Would You Be Able To Settle Out of Court

First off, it is entirely possible for you to settle the matter without even going to court. You could talk to the plaintiff and resolve the dispute. If you can’t settle the matter like that, you can try to do mediation. Nevertheless, if mediation is also unsuccessful, you will need to prepare for court. 

How You Can Prepare for Court

If in the event, mediation has failed and your court date is emerging. The first thing you should do is meet your lawyer and bring two copies of any documents that could help prove your case. These could include the following:

• Police reports
• Canceled check
• Receipts
• Contracts
• Repair estimates
• Medical records and photographs. 
• You can also present witnesses who could testify on your behalf in court. 

All your evidence needs to be submitted and received at least ten (10) days before the court date.

Choosing The Right Court

As a defendant, you don’t really get to choose the court – unless the wrong court was chosen in the first place. The suit must be filed at the correct location, or venue. You have to be sued at a court that is closest to where you live, where the damage, dispute or injury took place, or where the contract in question was signed. If you believe the suit has been filed in the wrong court, you can file a venue challenge letter.

Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Court?

If  you have been sued in small claims court, then both you and the plaintiff are required either to represent yourselves or engage a lawyer to assist and represent you with the matter.

There are three (3) different classifications of civil lawsuits, based on the amounts of money involved. These are the following:

• If the amount is less than $7,500, the case goes to small claims court. Here, both the plaintiff and the defendant are required to represent themselves. Lawyers do not appear in court for these cases. An attorney can only step in if the defendant appeals or if either of the parties schedule a Judgment Debtor Hearing.
• If the amount is between $7,500 and $25,000, the case is described as a “limited civil” case. In such cases, a lawyer can be engaged to represent you during the court proceedings. 
• Last and final, if the amount exceeds $25,000, the case is regarded as “unlimited civil.” It is always best to have a lawyer on your side for these cases, in which the stakes are much higher.

At Law Mart, our experienced civil litigation lawyers focus on unlimited civil cases.  Call us for a Free Consultation.

How We Can Help You Prepare for Court

Our experienced Civil Litigation Attorneys can assist you with preparing for your court appearance during a civil law case (i.e. where amounts of $25,000 or more are at stake). Our Civil Litigation Attorneys  can assist you with assembling your evidence and preparing you and your witnesses for the court date. 

Law Mart is one of the leading lawyer referral services specializing in Southern and Northern California. Our experienced attorneys are equipped to handle all areas of civil law, and will easily be able to guide you through what to do when you’re being sued. 

We understand that  being served a Civil Summons can be an extremely stressful and confusing situation for you.

Our experienced Civil Litigation lawyers address your civil litigation concerns and offer you a peace of mind. Our California Civil Litigation lawyers serve the community in business and real estate litigation. If you’re looking for reliable litigation services in California, Law Mart should be your first choice for civil litigation and appeal cases. 

We Are Here For You 24/7

​The faster you speak to a Civil Litigation Attorney the better. Waiting too long to file Civil cases can complicate your case. Make it easy on yourself. Call us to talk with an experienced lawyer right away. Your call is confidential, and you’re FREE CONSULTATION with one of our civil litigation attorneys at (310) 894-6440.