Legal Definitions - legally determined

Legally Determined

The term "legally determined" refers to a matter, fact, or outcome that has been officially decided, established, or confirmed through a formal legal process. This means that a court, an administrative agency, or another authorized legal body has rendered a binding decision on the issue, giving it the force of law. Once something is legally determined, it is considered settled and authoritative within the legal system.

• Example 1: Child Custody

  After a divorce, two parents could not agree on who should have primary custody of their children. They presented their arguments and evidence to a family court judge. The judge, after considering the children's best interests, issued a court order outlining the specific custody schedule and parental responsibilities.

  Explanation: In this scenario, the custody arrangement for the children has been legally determined by the judge's binding court order, settling the dispute between the parents.

• Example 2: Property Ownership Dispute

  Two neighbors had a long-standing disagreement over the exact boundary line between their properties, with both claiming a small strip of land. They filed a lawsuit, and after reviewing property deeds, survey reports, and witness testimonies, a court issued a judgment clarifying the precise boundary and confirming ownership of the disputed strip.

  Explanation: The rightful ownership of the disputed land and the exact property boundary are now legally determined by the court's judgment, providing a definitive resolution to the neighbors' conflict.

• Example 3: Eligibility for Government Benefits

  An individual applied for disability benefits, but their initial application was denied by the relevant government agency. They appealed the decision, presenting additional medical evidence and arguments during an administrative hearing. After reviewing all the information, the administrative law judge issued a ruling stating that the individual met the criteria for disability.

  Explanation: The individual's eligibility for disability benefits has been legally determined by the administrative law judge's decision, making them officially qualified to receive the benefits.