What are the key steps involved in civil litigation?

Civil litigation is the legal process by which two parties settle a dispute through the court system. In California, the civil litigation process involves several key steps. First, if two parties cannot resolve their dispute on their own, they will file suit in the appropriate court. In California, the type of court that hears the matter depends on the nature of the dispute and the amount of money involved. The filing party must provide the court with a “complaint,” which is a legal document that outlines the facts of the case, the laws that apply to the situation, and the relief the filing party is seeking. The defendant will then have an opportunity to respond to the complaint, either in writing or in a court hearing. After the defendant has responded, both parties will enter the discovery period. During this stage, both sides investigate the facts of the case and exchange evidence. After the discovery phase is complete, the parties can decide to settle the case out of court or go to trial. If the parties go to trial, the judge will hear evidence and arguments from both sides and issue a ruling. Depending on the ruling, the judge may award damages to the victorious party. At any point in the process, parties can opt for settlement negotiations. This involves the parties coming to a resolution outside of court, which can prevent the need for a trial and save both time and money. This outlines the key steps involved in civil litigation in California. With the help of an experienced attorney, parties can navigate the civil litigation process and seek a resolution to their dispute.

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What are the key steps involved in civil litigation?

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