Act of Congress
Certification that transfers a judgment to another state.
Agreed Judgment
A judgment filed in court by both parties then signed by the judge for judgment in the case.
Bailiff Affidavit
Special bailiffs are used to serve papers.
Civil Docket Sheet
Master court calendar of proceedings in court.
Default Judgment
When a defendant has been served a civil summons then does not reply in writing within 20 days, a motion for a default judgment can be filed against the person and the judgment can be entered.
Defendant
Person being sued.
Discharge of Debtor
An order from a bankruptcy judge that forgives remaining debts which cannot be paid.
Discovery
Obtaining the information needed to collect one’s judgment, usually completed by a subpoena.
Foreign Judgment
Form used to transfer judgments into our state.
Forthwith Order of Arrest
An order signed by a judge to have the sheriff arrest a defendant who fails to show up in court for a discovery hearing after being served a subpoena.
Judgment
Final decision of the court.
Judgment Lien
Claim or charge against properties or funds for payment of a debt or an amount for services rendered.
Master Calendar
Copy of all the cases that were on the docket for a specific day that displays what occurred in each case for that day.
Notice of Appeal
An appeal filed that requests a case to be heard by a higher court.
Notice Motion Order
Form used to put a case back on the judge’s docket when there is a dispute.
Plaintiff
Person filing the complaint.
Process Agent
Process agents are listed with the Secretary of State’s Office. When suing a corporation, you must find out from the Secretary of State’s Office who the agent is so that he or she can serve as the agent for the company.
Return of Service
A certified-mail receipt or service of summons from the sheriff that confirms a defendant has been served.
Subpoena
A writ issued under authority of a court to compel the appearance of a witness or a defendant.
Summons
Requires the appearance of said defendant in an action. The purpose of a summons is to notify the defendant that he or she has been sued.