How does a person file a civil lawsuit?

If you need to file a civil lawsuit in North Carolina, the first step is to understand the types of civil lawsuits that can be filed. Civil lawsuits can be filed to recover money damages, to enforce a contract or to resolve a dispute between parties. The next step is to determine in which court the case should be filed. In North Carolina, most civil cases are heard in the district court. After deciding in which court to file the lawsuit, the filing party must complete the appropriate paperwork. This includes a complaint, which is a document that outlines the case, and a summons, which is a legal document that requires the defendant to answer the complaint. Both of these documents should be filed with the court. In some cases, a filing fee will be required to begin the lawsuit. The fee amount will depend on the nature of the case and the court where it is being filed. Additionally, the defendant must be served notice of the complaint and summons. This can be done by a process server or through certified mail, depending on the county. Once these steps are complete, the defendant will have a specified number of days to file an answer to the complaint. At which point, both parties can participate in the discovery process, which involves gathering information and evidence to prepare for trial. If the case is not settled by both parties, the court will then conduct a trial to hear the evidence and render a decision.

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How does a person file a civil lawsuit?

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