What are the various stages of a lawsuit?
The first stage of a lawsuit is typically known as the “pleading stage.” This involves the drafting of a civil complaint for filing with the court. The civil complaint contains the various legal claims called “causes of action” against the defendant (the party responsible for loss, damage or injury). The filing by the plaintiff of a civil complaint with the appropriate court initiates or begins the lawsuit. Thereafter, the defendants are personally served with the summons and civil complaint. After service of the summons and civil complaint, the defendants typically have 30 days to file what is called an “answer” to the complaint. Various motions addressing the allegations in the complaint can also be filed by a defendant during this 30 day period. The second stage of a lawsuit is the “discovery stage.” Discovery is a method by which both sides to a lawsuit can obtain information concerning each other and their respective positions. In essence, it is a means to determine the facts of t
