| Bailiff |
The court official responsible for maintaining courtroom order.
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| Bankruptcy |
The legal process in which a financially insolvent person requests federal bankruptcy court determination of the individual's debts and how the any assets will be used to pay those debts. Child support obligations still must be met regardless of a bankruptcy filling.
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| Bench warrant |
The court order authorizing the arrest of a person who has failed to appear at a required judicial hearing.
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| Best interest of the child |
The legal standard, at the court's discretion, that applies to a youth's support, visitation and custody.
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| Bigamy |
A marriage that is illegal because one spouse enters into a marriage while a previous marriage is still in force.
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| Bill of particulars |
the formal title for information attached to a complaint or petition.
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| Blood test |
The drawing of blood from a child and his or her parents. The samples are genetically tested to determine biological parentage.
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| Bona fide |
Truthful, honest, without deceit.
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| Brief |
A document presented to the court outlining a lawsuit participant's position.
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| Burden of proof |
The standard that a spouse must meet in proving claims made against the opposing spouse. The claims must be supported by sufficient evidence.
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