Friendly Suit Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Friendly Suit, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Friendly Suit?

(n) Friendly suit is the lawsuit filed by a party against another, who has consented to the outcome of the case, with an intention to get a recorded order of the court, for the actions already agreed between them.

History and Meaning of Friendly Suit

A friendly suit is a lawsuit filed by one party against another party who has agreed to the outcome of the case. The purpose of filing a friendly suit is to obtain a recorded court order for actions that the parties have already agreed upon. This strategy is often used to clarify legal issues or to establish a legal precedent. The result in such cases is not in dispute as both sides are, in essence, working together to achieve a mutually acceptable outcome.

Examples of Friendly Suit

  • A couple that has agreed on the terms of their divorce files for a friendly suit to finalize the process.
  • A homeowner who wants to subdivide their property files a friendly suit to clarify any legal issues with the local zoning board.
  • Two business partners who have decided to dissolve their partnership file a friendly suit to ensure that all outstanding matters are settled legally and without the need for a lengthy and costly court battle.

Legal Terms Similar to Friendly Suit

  • Consent Judgment: a court order in which both parties agree on the terms of the judgment before it is handed down by the judge.
  • Settlement Agreement: a contract between two parties that details the terms of a settlement reached outside of court.
  • Collaborative Law: a dispute resolution process in which both parties work together with the assistance of legal professionals to reach an agreement.