Civil Definitions

Complaint - In a Civil action, a complaint is the first pleading by a plaintiff stating the various names of parties to a civil action, and the remedy requested.

Foreclosure - See Writ of Execution.

Injunction - a court order which requires a party to refrain from doing a particular act or activity.

Levy - is a seizure of real property through lawful process. The land or property seized may be sold to satisfy a judgement. The levy may be against personal property such as bank accounts, cash, vehicles etc.

Return - an affidavit is sent to the plaintiff's attorney notifying him/her as to the result of service.

Complaint - In a Civil action, a complaint is the first pleading by a plaintiff stating the various names of parties to a civil action, and the remedy requested.

Foreclosure - See Writ of Execution.

Injunction - a court order which requires a party to refrain from doing a particular act or activity.

Levy - is a seizure of real property through lawful process. The land or property seized may be sold to satisfy a judgement. The levy may be against personal property such as bank accounts, cash, vehicles etc.

Return - an affidavit is sent to the plaintiff's attorney notifying him/her as to the result of service.

Summons - A mandate requiring the answer of a defendant and specifying the time in which the defendant must answer the complaint. A summons enables the court to acquire jurisdiction of the defendant.

Wage Execution (Garnishment) - the process in which the Sheriff may levy money or salary which is in the hands of a third person but which is due to the defendant. For example, a percentage of salary due to an employee (defendant debtor) which is controlled by a third party (employer) is taken to repay the debt due to the plaintiff (lender).

Writ of Attachment - Prevents the disposal of an item prior to a final judgement and is used to enforce obedience to an order of judgement.

Writ of Execution - Orders the enforcement of a judgement by commanding the Sheriff to levy or seize and sell the personal and/or real property of the judgement debtor (usually the defendant).

Writ of Execution against Goods and Lands - see Writ of Execution.

Writ of Possession - A writ of execution which allows the Sheriff to take possession of real or personal property and give it to the person entitled to it under the judgement.

Writ of Replevin - A writ that requires or provides for recovery of goods which the owner believes were unlawfully taken.