FAQs

Civil litigation is the legal process by which two or more parties resolve a dispute through the court system. It is different from criminal litigation, which involves crimes against the state or society. In civil litigation, the parties are typically seeking monetary damages or other relief, such as an injunction or a declaration of their rights. Civil litigation can be complex and time-consuming, but it is often the only way to resolve a dispute between two parties who cannot reach an agreement on their own.

Here is a summary of the steps involved in the civil litigation process:
1.    The plaintiff files a complaint with the court.
2.    The defendant is served with the complaint and has an opportunity to respond.
3.    The parties may engage in discovery, which is the process of exchanging information about the case.
4.    The parties may attempt to settle the dispute through negotiation or mediation.
5.    If the dispute is not settled, the case will proceed to trial.
6.    At trial, the plaintiff and defendant will present evidence to the judge or jury.
7.    The judge or jury will decide whether the defendant is liable to the plaintiff and, if so, what damages the plaintiff should be awarded.
8.    If the defendant is found liable, the court will enter a judgment against the defendant.
9.    The plaintiff may then seek to enforce the judgment by collecting the damages from the defendant.

Civil discovery is the pre-trial process in which the parties to a civil lawsuit exchange information about their case. The purpose of discovery is to allow both parties to learn about the other side’s case so that they can prepare for trial and make informed decisions about settlement.
There are a variety of discovery methods that can be used, including:
Requests for production of documents: This is the most common type of discovery request. It allows one party to ask the other party to produce all documents that are relevant to the case.
Interrogatories: These are written questions that one party asks the other party to answer.
Depositions: These are oral examinations of witnesses that are conducted under oath.
Request for admission: These allow one party to ask the other party to admit or deny certain facts.
Physical and mental examinations: These may be ordered by the court in certain cases, such as personal injury lawsuits.

Discovery can be a complex and expensive process, but it is an important part of the civil litigation system. It helps to ensure that both parties have a fair opportunity to present their case at trial.

Here are some of the benefits of civil discovery:
It helps to ensure that both parties have access to the same information about the case.
It can help to narrow the issues in dispute and make the trial more efficient.
It can help to uncover evidence that may not be otherwise available.
It can help to promote settlement by allowing the parties to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their case.

Yes, civil discovery can also be abused by parties who are trying to delay the trial or increase the costs of litigation. For this reason, the courts have strict rules governing discovery. If you are involved in a civil lawsuit, it is important to consult with an attorney to discuss your discovery rights and obligations.

Administrative law in California is the body of law that governs the rulemaking, adjudication, and enforcement activities of state agencies. The California Administrative Procedure Act (APA) sets forth the procedures that state agencies must follow when adopting or amending regulations, making decisions in individual cases, and enforcing state laws.

The California Administrative Procedure Act (APA) is the primary statute that governs administrative law in California. The APA establishes the procedures that agencies must follow when adopting regulations, adjudicating disputes, and making other decisions. The APA also includes substantive provisions that protect the rights of individuals and businesses who are affected by agency actions.

Trust litigation is a legal process that resolves disputes involving trusts. Trusts are legal arrangements that allow a person (the grantor) to transfer assets to another person (the trustee) to be held and managed for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries. Trusts can be created for a variety of purposes, such as to provide for minor children, to manage the assets of a disabled person, or to avoid probate.