General Glossary Terms

DBA is an abbreviation for "doing business as". Typically owners of sole proprietorships and general partnerships who wish to do business using a name other than their own name file a DBA with the town clerk in the town in which the business is based. Corporations, LLC's, LLP's, and LPs are not required to file a DBA, however, it the business wishes to market or operate as a name other than the registered name with the Connecticut Secretary of State, then the business should file a DBA. Another term used for DBA is a trade name certificate.

“Department of Homeland Security” - the Cabinet-level department within which USCIS, USICE, and other immigration-related agencies are found.

For an adult, disability under Social Security is based on inability to work because of a physical or mental medical condition or combination of impairments.

A process wherein a neutral third party, who may or may not be an attorney, helps spouses try to reach an acceptable divorce agreement. Divorce Mediation is typically faster, less expensive, more private, and less confrontational than a traditional divorce but it may not be appropriate if the spouses are too adversarial or unable to negotiate in good faith. Sometimes spouses go through a divorce mediation process but have a family law attorney review the divorce agreement before it becomes final.

A constitutional right afforded by the 5th and 14th Amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing that no person shall be “deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”

A document that grants a person of your choice (usually called your agent or attorney-in-fact) legal authority to manage your financial affairs, effective immediately and whether or not you are incapacitated or incompetent.

Refers to people who die without a will. In this case, the state (probate court) will make a will for your estate.