CALIFORNIA STATE MATTERS ONLYOnline service · Email correspondence
CALIFORNIA · CIVIL MATTERS

Civil Case Process

A quick look at the usual stages of a California civil lawsuit and the court documents commonly used along the way.

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We prepare documents. We do not file or serve them.

CA Legal prepares requested civil case documents from customer-provided information and instructions. Customers are responsible for court filing, service of process, deadlines, and attending hearings. We do not provide court representation, legal advice, or telephone or office consultations.

AT A GLANCE

From filing to trial

General sequence · Some steps are optional
  1. 01

    Complaint & Summons

    Start of case

    Complaint: The plaintiff's written claims and requested relief. Summons: Court notice informing the defendant of the lawsuit and the need to respond.

    Customer action: A self-represented person can file the completed papers at the appropriate court clerk's office. Online filing (e-filing) is available only where permitted or required by that court; check the county court's rules.

  2. 02

    Service of Process

    After filing

    The filed Summons and Complaint must be properly delivered to the defendant under the applicable service rules. Personal delivery is common. A person serving the papers must be at least 18 years old and not a party to the case. An eligible adult family member or friend can serve; a plaintiff or defendant in the case cannot.

    Customer action: Arrange proper service and ensure the required Proof of Service is completed and filed. CA Legal does not deliver or serve papers.

  3. 03

    Defendant's Response

    After service

    Answer

    The defendant's formal response to the Complaint, stating admissions, denials, and any applicable defenses.

    Demurrer

    A challenge asserting that the Complaint has legal defects, even if its factual allegations are assumed true for this purpose.

    These are different possible responses, not mandatory consecutive steps. Other responses or a default may occur. Filing and service deadlines depend on the circumstances.

  4. 04

    Discovery

    Information exchange

    The parties formally request information or evidence relevant to the lawsuit. Common documents include Form Interrogatories (FI), Special Interrogatories (SI), Requests for Production (RFP), and Requests for Admission (RFA), along with responses.

  5. 05

    Motions

    When applicable

    A motion is a formal request for a court ruling or order. Examples include motions to compel discovery, motions to strike, and other requests arising before or during trial preparation.

  6. 06

    Summary Judgment

    Optional motion

    A motion for summary judgment asks the court to decide a case without a trial when the legal requirements are met and no triable issue of material fact exists. If granted in full, a trial on the resolved claims may be unnecessary.

  7. 07

    Trial & Judgment

    If unresolved

    If the case is not dismissed, settled, or otherwise resolved, the judge or jury considers evidence at trial. The court then enters a judgment, which states the outcome. Some cases end earlier through settlement or default.

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This is a general outline, not legal advice or a complete statement of the rules. Steps and court requirements vary by case and county. California Courts: Steps to sue someone · If you are sued.