Terms Used In Alabama Code > Title 38 > Chapter 10 - Child Support Programs

• Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
• Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
• Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
• Common law: The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States. It is based on judicial decisions rather than legislative action.
• Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
• Dependent: A person dependent for support upon another.
• Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. ^Source:
• Escrow: Money given to a third party to be held for payment until certain conditions are met.
• foster care trust fund: means a separate fund established for the purpose of donation of tax deductible funds by individuals, charitable organizations, institutions, and businesses wishing to assist all children in the temporary or permanent custody of the department of human resources who are in foster care. See Alabama Code 38-10-50
• month: means a calendar month. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
• Obligation: An order placed, contract awarded, service received, or similar transaction during a given period that will require payments during the same or a future period.
• property: includes both real and personal property. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
• Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
• Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
• writing: includes typewriting and printing on paper. See Alabama Code 1-1-1