Definition: Failure to maintain or care for property, a contractual duty, or a dependent.
Civil Law Master Index
Civil Law Master Index
A
Abandonment (Civil)Abandono (civil)
Ad Litem RepresentativeRepresentante ad litem
Definition: Court-appointed individual to represent the interests of a minor or incapacitated party.
Adverse PossessionPosesión adversa
Definition: Method of obtaining legal ownership of property through open, continuous, and hostile occupation.
AffidavitDeclaración jurada
Definition: Written statement of facts sworn under oath.
Alimony / Spousal SupportPensión alimenticia / Manutención conyugal
Definition: Court-ordered financial support paid to a spouse after separation or divorce.
AnnulmentAnulación matrimonial
Definition: Legal declaration that a marriage was invalid from the beginning.
Arbitration AgreementAcuerdo de arbitraje
Definition: Contract clause requiring parties to resolve disputes through arbitration instead of court.
Assignment of RightsCesión de derechos
Definition: Transfer of contractual or legal rights from one party to another.
Assumption of RiskAsunción del riesgo
Definition: Legal doctrine barring recovery when a person knowingly engages in a risky activity.
Attachment (Property)Embargo preventivo / Retención de bienes
Definition: Court order allowing creditor to secure or “freeze” a debtor’s property pending judgment.
B
Bad Faith (Civil)Mala fe
Definition: Intentional dishonesty or refusal to fulfill a legal obligation.
BailmentDepósito / Contrato de custodia
Definition: Transfer of personal property for a specific purpose, with obligation to return it.
Bench Trial (Civil)Juicio sin jurado / Juicio ante el juez
Definition: Trial where the judge, not a jury, determines the facts.
Breach of ContractIncumplimiento de contrato
Definition: Failure to perform a contractual duty without legal excuse.
Breach of Fiduciary DutyIncumplimiento del deber fiduciario
Definition: Violation of duty by one who must act in another’s best interest.
Burden of Proof (Civil Standard)Carga de la prueba (estándar civil)
Definition: Plaintiff must prove the case by a “preponderance of the evidence.”
Business Records ExceptionExcepción de registros comerciales
Definition: Allows regularly kept business records to be admitted despite hearsay rules.
C
Capacity to ContractCapacidad contractual
Definition: Legal ability to enter into a binding agreement.
Civil ComplaintDemanda civil / Querella civil
Definition: Initial filing stating plaintiff’s allegations and requested relief.
Civil LiabilityResponsabilidad civil
Definition: Legal responsibility for damages or injuries caused to another person or property.
Class ActionDemanda colectiva
Definition: Lawsuit where a group with similar claims sues collectively.
Complaint VerificationVerificación de demanda
Definition: Sworn statement affirming truthfulness of allegations in a civil complaint.
Constructive NoticeNotificación presunta
Definition: Legal presumption that a person should have known something.
Contempt of Court (Civil)Desacato civil
Definition: Failure to obey court orders, resulting in fines or jail.
Conversion (Civil Theft)Apropiación indebida civil
Definition: Unauthorized exercise of control over someone else’s property.
Cross-Complaint / CounterclaimContrademanda
Definition: Defendant’s claim against plaintiff or co-defendant.
Custody (Legal / Physical)Custodia legal / Custodia física
Definition: Legal right to make decisions for a child; physical placement of child.
D
DamagesDaños (compensatorios / punitivos / nominales)
Definition: Monetary awards granted to an injured party.
Declaratory JudgmentSentencia declaratoria
Definition: Court ruling establishing parties’ rights without awarding damages.
Default JudgmentSentencia en rebeldía
Definition: Judgment entered when defendant fails to appear or respond.
Defamation (Libel / Slander)Difamación (libelo / calumnia)
Definition: False statements harming a person’s reputation.
Discovery (Civil)Descubrimiento de pruebas
Definition: Pre-trial process of exchanging evidence.
Dissolution of MarriageDisolución matrimonial
Definition: Legal termination of marriage (divorce).
Domestic PartnershipUnión doméstica / Pareja de hecho
Definition: Legally recognized relationship short of marriage.
Due DiligenceDebida diligencia
Definition: Reasonable investigation or care required in professional contexts.
Duress (Contract Law)Coacción
Definition: Agreement entered involuntarily due to threats or pressure.
E
EasementServidumbre
Definition: Legal right to use someone else’s land for a particular purpose.
Emancipation (Minor)Emancipación de menor
Definition: Legal process granting a minor independence from parents.
Emotional DistressDaño emocional (intencional / negligente)
Definition: Psychological harm that may entitle a plaintiff to damages.
EncumbranceGravamen / Carga real
Definition: Claim or lien against property limiting its transfer.
Equitable ReliefRemedio equitativo
Definition: Court-ordered non-monetary remedy, such as injunction.
EstoppelEstoppel / Inhibición legal
Definition: Doctrine preventing a party from contradicting prior behavior.
Eviction (Civil)Desalojo / Desahucio
Definition: Legal removal of a tenant from property.
Ex Parte MotionMoción ex parte
Definition: Request made to the court without notifying the opposing party.
F
Family Court MotionMoción ante el tribunal de familia
Definition: Request for orders relating to custody, visitation, or support.
Fiduciary DutyDeber fiduciario
Definition: Obligation to act in the best interest of another.
ForeclosureEjecución hipotecaria
Definition: Legal process allowing lender to take property after default.
Fraud (Civil)Fraude civil
Definition: Intentional deception causing harm or financial loss.
Frivolous LawsuitDemanda frívola
Definition: Claim lacking legal basis, filed to harass or delay.
Full Faith and CreditPlena fe y crédito (aplicación de la cláusula)
Definition: Constitutional requirement that states honor other states’ judicial decisions.
G
GarnishmentEmbargo salarial / Embargo de cuenta bancaria
Definition: Legal process allowing a creditor to collect from wages or assets directly.
General DamagesDaños generales
Definition: Compensation for non-economic harm such as pain and suffering.
Good Faith (Civil Standard)Buena fe
Definition: Honest intention to act without deception or fraud.
Guardian of the PersonTutor legal / Guardián de la persona
Definition: Court-appointed individual responsible for personal and medical decisions.
Guardian of the EstateAdministrador del patrimonio / Guardián de bienes
Definition: Manages finances and property for a protected individual.
Guardianship ProceedingsProcedimientos de tutela / tutela legal
Definition: Court process establishing authority over a person or their estate.
H
Harassment (Civil)Acoso (civil)
Definition: Unwanted conduct causing emotional harm or distress.
Hearing (Civil)Audiencia (civil)
Definition: Court session where arguments or evidence are presented to a judge.
HeirshipHerencia / Sucesión hereditaria
Definition: Legal status allowing a person to inherit property.
Holdover TenantInquilino retenedor / Inquilino que permanece
Definition: Tenant remaining in property after lease expiration.
Homeowners’ Association (HOA)Asociación de propietarios (HOA)
Definition: Organization governing common-interest residential communities.
Hostile Work EnvironmentAmbiente laboral hostil
Definition: Workplace where harassment is severe enough to affect employment.
Housing DiscriminationDiscriminación en la vivienda
Definition: Unlawful unequal treatment in housing based on protected traits.
I
Immunity (Civil)Inmunidad civil
Definition: Protection from liability or lawsuit.
Impeachment (Civil Witness)Impugnación del testigo
Definition: Process of challenging a witness’s credibility.
InjunctionInterdicto / Orden judicial / Mandato judicial
Definition: Court order compelling or prohibiting specific conduct.
Intestate / IntestacyIntestado / Sucesión intestada
Definition: Condition where a person dies without a valid will.
Involuntary Commitment (Civil)Internamiento involuntario (civil)
Definition: Court-ordered mental health treatment for a person posing danger.
Informed ConsentConsentimiento informado
Definition: Agreement to a procedure after understanding risks.
Insurance Bad FaithMala fe del asegurador
Definition: Unreasonable denial or delay of insurance benefits.
Intellectual Property (IP)Propiedad intelectual
Definition: Legal protections for creative works—copyrights, patents, trademarks.
Invasion of PrivacyInvasión de la privacidad
Definition: Unlawful intrusion into someone’s personal life or data.
J
Joint CustodyCustodia compartida
Definition: Shared decision-making and/or physical custody between parents.
Joint LiabilityResponsabilidad solidaria
Definition: Multiple defendants responsible together for the same damages.
Joint TenancyCopropiedad conjunta con derecho de supervivencia
Definition: Co-ownership where surviving owner inherits deceased’s share.
Judgment CreditorAcreedor por sentencia
Definition: Party who wins a lawsuit and is owed money.
Judgment DebtorDeudor por sentencia
Definition: Party who owes money under a civil judgment.
Judicial Review (Civil)Revisión judicial
Definition: Court authority to evaluate legality of government actions.
JuratJurado (formato notarial) / Certificación notarial
Definition: Portion of an affidavit where a notary certifies the oath.
Justiciable IssueCuestión justiciable
Definition: Issue appropriate for court determination, involving real controversy.
K
Key Money (Housing)Llave / Pago ilegal por llave
Definition: Unlawful payment demanded by a landlord to obtain a unit.
Kinship CareCuidado por familiares
Definition: Placement of a child with relatives instead of foster care.
Knowledge of DefectConocimiento del defecto
Definition: Awareness of a dangerous condition that may increase liability.
Known Loss RuleRegla de pérdida conocida
Definition: Insurance cannot cover losses known before obtaining the policy.
L
Landlord’s Duty of HabitabilityDeber del propietario de garantizar habitabilidad
Definition: Requirement to maintain rental property in safe condition.
Land Use PermitPermiso de uso de suelo
Definition: Government authorization required for property uses.
Lease AssignmentCesión de contrato de arrendamiento
Definition: Transfer of tenant’s rights under a lease to another person.
Legal GuardianGuardián legal / Tutor legal
Definition: Person with legal authority to care for another individual.
Lien (Property Lien)Gravamen / Embargo
Definition: Legal claim on property to secure payment of a debt.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)Sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (LLC)
Definition: Business structure offering liability protection for owners.
Litigation HoldRetención de documentos para litigio
Definition: Order requiring preservation of evidence during a lawsuit.
Loan ModificationModificación de préstamo
Definition: Permanent change to loan terms to make payments manageable.
M
Maintenance (Spousal / Child Support)Manutención / Pensión alimenticia
Definition: Financial assistance ordered for children or spouse.
MediationMediación
Definition: Neutral mediator helps parties negotiate resolution.
Mechanic’s LienGravamen de mecánico / Gravamen de contratista
Definition: Security interest for contractors who were not paid.
Mental Capacity (Civil Standard)Capacidad mental (civil)
Definition: Ability to understand decisions and consequences.
Mitigation of DamagesMitigación de daños
Definition: Duty of injured party to reduce additional losses.
Motion for Summary JudgmentMoción de juicio sumario
Definition: Request for court to decide case based on undisputed facts.
Motion to CompelMoción para obligar
Definition: Request forcing another party to comply with discovery.
Municipal Code ViolationViolación del código municipal
Definition: Infraction against local building or safety regulations.
N
Negligent MisrepresentationDeclaración negligente falsa
Definition: False statement made carelessly causing reliance harm.
Non-Compete AgreementAcuerdo de no competencia
Definition: Contract restricting working in competing business after employment.
Non-Dischargeable DebtDeuda no exonerable
Definition: Debts that cannot be eliminated in bankruptcy.
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)Acuerdo de confidencialidad
Definition: Contract requiring parties to keep information secret.
Non-Renewal NoticeAviso de no renovación
Definition: Written notice that a contract will not be renewed.
Notary AcknowledgmentReconocimiento notarial
Definition: Notary certifies signer’s identity and voluntary act.
O
Objection (Civil Proceedings)Objeción
Definition: Formal statement opposing the admissibility of evidence.
Occupancy AgreementAcuerdo de ocupación
Definition: Contract allowing a person to live in a property without lease rights.
Offer of SettlementOferta de acuerdo / Oferta de conciliación
Definition: Proposal to resolve a civil case outside of trial.
Order to Show Cause (OSC)Orden para demostrar causa
Definition: Court order requiring a party to explain why relief should not be granted.
Out-of-Pocket ExpensesGastos de bolsillo
Definition: Actual monetary losses incurred by a party.
Overpayment RecoveryRecuperación de pagos en exceso
Definition: Effort to reclaim benefits or subsidies paid incorrectly.
P
Parental Rights TerminationTerminación de derechos parentales
Definition: Court order permanently ending legal relationship with child.
Partition ActionAcción de partición de propiedad
Definition: Lawsuit to divide jointly owned real estate.
Personal Injury ClaimReclamación por lesiones personales
Definition: Civil claim seeking damages for harm.
PlaintiffDemandante / Parte actora
Definition: Party who initiates a civil lawsuit.
Power of Attorney (POA)Poder legal / Poder notarial
Definition: Legal authorization for one person to act for another.
Preliminary InjunctionInterdicto preliminar / Mandato preliminar
Definition: Temporary order preventing action until full hearing.
Premises LiabilityResponsabilidad por locales
Definition: Owner’s liability for injuries on their property.
Probate ProceedingsProcedimientos de sucesión / Legalización
Definition: Court process of validating a will and distributing assets.
Protective Order (Civil)Orden de protección civil
Definition: Court order restricting contact or proximity.
Punitive DamagesDaños punitivos
Definition: Awards intended to punish egregious wrongdoing.
Q
Quiet Title ActionAcción de título limpio / Juicio de saneamiento de título
Definition: Lawsuit to resolve competing claims to property ownership.
Quid Pro Quo HarassmentAcoso sexual quid pro quo
Definition: Harassment where job benefits depend on sexual favors.
Quorum (Corporate / HOA)Quórum
Definition: Minimum number of members required for valid meeting.
Quitclaim DeedEscritura de renuncia / Escritura de desistimiento
Definition: Deed transferring ownership without warranties.
R
ReceivershipAdministración judicial / Recepción judicial
Definition: Court appointment of manager to control property.
Reformation (Contract)Reforma contractual
Definition: Court revises a contract to reflect true intent.
ReplevinReplevin / Recuperación de bienes muebles
Definition: Action to recover personal property wrongfully taken.
Rescission of ContractRescisión del contrato
Definition: Cancellation of contract restoring parties to original position.
Restraining Order (Civil)Orden de restricción civil
Definition: Court order preventing contact with another.
Retaliation (Employment)Represalia laboral
Definition: Adverse action due to protected activity.
Revocation of ConsentRevocación del consentimiento
Definition: Withdrawal of previously granted approval.
Right of RedemptionDerecho de redención
Definition: Right of borrower to reclaim property after foreclosure.
S
Sanctions (Civil Court)Sanciones judiciales (civiles)
Definition: Penalties for violating court rules or discovery.
Severability ClauseCláusula de divisibilidad
Definition: Clause ensuring remainder stays valid if one part is void.
Settlement AgreementAcuerdo de conciliación / Acuerdo transaccional
Definition: Binding contract resolving a civil dispute.
Small Claims CourtTribunal de reclamos menores
Definition: Court for low-value disputes without attorneys.
Specific PerformanceCumplimiento específico
Definition: Court order requiring party to perform contract terms.
Statute of FraudsEstatuto de fraudes
Definition: Requires certain agreements to be in writing.
Subpoena Duces Tecum (Civil)Citatorio para presentar documentos
Definition: Court order requiring production of documents.
Summary EvictionDesalojo sumario
Definition: Accelerated procedure for removing tenants.
T
Temporary Restraining OrderOrden de restricción temporal
Definition: Short-term emergency order preventing harm.
Tenancy-at-WillArrendamiento a voluntad
Definition: Occupation without fixed term, terminable any time.
Third-Party BeneficiaryBeneficiario de tercero
Definition: Person who benefits from a contract they did not sign.
Tort ClaimReclamación por agravio
Definition: Claim based on wrongful act causing injury.
Trustee (Civil / Probate)Fiduciario / Administrador del fideicomiso
Definition: Person managing property held in a trust.
Turnover OrderOrden de entrega de bienes
Definition: Order requiring debtor to surrender assets for judgment.
U
Unconscionable ContractContrato abusivo / Contrato leonino
Definition: Agreement so one-sided that court refuses to enforce it.
Unlawful DetainerRetención ilegal de propiedad / Desalojo por ocupación ilícita
Definition: Legal action to remove a tenant who refuses to vacate.
Unjust EnrichmentEnriquecimiento injusto
Definition: One party benefits unfairly at another’s expense.
UsuryUsura
Definition: Charging illegally high interest rates.
UCC (Uniform Commercial Code)Código Comercial Uniforme (UCC)
Definition: Nationwide set of laws governing commercial transactions.
V
Vacate JudgmentAnular sentencia
Definition: Court invalidates prior judgment due to error.
Venue (Civil)Competencia territorial / Jurisdicción territorial
Definition: Proper geographic location for a case.
Verdict Form (Civil)Formulario de veredicto (civil)
Definition: Written document where jury records findings.
Vested RightsDerechos adquiridos / Derechos consolidados
Definition: Rights that cannot be revoked once legally granted.
Visitation RightsDerechos de visita
Definition: Noncustodial parent's right to spend time with child.
W
Waiver (Civil / Contract)Renuncia / Exención
Definition: Voluntary relinquishment of a known legal right.
Warranty (Express / Implied)Garantía (expresa / implícita)
Definition: Promise regarding quality or performance of goods.
Writ of ExecutionMandamiento de ejecución
Definition: Court order permitting seizure of property.
Writ of PossessionMandamiento de posesión
Definition: Authorizes sheriff to return property to landlord.
Wrongful Death ActionAcción por muerte injusta
Definition: Claim for losses caused by death due to negligence.
Withholding of RentRetención de renta
Definition: Right to stop paying rent for essential repairs.
X
Xeriscaping RestrictionsRestricciones de xerojardinería
Definition: HOA limits on low-water landscaping.
XML Evidence SubmissionPresentación de pruebas en formato XML
Definition: Electronic court filing using XML formatting.
Y
Yield Spread PremiumPrima por diferencial de rendimiento
Definition: Fee paid for placing borrowers in higher-interest loans.
Youthful Offender PetitionPetición de infractor juvenil
Definition: Request for minor’s matter to be treated under juvenile rules.
Z
Zoning VarianceExención de zonificación / Variación de zonificación
Definition: Permission to use land in ways not normally allowed.
Zoning OrdinanceOrdenanza de zonificación
Definition: Local law regulating land use and building size.
Zero Lot Line ConstructionConstrucción al límite del terreno
Definition: Building structure directly on the property line.
Zoning Enforcement ActionAcción de cumplimiento de zonificación
Definition: Government action when property violates zoning laws.