Ward of the court

What ward of the court means

Put simply, ward of the court is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.

Where ward of the court 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.

Read the source: Wards of the court discussion.

How to research the term

First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses ward of the court in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.

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

Related legal terms

• Void: having no legal effect from the beginning, as if it never existed.
• Void judgment: a judgment entered without legal power to enter it. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60(b)(4) lists a void judgment as a ground for relief.
• Voir dire: the process of questioning prospective jurors to select a jury. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 47(a), the court may let the parties or their lawyers examine prospective jurors or may examine them itself.
• Waiver: the voluntary giving up of a known right, claim or privilege.

Why precise terms matter

Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.