Abatement
The reduction, elimination, or suspension of a legal proceeding, charge, or financial obligation.
What is Abatement?
Abatement is the reduction, suspension, or termination of a legal claim, proceeding, or penalty. Courts order abatement when a defect exists, a party dies, the claim becomes moot, or the action cannot continue until a required condition is resolved.
Why It Matters?
It prevents courts from moving forward with cases that are incomplete, defective, or no longer valid.
Example
A lawsuit is abated when the defendant dies and no estate representative has been substituted.
Related Terms
Mediation
Litigation