{"id":368978,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/what-to-expect-a-lawsuit-chronology.html"},"modified":"2026-07-16T12:06:52","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T17:06:52","slug":"what-to-expect-a-lawsuit-chronology","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/what-to-expect-a-lawsuit-chronology.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Expect: Timeline of a Lawsuit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">What To Expect: Timeline of a Lawsuit<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/susan-buckner-j-d\/\">Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            July 16, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>The main phases of litigation include initial pleadings, discovery, pretrial, and trial. Some cases may also involve post-trial motions and appeals.<\/li>\n<li>Many lawsuits don\u2019t reach the trial phase, such as when they end in a dismissal, settlement, default judgment, or summary judgment.<\/li>\n<li>The entire civil litigation process can take several months to a few years, depending on the case.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div><p>A lawsuit is a complicated <span data-term-id=\"59396653\">legal process<\/span> full of surprises and delays. Every action involves at least two parties, and the schedule and events can be out of your hands.<\/p>\n<p>But most litigation actions happen in the same order, so you can understand what will happen. It helps to know some of the words and phrases that come up in a lawsuit.<\/p>\n<p>This article describes a typical timeline for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/litigation-and-appeals.html\">civil litigation<\/a>. Criminal cases and specialized matters like bankruptcies have different procedures. This article outlines a \u201ctypical\u201d adversarial lawsuit, such as a <span data-term-id=\"59396650\">personal injury case<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Your case may differ based on state laws and the details of your case. Your <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">litigation attorney<\/a> can help you understand how your lawsuit could vary from this timeline.<\/p>\n<p>See how a lawsuit progresses from beginning to end below:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#filing\"><span data-term-id=\"59396646\">Filing a Lawsuit<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#discovery\">The <span data-term-id=\"59396643\">Discovery<\/span><span data-term-id=\"59396643\"> Phase<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#pretrial\"><span data-term-id=\"59396647\">Pretrial Motion<\/span> Practice<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#trial\">The <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">Trial<\/span> Phase<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#appeal\">Appealing the Decision<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#settlement\">When Do <span data-term-id=\"59396651\">Settlement Negotiations<\/span> Happen?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#end\">When the Lawsuit Ends<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"59396646\"><a id=\"filing\"><\/a>Filing a Lawsuit<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A civil action begins with <span data-term-id=\"59396641\">filing a complaint<\/span>, usually accompanied by a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/summons.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">summons.<\/a>\u00a0The complaint describes the claims that the <span data-term-id=\"59396633\">plaintiff<\/span> (the party bringing the lawsuit) brings against the defendant (the party being sued). A lawyer may prepare the document. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/state-court-cases-how-to-determine-where-your-suit-will-be-heard.html\">correct court <\/a>must receive the complaint.<\/p>\n<p>In general, the more recent the case, the better chance you\u2019ll have at <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trial<\/span>. If too much time has passed, it may be better to reach a settlement with the other party. Waiting too long risks also running out of time to file a lawsuit under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/is-there-a-time-limit-to-file-a-lawsuit-what-are-statutes-of.html\">statute of limitations<\/a> for your claim.<\/p>\n<h3>Service of Process<\/h3>\n<p>In most jurisdictions, the litigation process begins when you file your complaint. You have a limited time to serve the complaint on the defendant. In some states, such as Minnesota and North Dakota, you can serve the summons and complaint first and then file with the court.<\/p>\n<p>In almost all jurisdictions, the <span data-term-id=\"59396633\">plaintiff<\/span> can\u2019t serve the documents personally. A person uninvolved in the lawsuit, a process server, or the county sheriff must serve the documents. Once service is complete, the person must file a Notice of Service with the court to prove the defendant received the documents.<\/p>\n<h3>Answer to the Complaint<\/h3>\n<p>The defendant must file an answer within a specific time. This can be from 21 to 180 days, depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the case. The answer lets the defendant disagree with the complaint, explain their defenses, and make counterclaims against the <span data-term-id=\"59396633\">plaintiff<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3>Pretrial Preparation<\/h3>\n<p>If the defendant doesn\u2019t answer the complaint, the <span data-term-id=\"59396633\">plaintiff<\/span> may request a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/judgment.html#:~:text=performance%20at%20performance-,default%20judgment,-%3A%20a%20judgment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">default judgment<\/a>. The court may enter a default on its own or sua sponte.<\/p>\n<p>If the defendant answers, the case is set for <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trial<\/span>, and several hearings are set. These pretrial or case management hearings occur before the <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trial<\/span> to ensure the parties are working towards an agreement.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"discovery\"><\/a>The <span data-term-id=\"59396643\">Discovery<\/span><span data-term-id=\"59396643\"> Phase<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>During the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/filing-a-lawsuit-the-discovery-process.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59396630\">discovery<\/span> process<\/a>, parties exchange documents and information about the issues relevant to the litigation. <span data-term-id=\"59396630\">Discovery<\/span> can take three forms:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Written questions (<span data-term-id=\"59396632\">interrogatories<\/span>), lists of questions the party answers under oath<\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"59396655\">Requests for documents<\/span>, such as medical records or bank statements<\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"59396631\">Depositions<\/span> where parties may call witnesses and question them in person<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"59396631\">Depositions<\/span> are like <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trials<\/span>, except the judge is not present. Parties can present <span data-term-id=\"59396631\">deposition<\/span> transcripts as evidence at <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trial<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-help-and-resources\/guidelines-for-giving-your-deposition.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59396631\">Deposition<\/span> witnesses<\/a> receive subpoenas like <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trial<\/span> witnesses. If they aren\u2019t part of the case, they can bring their own attorneys and, in some cases, refuse to answer questions.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"59396647\"><a id=\"pretrial\"><\/a>Pretrial Motion<\/span> Practice<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes, parties may limit or reduce portions of a case through <span data-term-id=\"59396647\">pretrial motions<\/span>. Parties agree or \u201cstipulate\u201d to facts not in dispute, so they ask the court to acknowledge the facts as true. Other times, a motion asks the judge to order the other party to do something.<\/p>\n<p>There are many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/what-is-a-motion.html\">types of motions<\/a> that parties may file before <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trial<\/span>, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A party files a motion for order when the other side is not doing what they should, like responding to requests for <span data-term-id=\"59396630\">discovery<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>The defendant can file a <span data-term-id=\"59396638\">motion to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/what-is-a-motion-to-dismiss.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59396638\">dismiss<\/span> <\/a>if they believe the <span data-term-id=\"59396633\">plaintiff<\/span>\u2019s case is invalid.<\/li>\n<li>A party files a <span data-term-id=\"59396640\">motion for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/what-is-summary-judgment.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59396640\">summary judgment<\/span><\/a> when the central facts of the case aren\u2019t in dispute.<\/li>\n<li>The defendant might file a motion for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/what-is-a-motion-for-change-of-venue.html\">change of venue<\/a> to transfer the case to a different court.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Motion practice takes up much of the time between filing a case and the <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trial<\/span>. Whenever one side files a motion, the other side has the right to respond. Usually, the opposing party has 10 days to reply, which adds another two weeks to the pretrial period.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"trial\"><\/a>The <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">Trial<\/span> Phase<\/h2>\n<p>Unless the parties <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/what-does-it-mean-to-settle-a-case.html\">reach a settlement<\/a> in the pretrial phase, the case goes to <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trial<\/span>, which often involves:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Jury selection and instruction<\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"59396656\">Opening statements<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Presentation of the evidence<\/li>\n<li>Closing arguments<\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"59396639\">Verdict<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In most civil cases, either party can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/judge-versus-jury-trials.html\">opt for a <span data-term-id=\"59396644\">jury <\/span><span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trial<\/span><\/a>. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/trial-and-verdict.html\">civil <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trial<\/span><\/a> is not necessary for all civil cases. It may be more expensive and time-consuming than your case is worth. Your attorney can advise you on whether your case warrants a <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trial<\/span> by jury.<\/p>\n<p>Civil <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trials<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/civil-cases-vs-criminal-cases-key-differences.html\">resemble criminal <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trials<\/span><\/a>. The attorneys present evidence and question witnesses. The attorneys give <span data-term-id=\"59396656\">opening statements<\/span> and closing arguments to summarize the evidence. The judge or jury makes a decision on the facts in the case based on the evidence presented. But the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/standards-of-proof-in-civil-cases-preponderance-of-evidence-and-clear-and-convincing-evidence.html\">standards of proof<\/a> are generally lower in civil cases.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"59396629\">Trials<\/span> are not as dramatic as they appear on TV or in movies. At most, attorneys ask questions, and witnesses answer them. Sometimes, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/what-is-a-judges-role-in-court.html\">judge may rule<\/a> on a point of law or sustain or overrule an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/how-does-a-judge-rule-on-objections.html\">objection<\/a>. All parties must <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/your-conduct-in-court-can-affect-your-case.html\">follow courtroom rules<\/a> during the process.<\/p>\n<p>Once the attorneys present all the evidence, the judge or jury <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/must-all-jury-verdicts-be-unanimous.html\">gives their <span data-term-id=\"59396639\">verdict<\/span><\/a>. In some cases, the <span data-term-id=\"59396639\">verdict<\/span> may include attorneys\u2019 fees and court costs.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"appeal\"><\/a>Appealing the Decision<\/h2>\n<p>Either party may <span data-term-id=\"59396635\">appeal<\/span> the <span data-term-id=\"59396639\">verdict<\/span> to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/appeals-appellate-courts-and-costs.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59396645\">appellate court<\/span><\/a>. In most states, you have a narrow window to do so, usually 10-30 days.<\/p>\n<p>An <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/appealing-a-court-decision-or-judgment.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59396635\">appeal<\/span> <\/a>is not a new <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trial<\/span>. Instead, you or your attorney must object to a particular legal issue in the case or an abuse of the judge\u2019s discretion. For instance, if you felt a defendant\u2019s witness should not have testified, you can <span data-term-id=\"59396635\">appeal<\/span> on those grounds. You must have case law, state law, and federal law to support your position in a <span data-term-id=\"59396654\">court of <\/span><span data-term-id=\"59396635\">appeals<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>You can\u2019t <span data-term-id=\"59396635\">appeal<\/span> just because you lost the case. Laypeople should not try to <span data-term-id=\"59396635\">appeal<\/span> their case on their own. Restrictions for formatting, deadlines, and responses are much stricter than in lower courts. Contact an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"59396635\">appeals<\/span> attorney<\/a> if you think your <span data-term-id=\"59396639\">verdict<\/span> was incorrect.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"settlement\"><\/a>When Do <span data-term-id=\"59396651\">Settlement Negotiations<\/span> Happen?<\/h2>\n<p>A settlement may be negotiated at any point during the litigation process. If the parties reach a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-help-and-resources\/worksheet-plaintiff-s-settlement.html\">settlement agreement<\/a> before the <span data-term-id=\"59396629\">trial<\/span>, the case ends.<\/p>\n<p>Parties may resolve their issues through other means, such as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/adr\/arbitration\/arbitration-overview.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59396648\">alternative dispute resolution<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(ADR). <span data-term-id=\"59396634\">Mediation<\/span> and <span data-term-id=\"59396658\">arbitration<\/span> can assist parties in reaching a settlement without going through litigation. Some <span data-term-id=\"59396649\">contract disputes<\/span> require binding <span data-term-id=\"59396658\">arbitration<\/span> rather than legal action, and some states prefer that parties use ADR before restoring to the courts.<\/p>\n<p>Judicial approval of civil settlements is only required if circumstances require court notice. Family law cases involving custody, cases with multiple parties, and cases involving minors may need a court hearing. Depending on court rules in your jurisdiction, you may need to file a Notice of Dismissal.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"end\"><\/a>When the Lawsuit Ends<\/h2>\n<p>A <span data-term-id=\"59396636\">civil lawsuit<\/span> can take time. A small claims case can take six months, and a personal injury lawsuit may last three years or more. Witnesses may receive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/what-should-i-do-if-i-receive-a-subpoena.html\">subpoenas<\/a> nearly a decade after the event at issue.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Advocacy Throughout the <span data-term-id=\"59396653\">Legal Process<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Whether you are the defendant or the <span data-term-id=\"59396633\">plaintiff<\/span> in a lawsuit, legal representation can protect your interests. Discuss your case with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">civil law attorney<\/a> where your case will be heard. A lawyer can guide you through each phase of litigation. They can also assess strategic options to minimize the time and costs of a lawsuit.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        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class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    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class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        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An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes during litigation.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL34\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n               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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw offers a general outline for civil cases, simplified for the layperson.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":368853,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["SEO Title Length","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned","External 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