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;alternative dispute resolution:A phrase referring to a number of processes intended to resolve people's disputes outside of the court system. This includes arbitration, mediation, negotiation, and collaborative settlement processes. In family law, the purpose of alternative dispute resolution is to offer a less adversarial and less expensive way to resolve a dispute than having to go to court so that a judge can resolve things.
;amend:To change or alter a pleading or document that has already been filed in court or given to the other party. The resulting document is a separate document from the original and is called, for example, the "amended Notice of Family Claim" or the "amended separation agreement."
;''amicus curiae'':A Latin phrase meaning "friend of the court." Usually refers to a lawyer who does not act for any of the parties and assists the court by bringing relevant information to the attention of the judge. In specific and extraordinary circumstances, a court may appoint, and even order that public funds be used to pay for , an amicus. For example, the court may appoint amicus curiae in a case that involves children, so as to help the court in determining what is in the best interests of the children.
;annulment:A declaration by a judge that a marriage is invalid. The effect of such a declaration is to cancel the marriage from the moment it took place, as if the marriage never occurred. See "ab initio," "declaration," and "marriage, validity of."
;answer: In law, response to an allegation of fact or to a claim. Usually refers to documents which reply to the allegations or claims made by the other party, such as a "Response to Family Claim" or a "Reply."