Payment in lieu of notice (PILON) is a sum paid to an employee when an employer ends employment without requiring the employee to work the contractual notice period. It compensates for lost wages and may include accrued benefits, subject to statutory and contractual rules.
An arraignment is the initial court hearing in a felony case where the accused learns the formal charges, enters a plea, and the judge addresses bail and counsel. It marks the start of the criminal process and safeguards the defendant’s constitutional rights.
In North Carolina, ‘no bond’ means a defendant is held in custody without the option of posting bail. This status applies in certain serious cases, such as when the charge is a capital offense or when the court deems the defendant a flight risk or a danger to the community.
Temporary custody is a short-term legal arrangement that determines where a child resides and who is responsible for their care while a final custody decision is pending. It is typically established by a court order to ensure stability for the child during legal proceedings.
Deeded access refers to a legally documented right to enter or cross a piece of land, typically granted via a property deed. This ensures that a property owner has a permanent, legal means of reaching their land, even if it is landlocked.
An absolute divorce is the final legal termination of a marriage, granting parties the unrestricted right to remarry. Unlike a legal separation or a limited divorce, it completely dissolves the marital bond in the eyes of the law.
In personal injury law, litigation is the formal process of resolving a legal dispute through the court system. It occurs when a plaintiff and defendant cannot reach a settlement agreement outside of court.
A “sealed FC” notation on a court docket indicates that a filing has been placed under seal, restricting public access. This practice protects sensitive information while preserving the integrity of the judicial process.
The phrase ‘possession is nine-tenths of the law’ is a popular legal adage meaning that the person currently in possession of an object or property has a stronger legal claim than someone who merely asserts ownership without possession. It is not a formal statute but reflects the practical reality that possession often provides a procedural advantage in disputes over title or ownership.
Temporary-to-hire is an employment arrangement where an employee is hired through a staffing agency for a set period before potentially transitioning to a permanent role with the client company. This model allows both the employer and the employee to evaluate professional compatibility before committing to a long-term contract.