A dependent bill is a legal document filed in equity that relates to an existing case already in court involving the same parties. This type of bill is intended to supplement or continue the previous litigation, addressing issues that have arisen from that case. Essentially, it seeks relief for matters that are connected to the original suit and builds upon it. It is also referred to as a bill not original.
Dependent bills are primarily used in civil law contexts, particularly in equity cases. They allow parties to address additional claims or issues that emerge during ongoing litigation without starting a new lawsuit. Users can often manage these processes themselves using legal templates available through platforms like US Legal Forms, which provide professionally drafted forms to assist in filing dependent bills.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A person involved in a divorce proceeding may file a dependent bill to address child custody issues that arise during the divorce process. This bill would be connected to the ongoing divorce case.
Example 2: In a contract dispute, a party may file a dependent bill to claim damages that were not initially included in the original lawsuit but are related to the same contract. (hypothetical example)
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Dependent Bill Variations |
|---|---|
| California | Allows for dependent bills in family law cases. |
| New York | Recognizes dependent bills but has specific procedural requirements. |
| Texas | Uses a different terminology but allows similar filings under its rules. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Original Bill | A legal document initiating a lawsuit. | Starts a new case rather than supplementing an existing one. |
| Counterclaim | A claim made by a defendant against a plaintiff in the same action. | Filed within the same lawsuit, while a dependent bill relates to a prior suit. |
If you find yourself needing to file a dependent bill, consider the following steps:
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It allows parties to address additional claims related to an ongoing lawsuit without starting a new case.