Pleadings begin the court case
A plaintiff generally starts a civil action with a complaint and service on the defendant. Responses, jurisdiction, parties, and deadlines are governed by the court’s rules and applicable law.
- Complaint and requested relief
- Service
- Answer or other response
Discovery develops the record
Parties may exchange documents and written information and take testimony under oath. Discovery can include document requests, written questions, admissions, and depositions.
- Documents and electronically stored information
- Witness information
- Depositions and expert work where applicable
Motions ask the court to decide issues
A motion asks for a ruling about procedure, evidence, discovery, or part or all of a claim. Not every case involves the same motions, and a motion is not itself a trial.
- Procedural requests
- Discovery disputes
- Requests for a ruling before trial
Resolution can occur at different points
Parties may discuss settlement directly or through mediation. If the matter does not resolve, the court may schedule trial. Appeals and enforcement are separate issues that may follow.
- Negotiated settlement
- Mediation or another dispute-resolution process
- Trial and possible post-trial proceedings