Attorney of Record

Definition: the lawyer who has officially appeared in court on behalf of a party (petitioner or respondent) and is recognized by the court as representing that party.

What it really means: The lawyer you hired.

Hearing

What it means: This is a formal proceeding before a court to resolve a specific issue or issues of fact or law. You can present your evidence and hear arguments between parties of a lawsuit.

On this ____________(date) the Court heard this case
This is the date you had a hearing or final trial or the date the judge signed a specific order. If your trial was more than one day long, you could see more than one date listed here.

Appearances

What it means: Who appeared in Court before the judge.

Petitioner

Definition: is the person who initiates a legal case by filing a petition with the court
What it really means: The person who files first.

Respondent

Definition: the person who is served with legal papers after another party (the petitioner) initiates a case by filing a petition.
What it means: the person who received the papers that were filed to initiate a lawsuit, and they have to respond/answer to said lawsuit.

Announced Ready

Definition: refers to when a party or their attorney informs the court that they are prepared to proceed with a hearing or with a trial.
What it really means: You (or your lawyer) are basically saying “I’m ready to present my case to the judge.”

Served

Definition: means that a person—typically the Respondent—has been officially notified that a legal lawsuit has been filed against them.

What it means: You (Petitioner) sent the sheriff/constable/private process server to Respondent’s home/work place or some other location that you know Respondent frequents; to hand the Respondent the lawsuit papers.

Wholly Made Default

What it means: The Judge went ahead with the hearing even though the Respondent did not make an appearance at court.

Duly and Properly Notified

Respondent, although duly and properly notified, did not appear and wholly made default.

What it means: Respondent was served with the lawsuit documents that Petitioner filed with the Court and Petitioner informed Respondent about the court date.

Did Not Appear

What it means: Respondent’s ignored the documents that were served and Respondent did not attend the court date.

Waived Issuance of Service

Respondent waived issuance and service of citation by waiver duly filed and, having agreed to the terms of this order to the extent per­mitted by law, as evidenced by Respondent’s signature below, did not otherwise appear.

What it means: Respondent did not want the sheriff/constable/private process server to come to Respondent’s home/work or other place Respondent frequents and give Respondent the lawsuit documents.

Attorney Ad Litem for Children

Who are they: A licensed attorney that can be appointed by the court; or, agreed upon in a case.

What do they do: They advocate and represent the child(ren)’s legal interests and wishes. A way to protect the child(ren) and make sure that their interests and concerns are heard during a divorce or Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship.