If you are involved in a lawsuit, chances are good you have many questions and concerns to which you need answers and resolutions. If you are participating in civil litigation because of a legal dispute, it is helpful to understand what to expect to calm the nerves and help resolve your dispute with a successful outcome.
The legal process provides a mechanism for the resolution of disputes through the filing of a lawsuit or legal claim for damages. A lawsuit begins with the filing of a complaint. There are service and process requirements that can vary by jurisdiction so it is important for the party bringing the lawsuit to know what the requirements are in their state. Once the claim has been filed and served, a clock begins for the defendant to submit an answer to the plaintiff’s complaint.
It is important to note that there are timelines associated with filing a legal claim that every claimant should be aware of and must honor. If the defendant fails to answer the complaint, a default judgment may be entered against them so it is not advisable to simply ignore a lawsuit that has been brought against you. The amount and type of damages sought through the legal claim depends on the nature of the dispute and legal remedies available.
The civil litigation process can seem intimidating but provided that the parties understand the process and what to expect, they can be comfortable that it will help them resolve their dispute in the best possible way given the circumstances. Parties facing a legal dispute should always be familiar with the legal options and remedies available to them.