What Is Civil Litigation? Exploring the Basics

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Are you facing a civil lawsuit? If so, you might feel overwhelmed by the whole thing.

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You don’t have to go through the process alone. For example, you can work with a lawyer to handle different aspects of the case. At the same time, you can ensure you understand the process by learning about the basics of civil litigation.

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Do you want to know more about what is civil litigation? See below for an in-depth guide to legal proceedings and explanations of what you need to know about civil litigation.

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The Basics

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Civil litigation is settling legal disputes between parties through the courts. Each side presents their arguments in court, and a judge or jury ultimately decides. Parties can also agree outside of court. However, it is common for one party to force the other to go to court over the disagreement.

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The issue is usually related to a breach of contract, a tort, a violation of a civil law, or some other legal problem. At the trial, each side presents evidence, witnesses, and arguments.

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Evidence can include documents, pictures, or data. Witnesses may also be called to testify under oath.

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Types of Civil Litigation

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A plaintiff, who may be a person or entity, files a civil lawsuit against a defendant, who may be an individual, organization, or other entity. Civil litigation includes:

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• contract disputes
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• business torts
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• personal injury
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• family matters
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It can be expensive and complex, often requiring extensive research and preparation and sometimes even going to trial. Anyone considering this must understand the litigation process.

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Preparing for a Civil Lawsuit

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Preparation for a civil lawsuit begins with proper research and planning. When researching the opposing party, it is essential to have a clear understanding of what led to the suit in the first place, and a knowledgeable practitioner should be consulted as to the potential outcomes of the case.

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Once the research has been conducted and a case theory is present, counsel should prepare the necessary pleadings to begin the suit. All elements required to establish a claim must be included in the pleadings, such as:

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• facts
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• legal arguments
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• reasonable expectations for results
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Documentary evidence, such as contracts, photos, medical records, or witness testimonies, may be requested from the opposing party and must be included.

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Practical Considerations

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An experienced attorney can usually advise parties on the best methods to obtain a successful resolution, whether a settlement or a trial before a judge and jury. Whether one is suing or defending against a lawsuit, it’s essential to understand the process to achieve a desirable outcome.

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Preparing a detailed complaint or statement of defense is also critical to the process. Dedication and patience are necessary to ensure a fair resolution with the results in mind. To file a lawsuit, please visit stevedimopoulos.com for more information.

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Understanding What Is Civil Litigation

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As discussed in this article, it allows people to litigate a dispute between two or more parties without going to trial. It’s a complex process that requires guidance from experienced attorneys. 

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By educating yourself on what is civil litigation, you can make the most informed decision about what to do. Contact a qualified attorney to learn more about civil litigation and how it pertains to your case.

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Do you want to find more helpful info? Check out more of our guides on our blog today!

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