Best Litigation Lawyers in Chesapeake, VA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Chesapeake, Virginia?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Chesapeake Police Department is 757-382-6161.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Chesapeake, Virginia?

  You may get a copy of incident reports at the Chesapeake Police Department's Central Records Unit, located at 304 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake VA 23322. You may also reach them at 757-382-6387.

• What are common business litigation cases in Chesapeake?

  Common business lawsuits in Chesapeake include disputes involving contracts, insurance policies, non-compete agreements, and non-solicitation agreements. Business litigation attorneys may also protect the interests of minority partners and shareholders, as well as represent businesses in regulatory investigations. Other common business litigation cases center around fraud, intellectual property issues, trade secrets, and conspiracy.

• Can Chesapeake trust and estate disputes be litigated?

  Trust and estate disputes in Chesapeake can be resolved in court, with common cases being will contests involving claims of incapacity or undue influence. Fiduciaries, such as executors and trustees, can also be sued when they fail to perform their duties. For example, a trustee suspected of disgorgement of monies can be sued at the Chesapeake Circuit Court and made to pay compensation to the estate beneficiaries.

• Where are Chesapeake partition suits handled?

  Co-owners of real property in Chesapeake may file a partition suit at the Chesapeake Circuit Court in order to force the sale of that real estate. Partition suits are typically complex and require the services of experts such as real estate appraisers and title examiners. The same goes for a lawsuit to quiet title, which is filed to determine rightful ownership of a piece of property.

• Do uncontested divorces in Chesapeake have to go to court?

  There is no courtroom activity required in uncontested divorces in Chesapeake, as both spouses do not allege fault for the breakdown of the marriage. They may have also reached an agreement on divorce issues such as child custody and visitation arrangements, child and spousal support, and property division. Contested divorces are much more complex and may require multiple depositions and hearings.

• What are the grounds for a Chesapeake annulment?

  In order to be eligible for an annulment, petitioning spouses in Chesapeake must prove to the court that fraud, duress, or coercion was involved when they entered the marriage. For this reason, annulments are very difficult to obtain. In cases involving misconduct such as adultery, sodomy, buggery, and felony acts, it would be better to petition for a divorce.

• 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.