What are the key steps involved in civil litigation?

Civil litigation is the legal process used to resolve disputes between two or more parties in a civil court. This process might be necessary when a person or business feels they have been wronged, or have suffered a financial loss. In Massachusetts, the process involves a few key steps. First, one party files a complaint in civil court that outlines the legal dispute. This document specifies the facts of the case and the legal claims that are being brought against the other party. The court then serves the complaint to the other party. This begins the process of the parties engaging in “discovery,” which includes exchanging evidence and interviewing witnesses. This phase helps each party learn more about the dispute and build their legal arguments. Once discovery is complete, each side will present their arguments to the court. The court will then consider the evidence and legal claims presented and issue a ruling or judgment. The final step of the process is enforcing the judgment or ruling issued by the court. Depending on the ruling, either party may need to take steps to ensure the terms of the ruling are followed. Ultimately, the civil litigation process can be lengthy and complex. It is strongly recommended that parties seek the advice of a qualified attorney before beginning this process.

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What are the key steps involved in civil litigation?

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