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Civil litigation

compromise and settlement

Most civil disputes in which a lawsuit is filed (civil litigation) are resolved by compromise and voluntary settlement agreements between the parties—whether the disputes involve divorce, child custody, and child support matters, or contracts and intellectual property (patents, copyrights, and trademarks) claims by businesses. Only a small percentage of lawsuits filed in the United States are resolved by jury trials.

In California, as in the rest of the United States, the majority of civil disputes that lead to litigation are typically resolved through settlements rather than going to trial. This includes a wide range of cases such as divorce, child custody, child support, contract disputes, and intellectual property issues. Settlements are often reached through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, which can be less costly and time-consuming than a trial. California courts encourage settlement by providing various dispute resolution programs. The state's legal framework, including the California Code of Civil Procedure, supports and facilitates the settlement process. Despite the availability of jury trials for civil cases, they are relatively rare, with most parties opting to settle out of court to avoid the uncertainties and expenses associated with a trial.

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Civil litigation

compromise and settlement

Legal Services for Less than 99¢ a Day

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California State Code

California State Code

Civil litigation

compromise and settlement

Articles