Acknowledgment of Service. A signed and notarized statement signed by a person acknowledging that he/she has received certain legal documents. This occurs in lieu of personal service of those documents by either a Deputy Sheriff or private process server.
Adoption. A court action in which an adult assumes legal and other responsibilities for another, usually a minor.
Affidavit. A written statement under oath.
Affidavit of Election. In all custody cases in which a child has reached the age of fourteen (14) years, the child may select the parent with whom he/she desires to live by written statement. The child’s selection for purposes of custody will be presumptive unless the child’s selection is determined not to be in the best interests of the child.
Agreement. A verbal or written resolution of disputed issues.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”). Methods of resolving legal disputes without going to trial, in a less adversarial manner, such as through arbitration or mediation.
Annulment. A marriage can be dissolved in a legal proceeding in which the marriage is declared void, as though it never took place. In the eyes of the law, the parties were never married. It is available only under certain limited circumstances.
Answer. A formal written response to a complaint by the party being sued. Typically, an answer should be filed with the Clerk of Court and served upon the other party’s legal counsel within thirty (30) days of a person being served with a complaint.
Appeal. The review by a higher court of a lower court’s decision. The State of Georgia has two (2) appellate courts to review the decisions of the trial courts: the Supreme Court of Georgia and the Court of Appeals of Georgia. There are different procedures and jurisdictional requirements for appeals to be heard by each of these appellate courts.
Arrearage. Amount of support determined by the court or administrative process that was due and has not been paid.
Asset. Everything of value owned by you or your spouse, including property, cars, furniture, bank accounts, jewelry, life insurance policies, businesses or retirement plans. An asset may be marital or non-marital, but that distinction is ultimately for the Court to determine.