Legal Guides by Practice Area
Clear answers to common legal questions — what to expect, what it costs, the deadlines that matter, and when to talk to a lawyer. Browse by the area of law you need help with.
11 guides in Civil Litigation
What Is a Deposition and How Do You Prepare for One?
A deposition is sworn, out-of-court testimony given before trial. This guide explains what happens in the room, who attends, what questions to expect, and how to prepare to testify under oath.
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How Much Does It Cost to Sue Someone? (Civil Lawsuit Costs)
Civil litigation attorneys charge $150–$550 per hour. A simple lawsuit often totals around $10,000, while complex civil cases can reach $50,000–$100,000 or more.
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How to Collect a Civil Judgment After You Win Your Lawsuit
Winning a lawsuit is not the same as getting paid. This guide explains how to collect a court judgment using garnishment, liens, writs of execution, and debtor exams.
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How Small Claims Court Works: A Practical Guide to Suing Without a Lawyer
Small claims court is a simplified, low-cost track for smaller money disputes. This guide explains dollar limits, the filing steps, and how to prepare for your hearing without a lawyer.
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Should You Accept a Settlement Offer? How to Evaluate It Before You Say Yes
Deciding whether to accept a settlement offer means weighing the guaranteed money now against the risk, cost, and time of continuing your case. This guide gives you a framework to evaluate it.
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Served With a Lawsuit? How to Respond Before the Deadline
Getting served with a lawsuit starts a short clock. Here is what the papers mean, how long you have to respond, and the steps to take so you do not lose by default.
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Statute of Limitations: How Long You Have to File a Civil Lawsuit
A statute of limitations is the legal deadline to file a civil lawsuit. Most personal injury claims run 2 to 3 years and contract claims 3 to 6 years, but deadlines vary by state and claim type — and missing one usually ends your case for good.
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Breach of Contract: How to Sue and What You Must Prove
A plain-English guide to suing for breach of contract: the four elements you must prove, the steps from demand letter to judgment, what damages you can recover, and the deadlines that can bar your claim.
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How to File a Civil Lawsuit: A Step-by-Step Guide
A plain-English walkthrough of how to file a civil lawsuit, from confirming you have a valid claim and picking the right court to filing the complaint and serving the defendant. Forms, fees, and deadlines vary by state.
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The Civil Lawsuit Discovery Process Explained
A plain-English explanation of the civil lawsuit discovery process, including interrogatories, document requests, requests for admission, depositions, and subpoenas, plus deadlines, disputes, and common mistakes. Rules vary by state.
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Complete GuideCivil Litigation: How Lawsuits Work in the U.S. — A Complete Guide
A plain-English overview of how a civil lawsuit works in the United States, from the demand letter and complaint through service, discovery, settlement, trial, judgment, and collection.
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