Term Definition De Facto - A Latin term meaning "in fact"; acting in a manner as if complying with what a court might order without such an order being in place.
Application in Divorce Actions voluntarily undertaken -- such as paying child support based on guidelines -- are said to be de facto.
The terms de facto and de jure are often used to describe degrees and manner of apparent compliance with the law.
A de facto marriage is one where the spouses live together "under the color of validity" though the marriage is defective "for reasons of form."
A wife de facto is a one who marriage is voidable by decree, as distinguished from a wife de jure, who is a lawful wife.
A de facto contract is one which property has been conveyed from one party to another via a defective title.