Recovery

What recovery means

In practice, you will see recovery in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.

Where recovery comes up

The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.

How to research the term

To research recovery, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.

You can read the current federal court rules online for free.

Related legal terms

• Received: has two court meanings.
• Receiver: a neutral person appointed by a court to take custody of, manage and protect property or a business while a case is pending or to help enforce a judgment. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 66 governs actions in which a party seeks to appoint a receiver or in which a receiver sues or is sued.
• Reconcile: to compare two sets of records — such as a bank statement and a company's own ledger — to confirm they agree and to identify and explain any differences. A reconciliation is the document or process that does this.
• Record on appeal: the materials the appellate court reviews: the original papers and exhibits filed in the trial court, the transcript of proceedings, and a certified copy of the docket entries (Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 10(a)).

Why precise terms matter

Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.