Civil Litigation

Civil litigation is the legal process by which individuals, businesses, or entities resolve non-criminal disputes in court. Unlike criminal cases, which involve actions considered harmful to society and are prosecuted by the government, civil litigation deals with conflicts between parties over rights, obligations, and damages.

The Civil Litigation Process

Civil litigation typically follows these steps:

Pre-Suit Negotiations: Before filing a lawsuit, parties often attempt to resolve the dispute through negotiations or alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or arbitration.
Filing a Complaint: If negotiations fail, the plaintiff (the party bringing the lawsuit) files a complaint in court, outlining the dispute and the relief sought.
Response: The defendant (the party being sued) responds to the complaint, either by accepting, denying, or countering the claims made.
Discovery: Both parties exchange information and evidence relevant to the case. This phase may include depositions, interrogatories, and document requests.
Pre-Trial Motions: Before trial, parties may file motions to resolve specific issues or even dismiss the case entirely.
Trial: If the case is not settled, it proceeds to trial, where both sides present their evidence and arguments. A judge or jury then makes a decision.
Judgment and Appeals: The court issues a judgment based on the trial’s outcome. If either party disagrees with the decision, they may appeal to a higher court.

SMALL CLAIMS

CIRCUIT COURT

SMALL CLAIMS

Small Claims Court in Florida is a division of the County Court that handles disputes involving relatively small amounts of money, specifically up to $8,000. It is designed to be accessible and efficient, offering a simplified legal process for resolving minor civil matters such as unpaid debts, minor contract disputes, property damage, and landlord-tenant issues. The goal of Small Claims Court is to provide a quick resolution with minimal legal costs.

COUNTY COURT

CIRCUIT COURT

SMALL CLAIMS

County Court in Florida has broader jurisdiction than Small Claims Court and handles civil cases involving disputes with amounts up to $50,000. In addition to civil cases, County Courts also hear misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and other minor criminal offenses. Evictions, small claims, and civil disputes that fall within the monetary limit are common in County Court. The proceedings in County Court are more formal than Small Claims Court.

CIRCUIT COURT

The Civil Circuit Court in Florida handles more complex and higher-value civil cases, typically involving disputes where the amount in controversy exceeds $30,000. This court has jurisdiction over a wide range of matters, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, and business litigation. The Circuit Court is known for its formal procedures, comprehensive discovery processes, and the ability to manage cases that may require extensive evidence, expert testimony, and, often, a jury trial. As the primary trial court for significant civil matters, the Circuit Court plays a crucial role in resolving serious legal disputes in Florida.

CIVIL LITIGATION

The Civil Litigation Process

SMALL CLAIMS

CIRCUIT COURT

SMALL CLAIMS

COUNTY COURT

CIRCUIT COURT

SMALL CLAIMS

CIRCUIT COURT

CIRCUIT COURT

CIRCUIT COURT

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