Ex parte - A proceeding brought before a court by one party only, without notice to or challenge by the other side.⏎
Contract - An agreement between two or more people that creates an obligation to do or not to do a particular thing.⏎
Debtor - A person who has filed a petition for relief under the Bankruptcy Code.⏎
De facto - Latin, meaning "in fact" or "actually." Something that exists in fact but not as a matter of law.⏎
Equity - The value of a debtor's interest in property that remains after liens and other creditors' interests are considered. (Example: If a house valued at $60,000 is subject to a $30,000 mortgage, there is $30,000 of equity.)⏎