Civil lawsuits are typically about contracts, damage to property or someone getting hurt, physically or financially.
Civil Court cases are processed differently, depending on the amount of the lawsuit. Read more on the Self-Help Civil overview page.
before you sue
This page has information for the Plaintiff, such as things to think about before you sue, where you file your lawsuit, how you serve the defendant, and what if they don't answer?
when you've been sued
After you are served, the Defendant has 30 days to file a response. Read about how to respond and the different types of responses, as well as about cross-complaints and joinders.
plaintiff & defendant iNFO
Information that EVERYONE in the lawsuit needs to know about: case management conferences, how to settle without a trial, subpoenas and motions, and costs involved in a case.
setting the trial date
You will get a trial date when you have a hearing called a “Trial Setting Conference." The judge sets a trial date for sometime in the next 90 days. Read about the difference between Court Trials and Jury Trials.
getting ready for trial
Most trial lawyers think the last 100 days before a trial are the most important. Get ready for your trial early. There’s a lot to do before your trial date. Read about witness, pleadings, juries, exhibits, and more.
mand. settlement conf.
When you get a trial date, you’ll get a date for your Mandatory Settlement Conference. Your Mandatory Settlement Conference is a time to try to settle your case. Read about writing and serving your statement.
after the trial
This page has information on how to appeal your judgment, ways to collect your judgment, and how to get your court files or a copy of a court transcript.