Bill quia timet is derived from the Latin phrase “quia timet” which means, “because he fears.” A bill quia timet grants a party equitable relief from the court for a probable harm to their specific right or interest.
A bill quia timet is similar to an injunction, however, unlike an injunction, a bill quia timet only prevents future infringements of a right and cannot redress past infringements. Like an injunction, a bill quia timet requires a showing of no available and adequate alternative remedy.
Common reasons to petition for a bill quia timet include: challenging the adequacy of council, preventing a contested will from taking effect, resolving property disputes. In property law, a bill quia timet is referring to a quiet title action.
[Last updated in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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