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Navigating the state court system can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been involved in a legal proceeding before. Whether you’re filing a lawsuit or responding to one, understanding the step-by-step process can help you prepare for what lies ahead and make informed decisions throughout your case. State courts handle a wide variety of civil matters, from contract disputes and personal injury claims to family law issues and property disagreements. While specific procedures may vary slightly from state to state, the fundamental structure of how a case moves through the court system remains largely consistent across jurisdictions.
This comprehensive guide walks you through each stage of the state court process, from the initial filing of a complaint through the final resolution of your case. By familiarizing yourself with these procedures, you’ll be better equipped to work effectively with your attorney, meet important deadlines, and understand the strategic decisions that shape your case.
Understanding State Courts and Jurisdiction
Before diving into the procedural steps, it’s important to understand what state courts are and how they differ from federal courts. State courts are established by state constitutions and legislatures to handle the vast majority of legal disputes in the United States. These courts have broad jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters that arise under state law.
Most states have a two-tiered trial court system, with both district courts and superior courts generally located in the same courthouse in each county but presided over by different judges. The division of cases between these courts typically depends on the amount of money in dispute. Superior courts generally handle civil cases involving claims for more than $25,000 and felony criminal cases, while district courts handle civil cases involving claims for $25,000 or less, family and juvenile cases, misdemeanor criminal cases, and infractions.
Understanding which court has jurisdiction over your case is critical. Where you file your suit depends on several factors, including where the dispute arose and where the parties reside, with small claims cases typically required to be brought in the county where the defendant lives. Filing in the wrong court can result in your case being dismissed or transferred, causing delays and additional expenses.
The Initial Filing: Starting Your Case with a Complaint
The journey through state court begins when one party—the plaintiff—decides to initiate legal action against another party—the defendant. This process starts with the preparation and filing of a complaint, which is the foundational document that sets the entire case in motion.
What Is a Complaint?
A complaint is the document a plaintiff files to begin a lawsuit, stating what the plaintiff claims the defendant has done and the remedy that the plaintiff is requesting. This document serves multiple critical functions: it notifies the defendant of the legal action, establishes the court’s jurisdiction, outlines the factual basis for the claim, and specifies the relief or damages being sought.
Your complaint must contain a caption or heading that includes the name of the court and county, the parties to the case and their designation like plaintiff or defendant, the case number if you have one, and the title of the document. Beyond these technical requirements, the complaint must include a short and plain statement of your claim showing that you are entitled to relief, setting forth sufficient facts to establish all of the necessary elements of the claim for relief you are asserting.
Filing Requirements and Fees
For a case in a circuit court, the first document filed is usually called a complaint or petition, and in most cases, you must pay a filing fee when you file the document that starts the case. Filing fees vary by state and by the type of case being filed, but they typically range from a few hundred to several hundred dollars.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may have options. A plaintiff who is unable to pay the fee may file a request to proceed in forma pauperis, and if the request is granted, the fee is waived. Fee waiver eligibility often requires having income at or below 150 percent of the current poverty level based on the number of people in the household and having no more than $2,500 in liquid assets such as cash or bank accounts.
Service of Process
Filing the complaint with the court is only the first step. To begin a civil lawsuit, the plaintiff files a complaint with the court and serves a copy of the complaint on the defendant, describing the plaintiff’s damages or injury, explaining how the defendant caused the harm, showing that the court has jurisdiction, and asking the court to order relief.
You’ll have the summons and complaint delivered to each person, business, or government agency that you’re suing, which is called service or serving papers, letting them know that you’re suing them in court and that they have a deadline to respond. Proper service of process is essential—if the defendant is not properly served, the court may not have the authority to enter a judgment against them.
Service must typically be performed by someone who is not a party to the case and who is over 18 years of age. If you have filed an application to proceed without prepayment of fees and it has been allowed by a judge, service of process will be made upon each defendant without cost to you by the United States Marshal, though you are responsible for completing all of the forms required by the Marshal for service and will receive instructions on this matter from the clerk after the judge has approved your application.
The Defendant’s Response
Once the defendant has been properly served with the complaint and summons, they have a limited time to respond. The response period varies by jurisdiction but is typically between 20 and 35 days from the date of service.
Filing an Answer
If you received a summons for a lawsuit, you have 35 days to respond, and after this time, you could lose the case by default judgment. The defendant’s primary response document is called an answer, which addresses each allegation in the complaint.
In the answer, the defendant must respond to each claim made in the complaint by either admitting, denying, or stating that they lack sufficient information to admit or deny the allegation. The answer may also raise affirmative defenses—legal reasons why the plaintiff should not recover even if the allegations are true—such as statute of limitations, contributory negligence, or lack of jurisdiction.
Counterclaims and Cross-Claims
If you wish to countersue the plaintiff, include the counterclaim with your answer, and if you wish to join the suit against another named defendant, include the cross-claim. A counterclaim allows the defendant to assert their own claims against the plaintiff arising from the same transaction or occurrence. Cross-claims are used when there are multiple defendants and one defendant wants to assert claims against another defendant.
Preliminary Motions and Early Case Management
After the initial pleadings are filed, either party may file various motions to address procedural or substantive issues before the case proceeds further. These preliminary motions can significantly shape the course of the litigation.
Motion to Dismiss
One of the most common early motions is a motion to dismiss. A motion to dismiss the complaint challenges the legal sufficiency of the plaintiff’s claims. The defendant may argue that even if all the facts alleged in the complaint are true, the plaintiff has not stated a valid legal claim, the court lacks jurisdiction, the case was filed in the wrong venue, or the plaintiff failed to properly serve the defendant.
If a motion to dismiss is granted, the case may be dismissed entirely, or the plaintiff may be given an opportunity to file an amended complaint that corrects the deficiencies. If the motion is denied, the case proceeds to the next stage.
Other Preliminary Motions
Beyond motions to dismiss, parties may file various other preliminary motions, including motions for more definite statement (asking the opposing party to clarify vague allegations), motions to strike (seeking to remove improper or irrelevant material from pleadings), or motions for judgment on the pleadings (arguing that the pleadings themselves show that one party is entitled to judgment).
Each side may file requests or motions with the court seeking rulings on the discovery of evidence or on the procedures to be followed at trial. The court will typically hold hearings on significant motions, allowing both sides to present arguments before the judge makes a ruling.
The Discovery Phase: Gathering Evidence
Discovery is often the longest and most intensive phase of civil litigation. Discovery is a phase of pretrial procedure in a lawsuit in which each party can obtain evidence from other parties by means of methods such as interrogatories, requests for production of documents, requests for admissions and depositions. This process is designed to prevent surprise at trial and to encourage settlement by ensuring both parties have access to the relevant facts.
Purpose and Scope of Discovery
Discovery requires the litigants to provide information to each other about the case, such as the identity of witnesses and copies of any documents related to the case, with the purpose of preparing for trial by requiring the litigants to assemble their evidence and prepare to call witnesses.
Discovery is a process in lawsuits that allows parties to legally demand documents and information related to the lawsuit from each other in advance of a trial, allowing the parties to learn more about the facts of the case and expected witness testimony and providing evidence that can be used in trial. The scope of discovery is generally quite broad—parties can seek any information that is reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence.
Interrogatories
Interrogatories are written questions that either party may submit to the other party and require that they be answered in writing under oath, with written questions sent to the lawyer representing the other side and that party having a period of time in which to answer.
Interrogatories are a set of written questions sent by one party in a lawsuit to the opposing party, and these questions are formal questions that require answers under oath. Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, limits unless otherwise ordered by the court include 25 written discovery interrogatories including all discrete subparts and 30 days for respondents to prepare and provide answers.
Interrogatories are particularly useful for obtaining basic factual information, identifying witnesses and documents, and understanding the opposing party’s legal theories. Interrogatories can be used to obtain a wide range of information, including the names and addresses of witnesses, the facts underlying the claim or defense, and the damages being sought.
Requests for Production of Documents
Requests for production allow parties to obtain copies of relevant documents, electronically stored information, and tangible things. This might include contracts, emails, text messages, photographs, medical records, financial documents, or any other materials relevant to the case. The responding party must produce the requested documents or object to the request on specific legal grounds.
In modern litigation, electronic discovery (e-discovery) has become increasingly important. Parties may request access to computer files, databases, social media accounts, and other digital information. The scope and cost of e-discovery can be substantial, and courts often need to balance the relevance of the information against the burden of producing it.
Depositions
One of the most common methods of discovery is to take depositions, which is an out-of-court statement given under oath by any person involved in the case to be used at trial or in preparation for trial and may be in the form of a written transcript, a videotape, or both, with either of the parties able to take the deposition of the other party or of any other witness in most states.
Discovery may include a deposition, requiring a witness to answer questions about the case before the trial, with the witness answering questions from the lawyer under oath in the presence of a court reporter who produces a word-for-word account called a transcript.
Depositions enable a party to know in advance what a witness will say at the trial, and depositions can also be taken to obtain the testimony of important witnesses who can’t appear during the trial, in which case they’re read into evidence at the trial. Additionally, a witness’s deposition will often be taken by the opposing side and used to discredit the witness’s testimony at trial if the trial testimony varies from the testimony taken during the deposition.
Depositions provide a unique opportunity to assess a witness’s credibility, demeanor, and ability to withstand cross-examination. Unlike interrogatories, depositions allow for immediate follow-up questions and can reveal inconsistencies or weaknesses in a witness’s testimony.
Requests for Admissions
Requests for admissions are written requests from one party to the other asking the other party to admit or deny certain facts or allegations, with the responding party required to either admit or deny the request or state that they lack sufficient information to do so, and if the responding party fails to timely respond to the request, the requesting party may be able to use that failure as evidence at trial.
Requests for admissions are ways to narrow the dispute by identifying points on which the parties agree, which can make the litigation more efficient by limiting the evidence presented at trial to genuinely disputed matters. Facts that are admitted through requests for admissions are considered established for purposes of the case and do not need to be proven at trial.
Discovery Disputes and Enforcement
Discovery doesn’t always proceed smoothly. Parties may object to discovery requests as overly broad, unduly burdensome, seeking privileged information, or not reasonably calculated to lead to admissible evidence. When a discovery request is objected to, the requesting party may seek the assistance of the court by filing a motion to compel discovery, and conversely, a party or nonparty resisting discovery can seek the assistance of the court by filing a motion for a protective order.
A motion to compel discovery asks the court to order the opposing party to respond to discovery requests they have refused to answer. Courts have broad authority to resolve discovery disputes and can impose sanctions on parties who fail to comply with discovery obligations, including monetary penalties, adverse evidentiary rulings, or even dismissal of claims or defenses.
Settlement Negotiations and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Throughout the litigation process, and particularly after discovery has revealed the strengths and weaknesses of each side’s case, parties often engage in settlement negotiations. To avoid the expense and delay of having a trial, judges encourage the litigants to try to reach an agreement resolving their dispute.
Mediation
Prior to court, both parties will likely be referred to a dispute resolution process, with the judge or either party able to request dispute resolution and in some cases the judge mandating a dispute resolution program, with the most common programs being civil mediation and arbitration, and in mediation a neutral third party helps both parties reach a settlement on their terms.
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral mediator facilitates communication between the parties and helps them explore potential settlement options. The mediator does not make decisions or impose solutions but rather helps the parties find common ground and reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Mediation can be particularly effective because it allows parties to craft creative solutions that a court might not be able to order.
Arbitration
Arbitration is a more formal alternative dispute resolution process in which a neutral arbitrator (or panel of arbitrators) hears evidence and arguments from both sides and renders a decision. Arbitration can be binding (meaning the arbitrator’s decision is final and enforceable like a court judgment) or non-binding (meaning either party can reject the decision and proceed to trial).
Court-ordered arbitration programs are common in many state courts, particularly for cases involving smaller amounts in dispute. These programs typically use non-binding arbitration as a way to encourage settlement while preserving the parties’ right to a trial if they’re dissatisfied with the arbitration result.
Settlement Conferences
Many courts schedule settlement conferences or pretrial conferences at which the judge meets with the parties and their attorneys to discuss the possibility of settlement. The judge may provide an assessment of the case’s strengths and weaknesses and encourage the parties to reach a resolution. While judges cannot force parties to settle, their perspective can be valuable in helping parties evaluate their positions realistically.
Pretrial Motions and Case Preparation
As the case approaches trial, parties may file various pretrial motions designed to narrow the issues, exclude certain evidence, or potentially resolve the case without a trial.
Motion for Summary Judgment
Motion for summary judgment is one of the most significant pretrial motions. This motion argues that there are no genuine disputes of material fact and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law based on the undisputed facts. Summary judgment motions are typically supported by affidavits, deposition testimony, documents, and other evidence gathered during discovery.
If a motion for summary judgment is granted, the case (or specific claims within the case) is resolved without a trial. If denied, the case proceeds to trial. Partial summary judgment may be granted on some issues while leaving others for trial, which can significantly streamline the trial process.
Motions in Limine
Motions in limine are pretrial motions that ask the court to make evidentiary rulings before trial begins. These motions typically seek to exclude certain evidence or testimony that the moving party believes is inadmissible, prejudicial, or irrelevant. By resolving evidentiary issues before trial, motions in limine help ensure a smoother trial process and prevent jurors from being exposed to improper evidence.
Pretrial Conferences
Courts typically schedule one or more pretrial conferences to address administrative and procedural matters before trial. During these conferences, the judge and attorneys discuss the trial schedule, witness lists, exhibit lists, jury instructions, and any remaining legal or procedural issues. The court may issue a pretrial order that establishes the framework for the trial and binds the parties to certain positions or stipulations.
The Trial Process
If the case is not resolved through settlement or pretrial motions, it proceeds to trial. Trials in state court can be conducted before a judge alone (bench trial) or before a jury, depending on the type of case and the parties’ preferences.
Jury Selection
In cases where a jury trial has been requested, the process begins with jury selection, also called voir dire. Potential jurors are questioned by the judge and attorneys to determine whether they can be fair and impartial. Attorneys can challenge potential jurors for cause (if there’s a specific reason they cannot be impartial) or through peremptory challenges (which allow removal of a limited number of jurors without stating a reason, subject to constitutional limitations).
Opening Statements
Once the jury is selected and sworn in, each side presents opening statements. Opening statements are not evidence but rather an opportunity for each attorney to outline what they expect the evidence will show and to provide the jury with a roadmap for understanding the case. The plaintiff’s attorney presents first, followed by the defendant’s attorney.
Presentation of Evidence
The plaintiff presents their case first, calling witnesses and introducing documents and other evidence. By applying rules of evidence, the judge determines which information may be presented in the courtroom, and so that witnesses speak from their own knowledge and do not change their story based on what they hear another witness say, they are kept out of the courtroom until they testify, with a court reporter keeping a record of the trial proceedings and a deputy clerk of court keeping a record of each person who testifies and any documents, photographs, or other items introduced into evidence.
The opposing attorney may object if a question invites the witness to say something that is not based on the witness’s personal knowledge, is unfairly prejudicial, or is irrelevant to the case, and generally the judge either overrules or sustains the objection, with the witness not answering the question if the objection is sustained and the attorney having to move on to the next question.
After the plaintiff completes their case-in-chief, the defendant presents their evidence, calling witnesses and introducing exhibits. The defendant’s case may include affirmative defenses and evidence contradicting the plaintiff’s claims. Each side has the opportunity to cross-examine the other side’s witnesses, which is often a critical part of the trial process.
Closing Arguments
After evidence is heard, each side gives a closing argument. Unlike opening statements, closing arguments allow attorneys to argue about what the evidence has shown and to advocate for their client’s position. Attorneys summarize the evidence, highlight favorable testimony, point out weaknesses in the opposing side’s case, and explain why their client should prevail.
Jury Instructions and Deliberation
In a jury trial, the judge will explain the law that is relevant to the case and the decisions the jury needs to make, with the jury generally asked to determine whether the defendant is responsible for harming the plaintiff in some way and then to determine the amount of damages that the defendant will be required to pay.
In a civil case, the plaintiff must convince the jury by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that it is more likely than not, that the defendant is responsible for the harm the plaintiff has suffered. This is a lower standard of proof than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard used in criminal cases.
After receiving instructions, the jury retires to the jury room to deliberate. The jury discusses the evidence, applies the law as instructed by the judge, and works toward reaching a verdict. In most civil cases, the verdict does not need to be unanimous—typically, a substantial majority of jurors must agree.
The Verdict and Judgment
When the jury reaches a verdict, they return to the courtroom and the verdict is read aloud. If the case is tried before a judge without a jury, known as a bench trial, the judge will decide these issues or order some kind of relief to the prevailing party. The court then enters a judgment based on the verdict, which becomes the official court order resolving the case.
Post-Trial Motions and Appeals
Even after a verdict is rendered, the litigation may not be over. The losing party has several options for challenging the outcome.
Post-Trial Motions
Parties may file post-trial motions such as a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (arguing that no reasonable jury could have reached the verdict rendered) or a motion for a new trial (arguing that errors during the trial require a new trial). These motions must typically be filed within a short time after the verdict, often within 10 to 30 days depending on the jurisdiction.
Appeals
If post-trial motions are denied or if the party chooses not to file them, the next option is to appeal to a higher court. An appeal is not a new trial but rather a review of whether the trial court made legal errors that affected the outcome. The appellate court reviews the trial court record, including transcripts of proceedings, exhibits, and legal briefs submitted by the parties.
Appellate courts generally defer to the trial court’s factual findings and focus on legal issues. The appellate court may affirm the trial court’s decision, reverse it, or remand the case back to the trial court for further proceedings. The appeals process can take many months or even years, and in some cases, parties may seek further review by the state’s highest court.
Enforcement of Judgments
If the plaintiff prevails and is awarded damages, the next challenge may be collecting the judgment. The defendant may pay voluntarily, but if not, the plaintiff may need to use various enforcement mechanisms such as wage garnishment, bank account levies, or liens on property. Enforcement procedures vary by state and can be complex, particularly if the defendant has limited assets or attempts to avoid payment.
Special Considerations and Practical Tips
Representing Yourself (Pro Se Litigation)
You can represent yourself in most cases, with people who represent themselves called self-represented or pro se from Latin. However, as a pro se litigant you enjoy every right entitled to you under the law, but pro se litigants are expected to follow and abide by the rules that govern the practice of law in the federal courts and should be familiar with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules of the court.
While representing yourself can save attorney fees, it comes with significant challenges. Court procedures are complex, and judges hold pro se litigants to the same standards as attorneys. If you choose to represent yourself, take advantage of court self-help resources, carefully read all court rules and orders, and meet every deadline.
Working with an Attorney
For most civil cases, particularly those involving significant amounts of money or complex legal issues, hiring an attorney is advisable. An experienced attorney can navigate procedural requirements, develop legal strategy, conduct effective discovery, negotiate settlements, and advocate for you at trial. When selecting an attorney, consider their experience with cases similar to yours, their communication style, their fee structure, and their track record of results.
Understanding Costs and Fees
Litigation can be expensive. In addition to filing fees, costs may include service of process fees, deposition costs, expert witness fees, court reporter fees, copying and document production costs, and attorney fees. Understanding the potential costs upfront and discussing fee arrangements with your attorney can help you make informed decisions about whether to pursue or defend a case.
Attorney fee arrangements vary. Some attorneys charge hourly rates, while others work on contingency (taking a percentage of any recovery, typically in personal injury cases). Some cases may involve flat fees or hybrid arrangements. Make sure you understand your fee agreement and get it in writing.
Statute of Limitations
Every type of legal claim has a statute of limitations—a deadline by which you must file your lawsuit. These deadlines vary depending on the type of claim and the state. Missing the statute of limitations typically means you lose the right to pursue your claim forever, regardless of how strong your case might be. If you believe you have a legal claim, consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines.
Document Preservation and Organization
From the moment a dispute arises, preserve all relevant documents and communications. This includes contracts, emails, text messages, photographs, receipts, medical records, and any other materials that might be relevant to your case. Organize these materials chronologically and keep both physical and digital copies. Destroying or altering documents after a dispute arises can result in serious legal consequences, including sanctions and adverse inferences at trial.
Common Types of State Court Cases
Contract Disputes
Contract cases involve allegations that one party failed to fulfill their obligations under an agreement. These cases require proof of a valid contract, breach of that contract, and damages resulting from the breach. Contract disputes can involve business agreements, employment contracts, real estate transactions, or consumer contracts.
Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury cases seek compensation for injuries caused by another party’s negligence or intentional conduct. Common examples include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, and product liability claims. These cases typically require proof of duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
Property Disputes
Property cases may involve boundary disputes, easement issues, landlord-tenant conflicts, or challenges to property ownership. These cases often require careful examination of deeds, surveys, and property records, and may involve complex legal issues regarding property rights.
Family Law Matters
Family law cases include divorce, child custody and support, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence protective orders. These cases often involve unique procedural rules and considerations, including mandatory mediation in many jurisdictions and special protections for children’s interests.
The Importance of Deadlines and Court Rules
One of the most critical aspects of navigating state court is understanding and meeting deadlines. Courts operate on strict timelines, and missing a deadline can have severe consequences, including dismissal of your case, entry of default judgment against you, or waiver of important rights.
Every jurisdiction has local court rules that supplement the general rules of civil procedure. These local rules may address filing procedures, formatting requirements, motion practice, discovery protocols, and trial procedures. Familiarize yourself with both the general rules and the local rules for your specific court.
Calendar all deadlines immediately and set reminders well in advance. If you need additional time to complete a task, file a motion for extension of time before the deadline expires. Courts are generally more willing to grant extensions when requested in advance rather than after a deadline has passed.
Electronic Filing and Court Technology
Most state courts now use electronic filing systems that allow parties to file documents online rather than in person. Attorneys must file most documents using approved electronic filing systems in circuit courts. Electronic filing offers convenience and efficiency, but it also requires familiarity with the court’s specific e-filing platform and technical requirements.
When using electronic filing, pay attention to file format requirements, size limitations, and filing deadlines. Many courts consider a document filed when it is submitted electronically, even if submitted late in the day, but some courts have specific cutoff times. Understand your court’s rules to avoid missing deadlines due to technical issues.
Confidentiality and Privacy Considerations
Court proceedings and documents are generally public records, meaning anyone can access them. However, certain types of information may be protected from public disclosure, such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minors. Many courts have rules requiring redaction of sensitive personal information from filed documents.
If your case involves confidential business information, trade secrets, or other sensitive materials, you may be able to seek a protective order limiting public access to certain documents or proceedings. However, courts presume that proceedings should be public and require a strong showing of need before sealing records or closing courtrooms.
Resources for Additional Information
Understanding the state court process is essential for anyone involved in civil litigation. Numerous resources are available to help you navigate the system:
- Court websites often provide forms, instructions, local rules, and self-help information
- Law libraries, both physical and online, offer access to statutes, court rules, and legal research materials
- Legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost assistance to qualifying individuals
- Bar associations often have lawyer referral services and educational programs
- Court clerk’s offices can answer procedural questions, though they cannot provide legal advice
For comprehensive information about civil litigation procedures, the U.S. Courts website provides valuable educational resources. The American Bar Association also offers extensive public education materials about how courts work.
Conclusion
The state court process involves multiple stages, from the initial filing of a complaint through discovery, pretrial proceedings, trial, and potentially appeals. Each stage has its own procedures, deadlines, and strategic considerations. While the process can seem daunting, understanding these steps can help you navigate the system more effectively and make informed decisions about your case.
Whether you’re considering filing a lawsuit, have been served with a complaint, or are already involved in litigation, knowledge of the court process is empowering. It allows you to work more effectively with your attorney, understand what to expect at each stage, and participate meaningfully in decisions that affect your case.
Remember that while this guide provides a general overview of state court procedures, specific rules and practices vary by state and even by individual courts within a state. Always consult your local court rules and consider seeking advice from a qualified attorney who practices in your jurisdiction. With proper preparation, attention to deadlines, and appropriate legal guidance, you can navigate the state court system successfully and work toward a favorable resolution of your case.
The legal system exists to resolve disputes fairly and according to law. By understanding how the process works, you can better protect your rights and interests throughout the litigation journey. Whether your case settles early, resolves through alternative dispute resolution, or proceeds all the way through trial and appeals, being informed and prepared will serve you well at every step.