Legal Definitions - in fieri

The term in fieri describes a legal process, action, or proceeding that is currently underway or in the course of being completed. It refers to something that is not yet finalized or concluded, but is actively progressing towards its completion.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: A Complex Business Acquisition

  Imagine a large corporation that is in the process of acquiring a smaller tech company. Lawyers for both sides are actively drafting the merger agreement, conducting extensive due diligence, and negotiating the intricate terms of the deal. While the initial intent to merge has been announced, the acquisition has not yet received all necessary regulatory approvals, nor have the final contracts been signed and executed.

  How this illustrates "in fieri": The entire acquisition process is considered in fieri because all the legal and administrative steps required to finalize the merger are actively ongoing and have not yet reached their conclusion. The deal is in progress, not complete.

• Example 2: A Divorce Settlement Negotiation

  A couple has filed for divorce, and their respective attorneys are currently engaged in extensive negotiations regarding the division of marital assets, child custody arrangements, and spousal support. Although the initial divorce petition has been submitted to the court, the final settlement agreement has not yet been reached, approved by a judge, or incorporated into a final divorce decree.

  How this illustrates "in fieri": The divorce settlement is in fieri because the legal proceedings to resolve the marital dissolution are still active and have not yet resulted in a final, binding judgment from the court. The terms are being worked out.

• Example 3: A Legislative Bill in Progress

  A new bill proposing significant changes to environmental protection laws has been introduced in the national legislature. It is currently undergoing review by various committees, subject to public hearings, and being debated by lawmakers in both houses. It has not yet passed all required votes, nor has it been signed into law by the head of state.

  How this illustrates "in fieri": The environmental protection bill is in fieri because its journey through the legislative process is ongoing. It is not yet a completed law but is actively moving through the necessary stages to potentially become one.