Inchoate

The general definition of inchoate goes something like this: just started or not fully formed. You’ve started cooking the eggs, but haven’t added the ham or cheese yet...inchoate omelette.

In finance, it can refer to a deal where the general term are worked out, handshakes have been exchanged, but the lawyers still have to hammer out the fine print. Or it can apply to a situation in flux. You're getting a divorce. Once the divorce finalizes, you get the house. But until the split is official, your title to the property is inchoate.