contested matter

[/kənˈtɛstɪd ˈmætər/]
nounpl: contested matters
questão contestada
1. A legal or factual issue that is disputed or challenged by one or more parties in a case or proceeding
The ownership of the property became a contested matter in the divorce proceedings.
A propriedade do imóvel tornou-se uma questão contestada nos procedimentos de divórcio.
2. In bankruptcy proceedings, a matter that requires a hearing or ruling by a judge because parties disagree on its resolution
The trustee filed a motion to determine whether the debt was a contested matter.
O administrador da insolvência apresentou uma moção para determinar se a dívida era uma questão contestada.
3. Any disputed point, claim, or allegation in legal proceedings that requires adjudication
Both sides submitted evidence regarding the contested matter of liability.
Ambos os lados apresentaram evidências sobre a questão contestada da responsabilidade.
This term is predominantly used in formal legal contexts in both the United States and Brazil. In the U.S. legal system, 'contested matter' is particularly important in bankruptcy law, where it determines whether a simpler proceeding (uncontested) or a more formal hearing (contested) is required. In Brazil, similar concepts are used in civil litigation under the 'Código de Processo Civil,' though the terminology may vary. Understanding whether a matter is contested or uncontested significantly affects litigation strategy, costs, and timeline.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
disputed mattercontested issuedisputed claimlitigated mattercontentious issue
Antonyms / Antônimos
undisputed matteragreed mattersettled matteruncontested claim

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
questão contestada
Standard legal terminology used in Brazilian courts
São Paulo
matéria controvertida
Alternative formal legal term commonly used in state courts
Portugal
questão em litígio
Portuguese legal Portuguese equivalent; emphasizes the disputed nature in litigation
General English Legal
contested matter
Standard terminology in U.S. bankruptcy and civil procedure contexts

Related Words

litigationdispute resolutionadjudicationmotion hearingburden of proofevidentiary hearingfactual dispute

Related Idioms & Phrases

at issue
bone of contention
point of contention
subject matter in dispute
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