Bridge the gap between yourself and the legal system with The Lawsuit Survival Guide. Find concise explanations of legal proceedings and clear answers to your questions, such as:

• "How do I find the right lawyer?"
• "How do attorney fees work?"
• "What is my lawyer doing, and why?"
• "What does all this legalese mean?"
• "What's taking so long?"
• "Can I cut costs by helping my lawyer?"
• "Can I get out of this lawsuit?"

The Lawsuit Survival Guide takes you through the entire litigation process from start to finish, explaining every step along the way in language that makes sense. Save both you and your lawyer time, money and aggravation -- and get the information you need to make smart decisions.

This one-of-a-kind eBook is perfect for clients, lawyers, business people, law students, paralegals, writers and anyone else with an interest in civil court cases.

Introduction

• Section I: The Trouble With Lawsuits
• Section II: How to Use This Book

1. Lawyers, Fees and Retainer Agreements

• Section I: Choosing a Lawyer
• Section II: Changing Lawyers
• Section III: Attorney Fees and Litigation Costs
• Section IV: The Representation Agreement
• Section V: Sample Representation Agreements

2. Working With Your Lawyer

3. Getting a Lawsuit Started: The Pleadings

• Section I: The Complaint
• Section II: Defending Against a Complaint: Responsive Pleadings
• Section III: The Defendant Strikes Back: Countersuits
• Section IV: Litigating on Behalf of a Minor: Guardian ad Litem

4. Discovery

• Section I: An Overview of Discovery
• Section II: Interrogatories
• Section III: Requests for Production of Documents and Physical Evidence
• Section IV: Requests for Admissions
• Section V: Depositions
• Section VI: Discovery Limits

5. Motions and Other Court Proceedings Before Trial

• Section I: Motion Procedures
• Section II: Restraining Orders and Injunctions
• Section III: Motions to Secure Assets: Lis Pendens, Attachments and Receiverships
• Section IV: Motions to Expand, Narrow or Move a Lawsuit
• Section V: Plaintiff's Motions for Default
• Section VI: Defendant's Motions to Dismiss
• Section VII: Discovery Motions
• Section VIII: Motions for Summary Judgment and Summary Adjudication

6. Mediation

7. Arbitration

• Section I: Arbitration Basics
• Section II: Arbitration or Trial?
• Section III: Preparing for Arbitration
• Section IV: The Arbitration Hearing and Decision

8. Settling a Lawsuit

• Section I: Setting Settlement Goals and Starting Negotiations
• Section II: Getting Help From the Judge: Settlement Conferences
• Section III: Payment Options
• Section IV: Partial Settlements
• Section V: Finalizing the Settlement

9. Trial

• Section I: Setting the Trial Date
• Section II: Judge or Jury?
• Section III: Pretrial Proceedings and Conferences
• Section IV: Preparing for Trial
• Sections V-VIII: Trial
• Section V: Getting a Judge
• Section VI: Jury Selection
• Section VII: Witnesses, Evidence and Arguments
• Section VIII: The Verdict or Decision

10. Appeals and Other Post-Trial Proceedings

• Section I: The Winning Party's Final Moves
• Section II: The Losing Party's Final Moves

Index

• General
• How You Can Help Your Lawyer

Here are summaries of important legal or procedural changes that affect the latest edition of this product.