Family Law Jargon

noun the position or duties of a guardian, or the state of being under the protection of a guardian

• The court granted her guardianship over her younger siblings after their parents passed away.
• She took on guardianship of her niece when her sister went to rehab.
• I'm basically in charge of babysitting my little brother, it's like I have guardianship or something.
• The wise old man was seen as the guardianship of tradition in the small village.

verb to reach an agreement or resolution with someone

preposition used to indicate the person or party with whom an agreement or resolution is reached

• The company decided to settle with the plaintiff out of court.
• I think we can settle with him on a price that works for both of us.
• Let's just settle with them and get this over with.
• Sometimes it's better to settle with your inner demons rather than fight them constantly.

noun a legal guardian appointed to act on behalf of a minor or incapacitated person in legal matters

• The court appointed a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of the child in the custody case.
• My friend's mom is acting as the guardian ad litem for her little brother in the court case.
• The guardian ad litem is like the kid's legal bodyguard in court.
• The guardian ad litem serves as a beacon of protection and guidance for the child amidst the legal proceedings.