Know Before You Go to Court

Becoming a permanent resident from inside the U.S.

Permission to travel abroad while a green card is pending.

A written statement signed under oath.

Your first court appearance after arrest, where charges are read.

Protection for those fleeing persecution in their home country.

Money or a bond posted to ensure you return to court.

A warrant issued by a judge for failing to appear.

The high standard the prosecution must meet to convict.

Which party must prove its case, and to what level.

A defense allowing some long-term residents to stay.

Court-ordered payments for a child's needs.

Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault.

Applying for a green card from outside the U.S.

Legal = decision-making. Physical = where the child lives.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

The money compensation you can recover.

Child-protective agencies in NJ (DCP&P) and NY (ACS).

A formal letter outlining your claim and what you'll accept.

Sworn out-of-court testimony recorded for later use.

The exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense.

Fair (not always equal) division of marital property in divorce.

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison.

NJ statute requiring mandatory prison for certain gun crimes.

Lawful permanent resident status in the U.S.

A U.S. citizen or LPR's petition for a family member.

A formal felony charge issued by a grand jury.

Voluntary, confidential negotiation guided by a neutral.

A lesser offense punishable by up to one year in jail.

A formal request asking the court to do something.

The process by which a green card holder becomes a citizen.

A failure to exercise reasonable care that causes harm.

Insurance that pays your medical bills regardless of fault.

The charging document that starts removal proceedings.

A court order keeping one party away from another.

The schedule of when each parent is with the child.

Temporary court orders that apply during a divorce.

A negotiated agreement to plead guilty for a reduced outcome.

A contract about property and support signed before marriage.

A property owner's duty to keep visitors reasonably safe.

Representing yourself without a lawyer.

A reasonable basis to believe a crime occurred.

The formal process used to deport someone from the U.S.

A negotiated resolution that ends the case.

Payments from one spouse to another after divorce.

A written law passed by a legislature.

The deadline by which you must file a lawsuit.

A court order to appear or to produce documents.

Your insurer's right to be repaid from your settlement.

A request to throw out illegally obtained evidence.

A civil wrong, like negligence, that causes harm.

A claim brought when negligence kills a loved one.