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SAN DIEGO Civil Litigation PROCESS TIMELINE

We Do Not Handle Police Brutality, Marital Disputes, Or Civil Rights Cases

CIVIL LITIGATION SERVICES
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How civil litigation cases proceed from initial filing to trial is illustrated in this civil litigation timeline with San Diego County general jurisdiction as an example.

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California Civil Litigation Timeline Process Summary

  • A plaintiff starts the process by filing a lawsuit (“complaint”) with a California court
  • The plaintiff serves the complaint on the defendant(s) (plaintiff must do this within 60 days [CRC 3.110])
  • Process continues with the defendant filing a responsive pleading, such as an answer (typically containing a general denial), or a demurrer (in California), a 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss (in Federal Court), or a motion to strike. An answer may also contain a cross-complaint against the plaintiff or other parties
  • After all parties respond, the court will deem the case at issue
  • The parties may conduct discovery. This can include written interrogatory questions to one side and depositions
  • At some point during the process, the court will set a Case Management Conference (CMC) which the parties
(or their lawyers) must attend
  • At the CMC, the judge may order the parties to mediation (the parties are required to file a Case Management Statement 15 days prior to the CMC)
  • The judge may also set certain dates such as:
    • Trial
    • Trial Readiness Conference
    • First Expert Exchange
    • Second Expert Exchange
    • Law and Motion Discovery Cutoff
  • After a judgment, either side may file post trial motions.
  • Either side may appeal a final judgment. An appeal can extend the litigation process by a year or more.

Do you have a civil case?

Not sure what to do?

Stop wondering, start negotiating, or start fighting.

We accept personal injury cases and corporate and business disputes. Consult with a San Diego civil attorney by requesting a free phone consultation with the Elia Law Firm. We’ll let you know just what your options are and the best way to proceed.

PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT HANDLE POLICE BRUTALITY, MARITAL DISPUTES, OR CIVIL RIGHTS CASES.
Call (619) 444-2244 today or submit the form on this page for a free consultation.

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Please note: we do not handle police brutality, marital disputes, or civil rights cases.

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He was my guide, a confidant and a shoulder to cry on. He fought for me, and won. Wish I could give him 100 stars.”

Paul, AVVO Review