You may have a legal problem and not know how to resolve it. Lawyers have been specially trained in the law and experienced in our court system. And the right lawyer can advise and assist you with your particular problem. If you are facing a lawsuit, for example, a lawyer can help you understand your rights, and the strengths and weaknesses of your case. A lawyer knows the rules and procedures for arguing the case in court. And a lawyer can make a big difference in whether or not your side of the story is successfully presented to a judge or jury.

Yes, in some cases. limited scope representation – hiring an attorney to assist you on particular aspects of your case – may be appropriate for you. Whether it is a good option in your case could depend on the complexity of your legal matter and your financial situation. Generally, limited representation involves less cost.

If you don’t hire an attorney file a written response to the court, the Plaintiff can win by default judgment even before a scheduled court date.

If this happens, the Plaintiff can garnish your wages or get a lien on your property. A default judgment may also show up on your credit report.

Complaint Filing
Every case begins with the filing and service of a Complaint. The Complaint will contain one or more
“causes of action” such as Breach of Contract, Breach of Warranty, Fraud, Breach of Fiduciary Duty,
Negligence, Malpractice, Conversion, Common Counts, or Statutory Violations.

Service Of Complaint
After the Summons and Complaint have been filed with the court, they must be properly served on the
defendant(s), typically by a registered process server.

Response To Complaint
The Defendant(s) have 30 days from the date of service of the Complaint to file either a General
Answer to the Complaint or a Motion (Demurrer or Motion to Strike) challenging the Complaint.

Discovery
Once the Complaint and Answer have been filed both parties start a process of “discovery” of the
evidence of both sides. Depending on the nature and complexity of the case, discovery methods might
include, interrogatories, requests for documents and subpoenas, or depositions.

Status Conference
Throughout the case the court will set a series of Case Management, Status, Trial Setting, or Final
Conferences to be attended by attorneys for all parties. These hearings are designed to determine
whether the case is ready for trial.

Settlement Negotiations
Settlement negotiations may take place prior to the filing the Complaint up until trial. Often
the court will request the parties schedule a Mediation or “Mandatory Settlement Conference” before
the trial date. If the case does not settle, and the parties have filed all required documents, the
court will set the date for trial.

Trial
If the case goes to trial, the parties attorneys will prepare a trial brief, list of
witnesses and exhibits, and prepare witnesses to testify at trial.

Post-judgment
In the event that you win at trial, or by default, or by motion, or by settlement, if the other
party fails to pay as ordered by the court, our office will take action to collect the award amount.