The defendant has a specific amount of time to respond to the complaint to admit or deny the allegations. That includes any legal defenses the defendant has, and any claims they have against the plaintiff.

When an answer is filed, both parties begin discovery which is an exchange of documents and other information regarding the cause for the lawsuit. Discovery may involve:

• Written questions to be answered under oath,
• A request for documents, and
• Depositions of witnesses.

The information gathered during discovery is evaluated to determine whether the case can be settled, or preparations need to be made to proceed to arbitration, mediation, or a trial.

Throughout the litigation process, motions can be filed by either side to settle one or more issues which are decided by the court before a trial begins. If the case is not resolved through a settlement, it proceeds to trial. The parties submit the evidence and arguments for their side of the case. At the conclusion, a judgment is entered in favor of one party. One or both parties have the right to appeal the decision of the trial court.

Every civil lawsuit is different and proceeds at a different pace. There is no set time limit for the civil litigation to conclude. Civil litigation can be complex and may require the advice of a top civil litigation attorney throughout the process to achieve the best outcome.

When all other measures have been exhausted, and an agreeable resolution is nowhere in sight, it may be time to consider litigation. Even though most matters can be resolved outside of court, sometimes an issue requires the legal system’s judicial intervention. Should you find yourself in a civil dispute, the best course is to seek the advice of an attorney who is well-versed in civil litigation matters. At The Fredrickson Law Firm, we are committed to preserving our clients’ rights and representing them in court when necessary.