Santa Ana Litigation Lawyer

SANTA ANA LITIGATION ATTORNEY

Litigation is the legal process where two parties in dispute can resolve their differences. Whether there is a disagreement over a contract, a business conflict, or a personal matter, successfully navigating the litigation process requires a deep understanding of the different legal procedures and strategies available. If you are facing the prospect of litigation, hiring a Santa Ana litigation lawyer can help fill in these legal gaps to ensure you are well-prepared for your case.

At Blake & Ayaz, our business attorneys start every new litigation case by focusing on you. We take the time to understand your case and build the right strategy to achieve the most practical solutions.

Whether we negotiate a settlement to avoid trial or need to represent you in court, our goal is to help reduce the legal burdens you face and make the process easier to manage. We aspire for each client to close their case feeling assured that they did everything they could to win.

What to Expect in the Litigation Process

While the prospect of litigation can be overwhelming to think about, understanding each step involved can help to demystify and dispel some common worries. Hiring a litigation attorney is the number one step to handling each of these phases with clarity and purpose.

Here is a closer look at what you can expect to happen:

Initial Consultation

Every new litigation case begins with an in-depth consultation with your litigation attorney. This is where they can evaluate the merits of your case and discuss what potential strategic routes there are to take. You also have an opportunity to share all relevant documents and details about your case. If there are any risks to consider, your attorney can bring them up during this consultation to ensure you have a realistic understanding of your case.

Filing a Complaint or Responding to One

If you are the one initiating the lawsuit, you work with your lawyer to file the complaint. The complaint is where you outline your claims against the opposing party. This document sets the foundation for your entire case. On the other hand, if you have been served a complaint, you can work with your attorney to respond by filing an answer or requesting a motion to dismiss the case on whatever reasoning seems justified.

Discovery Process

The discovery phase is one of the most important phases in the litigation process. It’s where both parties can gather and exchange whatever evidence they have legally collected. This can include documents, interrogation transcripts, and depositions. This is the moment when both sides may form a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses that exist on each side of the story. The discovery phase also reveals critical facts that can signal if the case has a chance to settle or if it must go to trial.

Trial

If a settlement is not agreed to, both sides will present their evidence and arguments before a judge and jury. This is where your litigation attorney can advocate on your behalf using the different legal arguments and evidence that you both strategized with. Depending on how complicated the matters are to resolve, you can expect this phase to last anywhere from a few days to weeks.

Post-Trial Motions and Appeals

Once the trial has finished, both parties have the right to file a motion to alter the outcome, whether they want to request a new trial or amend the initial judgment. If the appeal is approved, the original verdict can be reversed. If not, the judgment will be enforced. Your attorney can help to enforce these judgments to ensure you receive what you are entitled to under California law.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Costs Associated with Litigation?

A: There are many different legal costs that can add up throughout the litigation process, for instance, a combination of court filing fees, expert witness fees, and expenses generated by your attorney as they collect evidence and conduct depositions. The costs vary widely based on the specific actions your attorney takes and the manner in which they are completed. It’s important to discuss legal fees during your first consultation to ensure you can afford a Santa Ana lawyer’s services.

Q: Do Most Cases Go to Trial?

A: Whether or not a case will settle or go to trial is specific to the circumstances of your case. Settlement discussions and mediation may resolve legal disputes more quickly and save both parties from high legal costs by avoiding court. However, depending on the outcome of the case, it could still be in your financial interest to advance to trial and secure the outcome you are looking for. Discuss the possibility of going to court with your lawyer.

Q: What Should I Look for in a Litigation Lawyer?

A: When you are shopping around for Santa Ana litigation services, you want to consider each lawyer’s years of experience in the field, their communication skills, and their historic ratio of case wins to losses. It’s also important you find someone who is willing to listen to your concerns and takes the time to explain what options you have in a clear and patient manner. The most effective lawyers are strategic, resourceful, and confident in the value they offer.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations in California?

A: The statute of limitations in California is the legal deadline set by the state within which you must file your claim. For example, if you were personally injured, you have two years to file a claim. If you are dealing with a contract breach in a business setting, this deadline is extended to four years. If you miss these deadlines, you may forfeit your right to seek justice.

Contact Blake & Ayaz Today

If you are facing the prospect of litigation and are unsure where to turn, contact the lawyers at Blake & Ayaz today. We understand the stress and frustration you might be feeling right now and would be happy to sit down and talk more about your case to see what options you have. We look forward to hearing from you soon.