why does my lawyer use the word pray in paperwork

What does it mean to pray in a court case?

Prayer is a term subject to different meanings, but in the legal context, it refers to the specific amount asked for as damages at the end of a complaint or petition. A prayer gives the judge an idea of what is sought, and a defendant who fails to answer may have a default judgment entered against him/her for the amount prayed for.

What is a prayer in a legal form?

Browse US Legal Forms’ largest database of 85k state and industry-specific legal forms. Prayer is a term subject to different meanings, but in the legal context, it refers to the specific amount asked for as damages at the end of a complaint or petition.

What is the purpose of a prayer?

A prayer gives the judge an idea of what is sought, and a defendant who fails to answer may have a default judgment entered against him/her for the amount prayed for. The following is a sample prayer:

What does the phrase “pray proceed” mean?

Therefore, the phrase "pray proceed" could be interpreted as "Please, I beg of you, proceed". In modern English, we often think of the term "pray" in a spiritual context, but the meaning is the same: to ask something of someone. Show activity on this post.

What does prayer mean in a legal document?

the specific request for judgment, reliefprayer. n. the specific request for judgment, relief and/or damages at the conclusion of a complaint or petition.

What is a prayer in a pleading?

A prayer is a part of a pleading, and it usually appears at the end of the pleading. It includes a request for specific relief or damages which the pleader deems himself entitled. Relief in the alternative or of several different types may be demanded.

What does prayer amount mean in a civil case?

A "prayer" in a civil complaint is simply the amount being sought. Many times the prayer actually has no real basis and is just a starting point. That's why you hear in the news that someone has filed a 5 million dollar lawsuit, etc., but in reality the dollar figure in the prayer is not realistic.

What is a prayer section in a divorce petition?

a request contained in a petition to a court for the relief sought by the petitioner.

Is prayer a part of pleadings?

The prayer clauses cannot be read in isolation, but they have to be read in conjunction with the pleadings in the plaint. In fact, the prayers would have to be understood in the context of the pleadings made in that regard.

What is prayer used for?

Prayer is often used as a means of faith healing in an attempt to use religious or spiritual means to prevent illness, cure disease, or improve health. Scientific studies regarding the use of prayer have mostly concentrated on its effect on the healing of sick or injured people.

Is prays a legal term?

An antiquated term of art used to describe a formal request for judicial judgment, relief, or damages at the end of a pleading, i.e. a civil complaint.

How do you write a prayer in court?

In the above premises, it is prayed that this Hon'ble Court may be pleased: (i) ............. (ii) to pass such other orders and further orders as may be deemed necessary on the facts and in the circumstances of the case. FOR WHICH ACT OF KINDNESS, THE PETITIONER SHALL AS INDUTY BOUND, EVER PRAY.

What are the terms used in civil law?

Criminal LawCivil LawCriminal LawBalance of probabilitiesBeyond a reasonable doubtCivil wrongCrimeAggrieved/Injured PartyVictimTo sue/ bring an action againstTo prosecute/bring a case against7 more rows

What is prayer in family law?

At the back of the divorce petition is a section called the Prayer. This is what you are asking the court to do for you. Essentially it says that you are asking that the marriage is dissolved. It also allows you to make a number of other requests concerned with children, money and property.

How long does it take for a divorce petition to be served?

The Petition Once the petition has been sent to the court it will be given a case number and copies will be sent to the other party. This is known as issuing. Generally speaking it takes two to three weeks for the court to issue the divorce papers and send them out.

How long does a divorce take?

On average, it takes 12 months to complete a divorce, from filing the divorce petition to finalizing the judgment. If the case goes to trial, the average time is about 18 months. The average cost of divorce in 2019 was $12,900, which includes $11,300 in attorney's fees and about $1,600 in other expenses.

What is a prayer in court?

n. the specific request for judgment, relief and/or damages at the conclusion of a complaint or petition. A typical prayer would read: "The plaintiff prays for 1) special damages in the sum of $17,500; 2) general damages according to proof [proved in trial]; 3) reasonable attorney's fees; 4) costs of suit; and 5) such other ...

Why do plaintiffs inflate damages in prayer?

Sometimes a plaintiff will inflate damages in the prayer for publicity or intimidation purposes, or because the plaintiff believes that a gigantic demand will be a better starting point in negotiations. However, the ridiculous multi-million prayers in smaller cases make plaintiffs look foolish and unrealistic.

Wobbler

The word "wobbler" might make you think of someone doing the popular line dance at a wedding. In legal contexts, a wobbler is a case that teeters on the edge of being a crime and a misdemeanor.

Recess

For most people, recess conjures memories of playing outside in between classes in elementary school. In the legal world, recess refers to a break in a trial or court proceeding.

Tort

Tort doesn't refer to a cake made with ground nuts or breadcrumbs and topped with rich frosting — that's a torte.

Upstanding

If someone's an upstanding citizen, they're honorable and respectable. However, in British law, the phrase "be upstanding" is an audience's cue to rise when the judge enters the room.

Therefor

No, this isn't a misspelled version of "therefore." Without the final e, "therefor" is a fancy way to say "for this" or "for that." Legal Shield gives us the example sentence, " She accepted the delivery and provided payment therefor."

Administratrix, executrix, prosecutrix, and testatrix

Fluent speakers of legalese often throw around these unusual feminine forms for common words like administrator or prosecutor.