F

FAMILY COURT - a court with jurisdiction over child support , divorce and comparable issues.   In California , this is a division of the Superior Court.

 

FATHER'S RIGHTS - legal principles and concepts promoting the idea that custody decisions must not discriminate against fathers.  A Fathers Rights are the same as those of the mother in California .

 

FAULT - BASED DIVORCE - a type of divorce to be granted if one member of the marriage is guilty of some kind of marital misconduct.  California is a no-fault state and no misconduct is required.

 

FEE SIMPLE ESTATE - absolute ownership unencumbered by another interest or estate; subject only to the limitations of eminent domain, escheat, police power, and taxation.

 

FILE the act of the court clerk causing the document can be included in the official records of a case.

 

FINAL JUDGMENT the document which contains the final, non-modifiable orders of the court.   For purposes of appeal a judgment does not become final until the expiration of a certain amount of time.

FOREIGN ORDER - a court order issued by another county, state or nation outside of the jurisdiction in which the parties seek to litigate.

 

FORENSICS - a general term used to refer to the investigation of issues by an expert. 

 

FOUNDATION - the evidence that must be presented before asking certain questions or offering documentary evidence on trial.