How long does it take for a collection defense law case to resolve?

The amount of time it takes for a collection defense law case to resolve in Washington can vary widely, depending on a variety of factors. Generally, a collection defense law case can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to be resolved. Before the actual case goes to court, the parties have the option to go through pre-trial negotiation, arbitration, or mediation. Pre-trial negotiation consists of both parties trying to come to an agreement without involving court. Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution which requires both parties to appear before a neutral third-party to settle the dispute. Mediation is similar to arbitration but does not require a third-party and is typically non-binding. All of these steps, if taken, can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes for a case to resolve. Once the case is in court, it’s not uncommon for a trial to take several months to a year to be concluded. During this time, both parties will gather evidence, depose witnesses, and proceed with the court process. This process can take a long time depending on the complexity of the case and the backlog in the court system. When all is said and done, a collection defense law case can take several months or even a year to completely resolve. The best way to reduce the amount of time it takes is to try pre-trial negotiation, arbitration, or mediation before the case gets to court.

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How long does it take for a collection defense law case to resolve?

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