The duration of a lawsuit depends on a few factors, including the issues in the case, the discovery process, and the court scheduling. The parties generally decide when to conduct discovery, and the court will schedule trial dates, which differ from state to state. At trial, both parties present evidence to the court. In many cases, a lawsuit settles before trial begins. However, some lawsuits can go up and down the appeals ladder several times.

The process of a lawsuit starts with proper service of a complaint or summons. If either party fails to act properly, the court may intervene, and the winning party will be able to recover its fees. In some cases, however, a lawsuit will sit unresolved for years. This is called judicial intervention.

A lawsuit can also be filed against a person who encroaches on your personal property. This can be a person or real property. Regardless of whether the other party is real or virtual, the courts are designed to make sure that both sides are treated fairly. When filing a lawsuit, make sure you know who is going to be on the other side.

If you’re facing a lawsuit, it’s best to hire an experienced lawyer who is familiar with the type of lawsuit you’re facing. You should also choose a lawyer who is upfront and gives you regular updates on the progress of your case. During this process, you’ll need to decide how you want to proceed. Discuss your options with your attorney and decide whether you’d like to pursue litigation or settle the case through arbitration.