Civil Litigation

You start by filing a complaint in the correct court (based on subject, amount, and location) and paying a filing fee, then formally serving the defendant. Smaller disputes may fit small claims court, which is simpler and designed for self-represented people.

You generally must file a written "answer" (or a motion) by a strict deadline stated in the summons — often around 20–30 days. Missing it can result in a default judgment against you, so respond on time even if you dispute the claim.

Discovery is the pre-trial phase where each side exchanges evidence through tools like document requests, written questions (interrogatories), and depositions (sworn oral testimony). It's often the longest part of a case and shapes settlement.

In mediation a neutral helps the parties try to reach a voluntary settlement, and no one imposes a decision. In arbitration a neutral hears the case and issues a binding (or sometimes non-binding) decision, more like a private judge.

Winning a judgment doesn't guarantee payment; you may need to enforce it through tools like wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens on property, following your state's procedures. Locating the debtor's assets is often the key challenge.