Counter-petitioner
A Counter-petitioner is an individual or entity that responds to a legal petition by submitting a competing or opposing request within the same legal proceeding. This legal term is primarily used in family law cases, such as divorce proceedings, where one party counters the claims made by the initial petitioner.
Counter-petitioner meaning with examples
- In a divorce case, after the husband filed a petition for separation, the wife decided to become a Counter-petitioner, seeking custody of their children and alimony payments based on her financial needs.
- When the business partner filed a petition to dissolve the partnership, the Counter-petitioner argued that the dissolution would cause significant financial harm to both parties and offered alternative solutions.
- During the child custody battle, the mother not only denied the father's claims but also served as a Counter-petitioner, asserting her own requests for increased visitation rights and support.
- The real estate dispute escalated when the initial property owner submitted a petition, prompting the Counter-petitioner to file a response claiming right of ownership based on longstanding use of the land.
- In administrative law, when an agency's decision is challenged, the Counter-petitioner may seek to enforce certain regulations that the initial petitioner wishes to overturn.