Wage assignment: A voluntary agreement by an employee to transfer (or assign) parts of future wage payments to pay a debt, like child support.
Wage attachment: An involuntary transfer of a portion of an employee's wage payment to repay a debt. (See also income withholding,wage withholding.)
Wage garnishment: A legal procedure that requires the employer of a judgment debtor to withhold a portion of the judgment debtor's wages to satisfy a judgment.
Wage withholding: A legal procedure that allows deductions to be made from wages or income on a regular schedule. The deductions are used to pay a debt, like child support. Wage withholding often is incorporated into a child support order. It can be voluntary or involuntary. Also known as "income withholding." (See also direct income withholding, earnings assignment, income withholding.)
Waiver: To give up a legal right voluntarily, intentionally, and with full knowledge of the consequences.
Ward: In a guardianship case, this is the same person as the "minor" or child.
Warranty of habitability: A promise that goes with the rental of residential property that it will be fit for people to live in (habitation), including working plumbing and electrical systems, locking doors and windows, watertight roof, and other health and safety conditions. This promise is part of the law, even if the landlord does not include it in the lease or rental agreement.
With prejudice: A term used when rights or privileges are waived or lost. A dismissal of a lawsuit with prejudice means a new suit cannot be brought on the same claim.
Without prejudice: A term used when rights or privileges are not waived or lost. A dismissal of a lawsuit without prejudice means a new suit can be brought on the same cause of action if it is within the statute of limitations.
Witness: A person called by either side in a lawsuit to give testimony before the judge or jury.
Writ: A written court order saying that certain action must be taken. Can be a:
writ of attachment-an order to attach specified property;
writ of certiorari-an order by an appellate court granting or denying a review of judgment;
writ of execution-an order to enforce a court judgment;
writ of habeas corpus-an order to release someone that has been unlawfully imprisoned;
writ of mandamus (or mandate)-an order to perform any act designated by law to be part of a person's duty or status; or
writ of prohibition-the opposite of a writ of mandate that orders that further proceedings or other official acts be stopped (usually issued from a higher to a lower court).
Writ of Execution: An order issued by a court requiring the performance of a specified act, or giving authority to have it done. It is used to allow the levying officer the power to take the judgment debtor's property.
Writ of possession: A document issued by the court after the landlord wins an unlawful detainer (eviction) lawsuit. The writ of possession is served on the tenant by the sheriff. The writ informs the tenant that the tenant must leave the rental unit by the end of five days, or the sheriff will forcibly remove the tenant.
