What is the pre-trial stage of civil procedure?

The pre-trial stage of civil procedure is the period of time that occurs before the case is heard in court. In Washington, the pre-trial stage of civil procedure begins when the plaintiff (the person bringing the lawsuit) files a complaint, which is a document that sets forth the claims and the damages requested. This is followed by the defendant (the person being sued) responding to the complaint through an answer. Once the complaint and answer have been filed, the parties can engage in pre-trial procedures, such as discovery, which is the process of obtaining evidence and information from the opposing party. In addition, the court may order the parties to participate in settlement negotiations or seem them participate in alternative dispute resolutions like mediation or arbitration. The pre-trial stage also includes a pretrial conference, which is a meeting between the parties and their attorneys, as well as the judge. During the meeting, the parties can discuss the facts of the case and any potential settlements, as well as the schedule for the remainder of the pre-trial process. The pre-trial stage of civil procedure in Washington is an important period of time that allows the parties to explore resolution and to simplify the issues before the case is heard in court. The pre-trial stage often allows for resolution and thus helps to reduce litigation costs and time spent in a courtroom.

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What is the pre-trial stage of civil procedure?

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