de facto

Latin meaning "in fact." Acting in a certain manner, usually as if complying with what a court might order, without such order being in place. For instance, if one parent is making voluntary child support payments pursuant to the guidelines, he or she is paying de facto guideline support, even though no court has so ordered.

Latin meaning "in fact." Acting in a certain manner usually as if complying with what a court might order,without such order being in place. For instance,if one parent is making voluntary child support payments pursuant to the guidelines,he is paying de facto guideline support,even though no court has so ordered. In contrast, de jure means in compliance with an order or judgment.