Manchester, New Hampshire Civil Procedures

Find the right Litigation attorney in Manchester, NH

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

Litigation Lawyers in Manchester

In Manchester, New Hampshire, "civil procedure" is a broad term that refers to all of the laws that regulate the process of civil litigation. Procedural law (such as civil procedure) is distinguished from substantive law, which regulates the rights and obligations that the civil justice system is designed to protect.

In Manchester, New Hampshire, the civil procedure rules are meant to ensure that the civil litigation system is as efficient, accessible, fair, and cost-effective as possible.

Civil litigation in Manchester, New Hampshire is almost never a simple process. So, the rules governing this process can't always be simple, either. Remember, civil procedure covers every single step of the civil litigation process, which can drag on for years.

Major Manchester, New Hampshire Civil Procedure Issues

Complaint: When somebody believes that they have suffered a legal wrong in Manchester, New Hampshire, and decide to file a lawsuit, the first document that they file with the court is typically the complaint. The complaint is very important, because it can frame the factual and legal issues, and set the tone, for the rest of the process. The complaint normally contains every factual allegation against the defendant that forms the basis of the plaintiff's lawsuit. It also contains a prayer for relief, in which the plaintiff lays out his or her desired remedies, if the court finds the defendant liable.

Answer: Once the complaint is filed, the ball is in the defendant's court, so to speak. In the answer, the defendant has an opportunity to respond to all of the factual allegations made by the plaintiff, typically by denying them. The defendant might also raise affirmative defenses, which could prevent the defendant from being held liable. For example, if the defendant is accused of battery, and he did, in fact, batter the plaintiff, he might admit to that fact, but claim that the plaintiff was the aggressor, and he acted purely in self-defense. If he can establish that he acted in self-defense, he likely will not be held liable.

Discovery: The civil procedure rules in Manchester, New Hampshire were written with the purpose of, among other things, avoiding surprises. For that reason, everyone engaged in a lawsuit goes into trial with a pretty good idea of what evidence the other side has. This is largely because of the discovery process, during which the attorneys for both sides are required to disclose (with some exemptions) all information relevant to the trial which they have in their possession. These disclosures come in multiple forms, such as simply sending boxes of documents, deposing witnesses, or submitting written questions to the other side, which the recipient is obligated to answer under oath.

Trial: In Manchester, New Hampshire, it's truly extremely 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 Manchester are specifically meant to encourage early resolution of legal disputes, without resorting to a costly and time-consuming trial. However, 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 received 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 Manchester, New Hampshire Lawyer Help?

If you are facing a legal issue of any kind in Manchester, New Hampshire, you are going to confront civil procedure issues.

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

Talk to a Law Attorney now!

Life in Manchester

Manchester, New Hampshire is the largest city in New Hampshire, and the largest city in Northern New England (an area comprising Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont). Its population is about 110,000 people.

In 2009, Manchester, New Hampshire was named by CNNMoney.com as one of the top 100 cities to live in, coming it at number 13. It was also voted by Kiplinger as the second most tax-friendly city in the country. It is also one of the most affordable cities in the country.

Because of these many attributes, many successful, middle-class professionals, such as lawyers, have moved to Manchester, New Hampshire to take advantage of the low cost of living, getting the most "bang for their buck."

If you need legal advice in Manchester, New Hampshire, you should consult with some Manchester, New Hampshire attorneys. Your Attorney in Manchester, New Hampshire will be able to advise you on how to best deal with your legal problem.

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