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Term Definition Laches - a defense from a claimant who has waited too long to bring his or her claim to court, resulting in a refusal of the court to grant relief.
Application in Divorce Unreasonable delay in seeking equitable relief works to the disadvantage of others.

The "doctrine of laches," as it is called, applies to defense against stale claims. In this doctrine, unreasonable and unexplained delay works to the disadvantage of another.

See also Equitable Estoppel.