Best Litigation Lawyers in Grand Rapids, MI

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

  You may call 616-456-3400 for your non-emergency concerns in Grand Rapids.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

  To obtain a copy of police report related to your incident in Grand Rapids, you need to download the form form grandrapidsmi.gov and fill it out. Afterwards, you may email it at foiagrpd@grcity.us. You may also mail or drop it off at the Grand Rapids Police Department Records Unit located at 1 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids 49503. You will get a response to your request within 5 business days.

• Can beneficiaries in Grand Rapids take trust and estate disputes to court?

  Yes, beneficiaries in Grand Rapids are permitted to bring their trust and estate disputes before the Grand Rapids probate court. Challenges to jointly owned property, determining spousal and family rights, identifying heirs, contesting wills and trusts, breaches of fiduciary duty, and property transfers are examples of the types of legal disputes that can be heard in probate courts.

• How can you stop an executor from managing estates in Grand Rapids?

  Only those with a stake in the estate, such as beneficiaries or other close relatives, may file a lawsuit in Grand Rapids. To remove the executor, a petition must be filed with the probate court. You should be able to provide evidence to back up your claim that the executor should not be allowed to continue serving.

• How are rights and obligations determined in a breach of contract suit in Grand Rapids?

  The court determines rights and obligations in a breach of contract suit in Grand Rapids by examining the contract's text. The parol evidence rule applies to this examination, which prohibits the court from looking at anything other than the contract to determine the rights and obligations of both parties if the language used is clear.

• What are the responsibilities of a Grand Rapids civil appeals lawyer?

  When you hire a civil appeals lawyer in Grand Rapids, you may expect them to take on the following responsibilities:

  • Examine the trial court's file.
  • Choose the appeal's main argument.
  • Conduct research and write case briefings.
  • Present your case before the appellate judges.

• What are the common grounds for property disputes in Grand Rapids?

  Some of the common grounds in a Grand Rapids property dispute include:

  • Disagreements between neighbors about the location of property boundaries
  • Conflicts between mortgage lenders and creditors on who has the right to foreclose on a property and who gets the selling profits
  • Landlord and tenant disputes on who is liable for property damages
  • Homeowners who obstruct their neighbor's view with a "spite fence" or other objects that are designed to irritate their neighbor
  • Zoning issues

• What does a litigation attorney do?

  Litigation attorneys offer comprehensive legal representation before, during, and after litigation—aka the lawsuit. They provide initial consultations, investigate legal issues, draft pleadings, and oversee the discovery process. While litigators often are responsible for negotiating settlements and keeping cases out of court, their main job is presenting facts to a judge or jury at trial. Litigation attorneys also handle appeals and post-trial motions.

• Can an individual or business go to court without a litigation attorney?

  Generally, it’s possible to go to court without hiring a litigation attorney. In fact, lawyers are prohibited from practicing in some small claims courts. However, other cases are nearly impossible to prove without professional assistance. These include medical malpractice claims, wrongful death lawsuits, complex real estate disputes, and employment law cases. When assessing the feasibility of pro se representation, or representing oneself, individuals and businesses should evaluate their ability to develop a strategy, prepare legal documents, and present their case effectively. To prevail, plaintiffs must have a complete understanding of the law, local rules of civil procedure, and the facts of the case.

• What’s the difference between a lawyer and a litigator?

  Litigators, also called trial lawyers, are attorneys who present cases in the courtroom before a judge or jury. They may represent plaintiffs or defendants, including individuals and companies, in civil matters. Litigators investigate lawsuits, facilitate the discovery process, and prepare legal documents. While they may negotiate settlements, they’re equipped to take each case to court to achieve the best outcome for their clients.

• What’s the difference between a lawsuit and litigation?

  A lawsuit is a formal legal action that begins when the plaintiff files a complaint with the court. Litigation is a broad term that describes the entire process of resolving a dispute from sending notice of intent to sue, through pretrial preparations and beyond. It also includes settlement negotiations, courtroom proceedings, and appeals.

• What’s the difference between arbitration, mediation, and litigation?

  Arbitration, mediation, and litigation are three of the most common methods of resolving legal disputes. With arbitration, a case is heard by a panel of individuals called arbitrators who function as judges. In most cases, the parties are bound to the outcome. Mediation is typically a nonbinding process where discussions are facilitated by a single intermediary called a mediator. With litigation, a case is heard in a courtroom before a judge and jury, which is the most costly and time-consuming option, so it’s best suited for disputes that can’t be worked out using alternative methods.

• What is a civil lawsuit?

  A civil lawsuit is a court-based legal dispute between two parties that seeks court intervention and does not include punishment for a crime. While most civil lawsuits seek monetary compensation, they may also involve the pursuit of court action, such as a cease-and-desist order or an injunction. Since the majority of civil lawsuits are settled out of court, the process of pursuing a lawsuit usually begins with negotiations between the two parties. Any lawsuits that are not resolved through a settlement may go to trial and are decided by a judge or jury.

• What is a civil litigation lawyer?

  A civil litigation lawyer is a trial lawyer or litigator who specializes in handling all of the procedures involved in filing a civil lawsuit. Litigation is the process of resolving legal disputes between two parties, including before, during, and after a civil trial. A civil litigation lawyer may represent the person filing the lawsuit or the person being sued.

• What is a pre-litigation attorney?

  Because most civil lawsuits are resolved between the two parties, a pre-litigation attorney is any civil litigation attorney that can facilitate negotiations or a settlement prior to any legal action being taken. Some disputes may be settled through mediation, arbitration, or agreements and don't require any further legal action after a settlement has been reached.

• What does a commercial litigator do?

  A commercial litigator is a civil litigation attorney who specializes in disputes that involve companies rather than individuals. Commercial litigation is usually much more complicated than legal disputes between individuals and typically filed in the federal rather than the state court system. Commercial litigators also handle employment disputes between companies and individuals who are workers.

• How can I file a lawsuit against a company?

  Although you could file a lawsuit on your own, it's better to consult with a civil litigation attorney that's experienced in resolving disputes and negotiating settlements. The first step in filing a lawsuit should involve communication with the company in an attempt to reach an agreement. An experienced attorney is in a better position to reach a settlement that's in your best interest. Because lawsuits involve numerous steps, including filing motions, discovery, and other legal proceedings, you are better off working with an experienced professional rather than attempting to navigate the legal system on your own.