SAN DIEGO Civil Litigation PROCESS TIMELINE

We Do Not Handle Police Brutality, Marital Disputes, Or Civil Rights Cases

How civil litigation cases proceed from initial filing to trial is illustrated in this civil litigation timeline with San Diego County general jurisdiction as an example.

This file may be used with permission, but must include the credit: “Courtesy of San Diego Personal Injury Litigation attorney, Steven Elia.”

California Civil Litigation Timeline Process Summary

A plaintiff starts the process by filing a lawsuit (“complaint”) with a California court
The plaintiff serves the complaint on the defendant(s) (plaintiff must do this within 60 days [CRC 3.110])
Process continues with the defendant filing a responsive pleading, such as an answer (typically containing a general denial), or a demurrer (in California), a 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss (in Federal Court), or a motion to strike. An answer may also contain a cross-complaint against the plaintiff or other parties
After all parties respond, the court will deem the case at issue
The parties may conduct discovery. This can include written interrogatory questions to one side and depositions
At some point during the process, the court will set a Case Management Conference (CMC) which the parties (or their lawyers) must attend
At the CMC, the judge may order the parties to mediation (the parties are required to file a Case Management Statement 15 days prior to the CMC)
The judge may also set certain dates such as:
- Trial
- Trial Readiness Conference
- First Expert Exchange
- Second Expert Exchange
- Law and Motion Discovery Cutoff
After a judgment, either side may file post trial motions.
Either side may appeal a final judgment. An appeal can extend the litigation process by a year or more.

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We accept personal injury cases and corporate and business disputes. Consult with a San Diego civil attorney by requesting a free phone consultation with the Elia Law Firm. We’ll let you know just what your options are and the best way to proceed.

PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT HANDLE POLICE BRUTALITY, MARITAL DISPUTES, OR CIVIL RIGHTS CASES.
Call (619) 444-2244 today or submit the form on this page for a free consultation.