Legal Definitions - objectant

An objectant is an individual or entity who formally expresses opposition, disagreement, or challenge to a proposal, request, or filing within a legal proceeding. They are essentially raising an "objection" to prevent a certain action from occurring or to challenge its validity.

• Example 1: Challenging a Will in Probate Court

  Imagine a situation where a person passes away, and their will is presented to the court for validation. If a family member believes the will is invalid—perhaps because they suspect the deceased was pressured into signing it, or lacked the mental capacity to understand it—they can file a formal document with the court stating their opposition. In this scenario, that family member becomes the objectant, challenging the legitimacy of the will.

• Example 2: Disputing a Creditor's Claim in Bankruptcy

  Consider a company that has filed for bankruptcy. One of its creditors submits a claim for a substantial amount of money, asserting the company owes them. However, the bankruptcy trustee, after reviewing the claim and the company's records, believes the claim is fraudulent or significantly overstated. The trustee can then file a formal objection to that creditor's claim. Here, the bankruptcy trustee acts as the objectant, disputing the validity or amount of the creditor's asserted debt.

• Example 3: Opposing a Permit Application in an Administrative Hearing

  Suppose a developer applies to a local planning board for a permit to construct a large apartment complex in an area currently zoned for single-family homes. Residents living nearby might be concerned about issues like increased traffic, strain on local schools, or environmental impact. They can attend the public hearing and formally submit their opposition to the permit application. Each resident who formally opposes the permit in this manner is acting as an objectant, seeking to prevent the development from proceeding as planned.