General Glossary Terms

Means “doing business as” and refers to the situation of a business being named something different than the owner’s name (e.g. when Jane Doe has a business named “Creative Minds”). In DBA situations, a “fictitious name” must typically be filed with the county clerk’s agency to allow the owner(s) to open bank accounts, etc. in the business name. Attorneys who are filing the articles of organization or incorporation for a small business can also address DBA situations.

The serious harming of someone’s reputation or character by making false statements as though they are factual. Includes the more specific Slander and Libel.

“Department of Homeland Security” - the Cabinet-level department within which USCIS, USICE, and other immigration-related agencies are found

For an adult, disability under Social Security is based on inability to work because of a physical or mental medical condition or combination of impairments.

A process wherein a neutral third party, who may or may not be an attorney, helps spouses try to reach an acceptable divorce agreement. Divorce Mediation is typically faster, less expensive, more private, and less confrontational than a traditional divorce but it may not be appropriate if the spouses are too adversarial or unable to negotiate in good faith. Sometimes spouses go through a divorce mediation process but have a family law attorney review the divorce agreement before it becomes final.

A constitutional right afforded by the 5th and 14th Amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing that no person shall be “deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”

A document that grants a person of your choice (usually called your agent or attorney-in-fact) legal authority to manage your financial affairs, effective immediately and whether or not you are incapacitated or incompetent.

Refers to people who die without a will. In this case, the state (probate court) will make a will for your estate.