This chart illustrates the life cycle of a lawsuit, which starts with the filing of the complaint.

After a complaint is filed, the defendant files an answer, and the parties engage in discovery, which is the exchange of documents and evidence.

Motions may be filed, and the parties may attempt to settle the matter through mediation or some other form of alternative dispute resolution.

The case may proceed to trial and a judge or jury will decide the case.  The non-prevailing party will then have an opportunity to appeal the decision and have an appellate court decide the matter.

Each stage of the life cycle will be covered in future lessons.