Sanford, Florida Civil Procedures

Find the right Litigation attorney in Sanford, FL

  • /10
  • Client Overall
    Satisfaction Rate*
*TrustPilot score as of 010118

Litigation Lawyers in Sanford

In Sanford, Florida, "civil procedure" refers to the different processes and procedures that must be followed when conducting a civil lawsuit.

Like all laws, the rules of civil procedure in Sanford, Florida reflect particular values that society, through its elected representatives, wants to encourage. So, the rules of civil procedure have the stated goal of ensuring that the justice system is fair, cost effective, efficient, and accessible to everyone who has a legitimate legal grievance.

Civil litigation, however, is inherently intricate. So, there is no getting around the fact that the civil procedure rules in Sanford, Florida are also going to be somewhat difficult and obtuse (or at least parts of them are). Remember, these rules govern every single thing that happens in a civil lawsuit, from the first complaint, to the last appeal.

Major Sanford, Florida Civil Procedure Issues

Complaint: The initial, and perhaps most significant, part of filing a lawsuit in Sanford, Florida is the complaint. The complaint is filed with the court in Sanford, Florida that's responsible for handling civil trials. It lists everything that the plaintiff (the person who is suing) alleges against the defendant (the person the plaintiff is suing). Normally, but not always, the end of the complaint will contain a "prayer for relief." The prayer for relief is just a statement of what the plaintiff is asking the court to do to remedy the harm that the defendant allegedly caused.

Answer: After the plaintiff files the complaint, the defendant has to act. While they have a few avenues at this stage of the game, most defendants elect to file an answer. The answer is the defendant's first direct response to the plaintiff's allegations. Occasionally, the answer contains a general denial, in which the defendant simply denies everything the plaintiff alleges. It might also contain a point-by-point addressing of every allegation the plaintiff makes, denying some, and admitting some.

Discovery: Once both sides have fired their opening volleys in the form of the complaint and answer, the next procedure in civil litigation in Sanford, Florida is discovery. Under the civil procedure rules of most jurisdictions in the U.S., each side of a lawsuit is obligated by law to disclose relevant information to the other side. These disclosures come in the form of depositions, the production of documents, and answers to written questions submitted by opposing counsel.

Trial: In Sanford, Florida, it's really very rare for civil lawsuits to go to trial. Of all the lawsuits that are filed, only a tiny minority make it to trial. The majority are either dismissed, or settled. This is by design: the civil procedure rules in Sanford are particularly meant to encourage early resolution of legal disputes, without resorting to a costly and time-consuming trial. Nonetheless, when a case does go to trial, it is for the purpose of a jury resolving all of the factual disputes between the parties. Each side will present evidence acquired through the discovery process, call witnesses, and make arguments on behalf of their position. Once the jury reaches a verdict (a finding of fact), the judge enters a judgment on the verdict.

How Can a Sanford, Florida Lawyer Help?

If you are facing a legal issue of any sort in Sanford, Florida, you are going to face civil procedure issues.

In Sanford, Florida, procedural dilemmas can derail an otherwise-valid case. They can also be some of the most obtuse and convoluted issues in the whole case. Thus, you should not go into something like this without the counsel of an attorney.

Talk to a Law Attorney now!

Life in Sanford

Sanford is a city in Seminole County, Florida with an approximate population of 50,998.

Some popular attractions include the Central Florida Zoological Park, the Museum of Seminole County History, and City of Sanford Museum. Other known spots are the Delta Connection Academy and Ligonier Ministries.

Sanford is known as an area focused on agriculture and tourism, via its resorts. The resorts are popular because Sanford is located alongside Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River.

Sanford is filled with law firms that practice in many areas of law. Most attorneys are well-known in the Sanford region, and therefore the focus is on provide personalized legal services.

Some famous residents of Sanford include Jeff Blake, Tim Raines Jr., Rickie Weeks, David Eckstein and Lee Corso.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Howard B.
Howard B.

Business - Litigation

Rye Brook, NY

Mark B.
Mark B.

Business - Litigation

Roseland, NJ

David A.
David A.

Business - Litigation

Walnut Creek, CA