Civil Litigation
Giulitto Law Office in Ravenna, Ohio handles civil lawsuits which take place in the Portage County Court of Common Pleas, Ravenna Municipal Court, Kent Municipal Court and surrounding areas. Contact our office if you are thinking about pursuing a lawsuit or if you have been sued.
Many types of disputes can lead to litigation. Contract disputes, consumer lawsuits, credit card lawsuits, collection actions, disputes between unmarried couples, and property disputes are just some examples of issues that may lead to a lawsuit. Civil litigation is very complex. Many complicated rules govern how lawsuits are conducted.
These type of disputes are litigated in three courts depending on the amount in dispute. A small claims lawsuit can be filed if the amount in dispute is $3,000.00 or less. Small claims cases are designed to proceed with less formal rules. As such, an attorney may not be necessary to assert a small claims lawsuit. The municipal court will handle lawsuits where the amount in controversy is $15,000.00 or less. Lawsuits where the amount in dispute is greater than that are held in the court of common pleas.
Civil litigation typically ends with an out-of-court settlement. However, if a case is not settled a trial is conducted, with a judge or jury deciding liability. In some cases, the defendant does not appear a default judgment can be obtained.
Obtaining a favorable judgment is only half the battle. The party who obtains judgment must then collect the judgment. Sometimes the defendant has no assets or employment and is therefore judgment proof. Judgments can be collected by garnishing wages or bank accounts. If the defendant owns real estate a lien can be placed on that real estate. Personal property can be seized and sold to satisfy judgments. These collection methods are all governed by very precise procedures defined under Ohio law.
There are many factors to determine whether civil litigation is appropriate. If you have been sued, it is important to have an experienced lawyer defend your case.
If you are thinking of suing someone or have been sued, contact Giulitto Law Office today for a free consultation.