real estate to a lender to settle a loan.
Deficiency Judgment
Debt
Definition: A judgment for the remaining debt after collateral is sold and does not cover the full amount owed.
Example: After foreclosure, a lender seeks a deficiency judgment for the unpaid balance.
Disposition of Property
Estate
Definition: The transfer or assignment of property rights.
Example: A will directs the disposition of property after death.
Encroachment Agreement
Real Estate
Definition: An agreement addressing a structure or use that crosses a property boundary.
Example: Neighbors sign an encroachment agreement for a fence placed over the line.
Exception
Court
Definition: A procedural objection asking the court to dismiss or limit a claim.
Example: A defendant files an exception of no cause of action.
Executory Process
Court
Definition: A Louisiana foreclosure procedure allowing seizure and sale without an ordinary lawsuit when required documents are in proper form.
Example: A lender uses executory process to foreclose on mortgaged property.
Family Settlement Agreement
Estate
Definition: An agreement among heirs or beneficiaries resolving estate issues.
Example: Siblings agree how estate property will be divided without extended litigation.
Fixture
Real Estate
Definition: Personal property that has become attached to real estate and is treated as part of it.
Example: Built-in cabinets are commonly treated as fixtures.
Holographic Will
Estate
Definition: A handwritten will meeting legal requirements.
Example: A person writes and signs their own will by hand.
Interdiction
Estate
Definition: A legal process declaring that someone cannot manage their own person or property.
Example: A family seeks interdiction for a relative with severe incapacity.
Abstract of Title
Real Estate
Definition: A summary of all recorded documents affecting a property’s title.
Example: Used to verify ownership and identify liens before a sale.
Acceleration Clause
Lending
Definition: A provision allowing a lender to demand full repayment if terms are violated.
Example: Missed payments may trigger the loan to become immediately due.
Acknowledgment
Legal
Definition: A formal declaration before a notary that a document was signed voluntarily.
Example: Required for recording deeds and mortgages.
Adjudication
Court
Definition: A court’s final determination of a legal matter.
Example: A judge issues an adjudication resolving a dispute.
Affidavit of Death
Estate
Definition: A sworn statement confirming that a person has died.
Example: Filed to update property records after death.
Affidavit of Heirship
Estate
Definition: A document identifying heirs when no will exists.
Example: Used to transfer ownership without full succession.
Affidavit of Non-Payment
Debt
Definition: A sworn statement that a debt has not been paid.
Example: Filed before enforcing collection actions.
Alias
Legal
Definition: Another name used by a person.
Example: A record may list “John Smith aka John A. Smith.”
Amortization
Lending
Definition: Gradual repayment of a loan over time.
Example: Mortgage payments reduce principal and interest monthly.
Arrearage
Debt
Definition: Overdue debt or missed payments.
Example: A borrower in arrears may face foreclosure.
Assignment of Judgment
Court
Definition: Transfer of the right to collect a judgment to another party.
Example: A creditor sells a judgment to a collection agency.
Bond
Legal
Definition: A financial guarantee ensuring obligations are met.
Example: Contractors may file bonds before starting work.
Certificate of Satisfaction
Debt
Definition: A document showing a debt has been fully paid.
Example: Filed after a lien is cleared.
Collateral
Lending
Definition: Property pledged to secure a loan.
Example: A home serves as collateral for a mortgage.
Collection Action
Debt
Definition: Legal steps taken to recover unpaid debt.
Example: Includes lawsuits, garnishments, or seizures.
Default
Debt
Definition: Failure to meet the terms of a loan or agreement.
Example: Missing payments can lead to default status.
Discharge (Debt)
Bankruptcy
Definition: Release from personal liability for certain debts.
Example: Bankruptcy may discharge credit card debt.
Encumbrance Certificate
Real Estate
Definition: A record showing liens or claims on property.
Example: Used during property transactions to verify clean title.
Execution of Judgment
Court
Definition: Enforcement of a court judgment through legal means.
Example: Property seizure or garnishment after a judgment.
Foreclosure Sale
Court
Definition: Sale of property after default to recover debt.
Example: Property auctioned after foreclosure proceedings.
Judgment Debtor
Court
Definition: A person who owes money under a court judgment.
Example: The losing party in a lawsuit is the judgment debtor.
Judgment Creditor
Court
Definition: A person awarded money by a court judgment.
Example: The winning party seeks to collect from the debtor.
Lien Priority
Debt
Definition: The order in which liens are paid.
Example: First mortgage is paid before secondary liens.
Partial Release
Debt
Definition: Release of part of a lien or obligation.
Example: A lender releases one parcel from a mortgage.
Act of Transfer
Real Estate
Definition: A document transferring ownership of property from one party to another.
Example: Recorded when property changes ownership.
Affidavit of Occupancy
Legal
Definition: A sworn statement confirming who occupies a property.
Example: Used in lending or legal disputes over property use.
Annulment
Court
Definition: A legal ruling that a marriage is invalid.
Example: A court declares a marriage never legally existed.
Assignment of Lease
Real Estate
Definition: Transfer of lease rights from one tenant to another.
Example: A business assigns its lease to a new tenant.
Certificate of Title
Real Estate
Definition: A document proving ownership of property.
Example: Issued after a title search confirms ownership.
Clerk of Court
Government
Definition: The official responsible for maintaining court records.
Example: Filings are recorded with the parish clerk of court.
Court Record
Court
Definition: Official documentation of court proceedings.
Example: Includes petitions, judgments, and filings.
Deed Restriction
Real Estate
Definition: A limitation on how property may be used.
Example: Restrictions may prohibit commercial use in residential areas.
Delinquent Tax
Government
Definition: Taxes that have not been paid by the due date.
Example: Property taxes unpaid may result in liens or sale.
Eviction
Court
Definition: Legal removal of a tenant from property.
Example: A landlord files eviction for nonpayment of rent.
Ex Parte
Court
Definition: A court action taken without notifying the other party.
Example: Emergency orders are often issued ex parte.
Filing Date
Legal
Definition: The date a document is officially recorded.
Example: Determines priority of liens and claims.
Homestead Exemption
Government
Definition: A tax benefit reducing property tax on a primary residence.
Example: Homeowners apply to lower taxable value.
Immovable Property
Real Estate
Definition: Land and things attached to it.
Example: Houses and land are immovable property.
Movable Property
Legal
Definition: Property that is not fixed to land.
Example: Vehicles and equipment are movable property.
Notice of Hearing
Court
Definition: A document notifying parties of a court date.
Example: Sent before scheduled court proceedings.
Notice of Judgment Lien
Debt
Definition: A recorded notice that a judgment has attached to property.
Example: Filed to secure payment of a court judgment.
Notice of Seizure and Sale
Court
Definition: A public notice that property will be seized and sold.
Example: Posted before foreclosure auction.
Public Record
Government
Definition: Information filed with a government office and available to the public.
Example: Includes property records, court filings, and liens.
Recording
Legal
Definition: The act of entering a document into official public records.
Example: Deeds are recorded with the clerk of court.
Sheriff's Office
Government
Definition: The agency responsible for enforcing court orders and conducting sales.
Example: Conducts sheriff sales for foreclosures.
Tax Sale
Government
Definition: Sale of property due to unpaid taxes.
Example: Investors purchase tax-delinquent properties.
Title Insurance
Real Estate
Definition: Insurance protecting against defects in title.
Example: Protects buyers from undiscovered liens.
Transfer Tax
Government
Definition: Tax imposed on property transfers.
Example: Paid at closing when property is sold.
Zoning
Government
Definition: Government rules controlling land use.
Example: Areas designated residential or commercial.
Act of Revocation
Legal
Definition: A document canceling or withdrawing a previously granted right or authority.
Example: Revoking a power of attorney.
Affidavit of Compliance
Legal
Definition: A sworn statement confirming that certain requirements have been met.
Example: Filed after completing legal obligations.
Affidavit of Service
Court
Definition: Proof that legal documents were delivered to a party.
Example: Confirms a defendant was properly notified.
Alias Writ
Court
Definition: A second writ issued when the first was unsuccessful.
Example: Reissued when initial service fails.
Business License
Business
Definition: Authorization to operate a business within a jurisdiction.
Example: Required by local or state authorities.
Certificate of Good Standing
Business
Definition: Proof that a business is properly registered and compliant.
Example: Often required for loans or contracts.
Civil Judgment
Court
Definition: A court decision in a non-criminal case.
Example: A ruling requiring payment of damages.
Court Order
Court
Definition: A directive issued by a judge.
Example: Requires a party to take or stop an action.
Deed of Correction
Real Estate
Definition: A deed correcting errors in a prior deed.
Example: Fixes incorrect legal descriptions.
Demand Letter
Debt
Definition: A formal request for payment or action.
Example: Sent before filing a lawsuit.
Dismissal
Court
Definition: Termination of a legal case.
Example: A case is dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Docket
Court
Definition: The official schedule or list of court cases.
Example: Shows upcoming hearings.
Filing Fee
Government
Definition: Fee required to submit documents for record.
Example: Paid when recording deeds.
Final Judgment
Court
Definition: A court’s final decision resolving a case.
Example: Ends litigation unless appealed.
Foreclosure Notice
Court
Definition: Notice that foreclosure proceedings have begun.
Example: Sent to borrowers in default.
Judgment Lien
Debt
Definition: A lien created by recording a judgment.
Example: Attaches debt to real property.
Lien Release
Debt
Definition: Document removing a lien from property.
Example: Filed after debt is paid.
Notice of Default Filing
Debt
Definition: Recorded notice that a borrower has defaulted.
Example: May lead to foreclosure.
Notice of Lien
Debt
Definition: A recorded claim against property for debt.
Example: Filed by creditors.
Public Notice
Government
Definition: Official announcement made to inform the public.
Example: Required for certain legal actions.
Recordation
Legal
Definition: The formal recording of a document in public records.
Example: Ensures documents are legally recognized.
Service of Process
Court
Definition: Delivery of legal documents to a party.
Example: Required before court proceedings continue.
Subpoena
Court
Definition: A court order requiring appearance or document production.
Example: Used to compel witness testimony.
Title Defect
Real Estate
Definition: A problem affecting ownership rights.
Example: Unpaid liens or errors in records.
Unsecured Debt
Debt
Definition: Debt not backed by collateral.
Example: Credit card balances.
Wage Garnishment
Debt
Definition: Withholding wages to pay a debt.
Example: Employer deducts wages per court order.