De facto - Latin, meaning "in fact" or "actually." Something that exists in fact but not as a matter of law.⏎
Declaratory judgment - A judge's statement about someone's rights. For example, a plaintiff may seek a declaratory judgment that a particular statute, as written, violates some constitutional right.⏎
Creditor - A person to whom or business to which the debtor owes money or that claims to be owed money by the debtor.⏎
Ex parte - A proceeding brought before a court by one party only, without notice to or challenge by the other side.⏎
Defendant - An individual (or business) against whom a lawsuit is filed.⏎