Addendum
an addition to a completed written document, most commonly a proposed change or 
explanation in a contract, or some point that has been the subject of 
negotiation after the contract was originally proposed by one party
Adeem
to revoke a gift made in a will by destroying, selling or giving away the gift 
item during the lifetime of the testator, for example; a person writes in their 
will "I will leave my son my 1968 Mustang," but then dad totals or sells the 
car--Saying, "I give my son my family car," would be better language.
Ademption
revoking a gift mentioned in a will by destruction, or selling or giving away 
the gift before death
Adequate Remedy
a remedy (money or performance) awarded by a court or through private action 
which afford "complete" satisfaction, and is "practical, efficient and 
appropriate" in the circumstances
Adhesion Contract
A contract so imbalanced in favor of one party over the other that there is a 
strong implication it was not freely bargained. (For example, a poor tenant 
cannot afford to move out and the landlord places extreme stipulations on 
allowing him to live there.)
Adjourn
to close a meeting, convention, or any official gathering; not to be confused 
with a recess, meaning the meeting will break and continue at a later time.
Adjudication
1. the act of giving a judicial ruling such as a judgment or decree 2. order 
declaring a debtor bankrupt is called an adjudication in bankruptcy proceedings 
3. when land satisfies a debt or is given additional security 
Adjusted Basis
the original cost of an asset adjusted for costs of improvements, depreciation, 
damage, and other events which may have affected its value during the period of 
ownership; this is important in calculating capital gains for income tax 
purposes since the adjusted basis is generally higher than the original price 
and will lower capital gains taxes
Adjuster
employee of an insurance company or an adjustment firm employed by an insurance 
company to negotiate an early settlement of a claim for damages against a 
person, a business or public body. While a fair and responsible adjuster can 
serve a real purpose in getting information and evaluating the case for the 
insurance company, some adjusters try to make a settlement before the injured 
person has retained an attorney, or get a statement from the injured without 
counsel. Adjusters also represent the company in approving settlements.
Administer
1) To conduct the duties of a job or position 2) To manage the affairs of the 
estate of a person who has died under supervision of the local court 3) To give 
an oath, as in "administer the oath"