As any Georgia resident can attest, the legal system can be confusing to those without experience in the law. Whether you are being sued, are suffering after an accident or have been charged with a crime, you are likely to wonder what comes next. You may have heard the term “civil litigation” but you do not know what exactly it entails.
As FindLaw explains, civil litigation differs from criminal law, but civil law can take many different directions. Generally, civil law involves any legal action pertaining to financial, property or personal damages, as well as family law, business litigation and appeals. For example, you may go to a civil court for the following situations:
- A business is taking legal action against you for a debt.
- You are looking to modify child custody or child support.
- You are seeking compensation for serious injuries after a car accident.
- Someone crashed into your fence and you are seeking financial damages.
- You are filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased loved one.
- You are preparing to write your will or to protect the financial interests of your aging parents.
Civil litigation is optional if you are the plaintiff in a case – you can choose whether to go after someone for damages. On the other hand, you would have no choice if you are charged in criminal proceedings.
As you can expect, each of these legal areas is complex and requires experienced counsel. The information in this blog is meant to educate you, but it should not replace the advice of a lawyer.
