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Citations: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Legal Meaning and Use
Definition & Meaning
A citation is a formal notice that requires an individual to appear in court. This document is typically issued when someone fails to comply with a court order, such as in family law cases like divorce, or when they do not follow court directives regarding asset disclosure. Additionally, the term citation also refers to the practice of quoting another person's words in writing. When doing so, proper citation includes enclosing the quoted material in quotation marks and providing a reference to the original source.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
Citations are commonly used in various areas of law, including:
Civil Law: Citations may be issued for failure to comply with civil court orders.
Criminal Law: Individuals may receive citations for minor offenses that do not require arrest.
Family Law: Citations can be relevant in divorce proceedings or custody disputes.
Users can manage some citation-related tasks by utilizing legal templates from US Legal Forms, which are drafted by qualified attorneys.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A person receives a citation to appear in family court because they failed to disclose their financial assets during divorce proceedings. This citation requires them to attend a hearing to explain their non-compliance.
Example 2: A driver receives a citation for a minor traffic violation, requiring them to appear in court to address the charge. (hypothetical example)
State-by-state differences
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
State
Citation Process
California
Citations can be issued for both civil and criminal matters, with specific rules for each.
New York
Citations primarily relate to traffic violations and minor offenses.
Texas
Citations may be issued for various non-compliance issues in family law cases.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Key Differences
Citation
A formal notice to appear in court or a reference to a source.
Can be both a legal summons and a writing reference.
Summons
A document that notifies a person of a legal action against them.
Specifically requires a response to a lawsuit, unlike some citations.
Subpoena
A document ordering a person to testify or produce evidence.
Focuses on testimony or evidence rather than court appearance alone.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you receive a citation, it is important to:
Review the citation carefully for details about the court date and requirements.
Consider preparing your case or gathering necessary documents.
Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist you in responding to the citation.
If the situation is complex, consider seeking advice from a legal professional.
Find the legal form that fits your case
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.