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File To deposit with the clerk of the court a written complaint or petition which is the opening step in a lawsuit and subsequent documents, including an answer, motions, petitions, orders e...

Judgment creditor The person(s), company or group who should receive a specific amount of money according to the Court’s order.

Caption The heading or title on legal paperwork usually including the name of the court and the court's address, the names of the people involved in the case, the case number, and the attorn...

Personal Service Delivering a summons, complaint, or other legal document which must be served by handing it directly to the person named in the document.

Return of Service Written proof under oath by a process server saying that they delivered legal documents (such as a summons and complaint).  "Return of Service" is also referred to as "Proo...

Judgment debtor The person(s), company or group who owes a specific amount of money according to the Court’s order.

Serve To give court paperwork that starts a court case or is part of a court case to the person that is being sued or the other person in the case.  This is done by a person who isn't involv...

District Court District Courts hear civil cases in any amount, as well as domestic relations, criminal, juvenile, probate, and mental health cases....

Lien A claim that a person has upon the property of another as security for a debt owed.