GARNISHMENT: A court-ordered method of debt collection in which a portion of a person's salary is paid to a creditor. Often used to collect child support payments.
GENERAL PARTNER: One of two kinds of partners in a limited partnership. A general partner has the right to participate in the management of the partnership and has unlimited personal liability for its debts.
GOOD FAITH: Honestly and without deception. An agreement might be declared invalid if one of the parties entered with the intention of defrauding the other.
GRAND JURY: A group of citizens convened in a criminal case to consider the prosecutor's evidence and determine whether probable cause exists to prosecute a suspect for a felony.
GRANTOR: The person who sets up a trust.
GREEN CARD: An immigrant visa. Allows an alien to become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and to work legally, travel abroad and return, bring in a spouse and children and become eligible for citizenship.
GROSS NEGLIGENCE: Failure to use even the slightest amount of care in a way that shows recklessness or willful disregard for the safety of others.
GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE: The legal reason (or reasons) a divorce is granted. There are two kinds of grounds: fault and no-fault.
GUARDIAN: Person assigned by the court to take care of minor children or incompetent adults. Sometimes called a conservator.
GUARDIAN AD LITEM: Latin for "guardian at law." The person appointed by the court to look out for the best interests of the child during the course of legal proceedings.