PETITION

A formal written request made to a court.  A petition asks for an order or a ruling to be made by the court on a particular issue.  There is a myriad of different reasons to file a petition with a court.  Petitions include demands for modifications and/or violations of prior orders, continuances, dismissal of cases, a decree for distribution of an estate, appointment of a guardian, writs, orders to show cause as well as a host of other matters arising in legal actions.