Know the Language: Court Terms Every Pro Se Litigant Should Understand
Quick Glossary
- Summons: A legal document informing you of a lawsuit and the deadline to respond.
- Plaintiff: The party suing you (usually a creditor or collector).
- Defendant: You — the person being sued.
- Answer: Your formal written response to a lawsuit.
- Default Judgment: Court decision against you because you didn’t respond.
- Motion: A formal request for the court to take action.
- Service of Process: The legal delivery of the lawsuit to you.
- Statute of Limitations: The deadline a creditor has to sue — varies by state.
- Discovery: The process of exchanging evidence before trial.
- Hearing: A court meeting to decide specific issues.
- Judgment: Final decision by the court.
Confused by court paperwork? Let us decode it for you.