what does it mean when someone says its a formality?

Question

I have been waiting 2 yrs to settle a workers comp case.Everytime we have a hearing to try to settle,the lawyer for the employer either stalls or cancels.This has been going on for over a year.But today,my attorney called me and said the attorney for the employer called and will settle.But the lawyer told my lawyer hes waiting for the adjuster to ok the money.He said its just a formality.Im now confident its settling.
My question is what does it mean when he says its just a formality?

Answer 1

not the law, used as a stall tactic. this means they can back out if they want to. and in the meantime the money is gaining them interest for every day they have it and you don't . tell you lawyer if they want to settle and you agree then they have 10 days. make sure the lawyer does it in writing and you see the receipt. and after a year i think i would give the lawyer the same notice, to court or settle NOW.

Answer 2

the term "it's a formality" is often a way to disguise complicated rules and procedures as something that you don't need to know about in any detail, unless something goes wrong. It also means that they EXPECT it to be approved, but that somebody's signature has to be on some paper to make sure the right people get blamed when things go badly.



In my downtown law firm EVERYTHING is a formality.

Answer 3

It's a done deal, but they have to go through the steps just before it's final and you get the money.

Answer 4

it means your gawna get what u want its just a little blimp in the way just a formality . sum one copuld be taking in for questions and the police say its just a formality means they just need them in for questionin and the police dont think its them really because its a formality

Answer 5

A point of law that must be followed..