A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U V W

F

family allowance - Money set aside from the estate of the deceased. Its purpose is to provide for the surviving family members during the administration of the estate.

felony - A serious criminal offense generally punishable by imprisonment of one year or more.

fiduciary - A person having a legal relationship of trust and confidence to another and having a duty to act primarily for the other's benefit, for example, a guardian, trustee, or executor.

finding - A formal conclusion by a trial judge or jury regarding the facts of a case.

first appearance - The initial appearance of an arrested person before a judge to determine whether or not there is probable cause for his or her arrest. Generally the person comes before a judge within hours or the arrest. Also called initial appearance.

fraud - Intentional deception designed to deprive another person of property or to injure him or her in some other way.

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