Difference between revisions of "Terminology"

;Natural Parent:A biological parent of a child, as opposed to adoptive parents and step-parents.

;Negligence:Failing to do something which a reasonable person would do, or doing something which a reasonable person would not do, which results in harm to someone else.

;Negotiate:In family law, the process by which a contract or agreement is formed, usually consisting of the mutual compromise of the parties' original positions to the extent tolerable by each party. See "Alternative Dispute Resolution" and “Family Law Agreements.”

;Net Income:The remainder of a person’s annual income after the deduction of expenses, which may include CPP, EI and income taxes, or business and operating expenses.

;Non Compos Mentis:A Latin phrase meaning “not of sound mind,” a legal disability arising from mental infirmity. See “Disability.”

;Notary Public:A person authorized to administer affirmations and oaths, and execute or certify documents. All lawyers are notaries public in addition to being barristers and solicitors. See “Barrister and Solicitor.”

;Notice of Appeal:A legal document required by the Rules of Court which notifies a party of the other party's intent to appeal a decision. See “Appeal” and “Decision.”

;Notice of Application:A legal document required by the Supreme Court Family Rules to bring an interim application, setting out the relief claimed by the applicant, the grounds on which that relief is claimed, and the date on which the application will be heard. See “Application,” “Grounds,” “Relief” and “Interlocutory Application.”

;Notice of Family Claim:A legal document in which the Claimant in a legal action sets out his or her claim against the Respondent and the grounds for that claim. See “Action,” “Claim,” “Claimant,” “Pleadings” and “Relief."

;Notice of Hearing:A legal document required by the Supreme Court Family Rules which fixes the date for the hearing of a Petition. See "Hearing" and "Petition."

;Notice of Motion:A legal document required by the Provincial Court Rules to bring an interim application setting out the relief claimed by a party making an interim application. See “Application,” “Grounds,” “Relief” and “Interlocutory Application.”

;Null and Void:Invalid; a nullity; of no legal force and effect. Curiously, null and void mean the same thing, which is partly explained by the fact that solicitors used to be paid by the word, just like Charles Dickens.