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Civil Law Information

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Arizona Civil Legal Needs Community Survey

Civil legal organizations in Arizona are seeking your input to increase their ability to meet the civil legal needs of Arizona's lower income residents. Please complete this survey to assist in improving civil legal services in Arizona.
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Encuesta de Necesidades Legales Civiles de Arizona

Las organizaciones legales civiles en Arizona buscan su opinión para aumentar su capacidad de satisfacer las necesidades legales civiles de los residentes de bajos ingresos de Arizona. Por favor complete esta encuesta para ayudar a mejorar los servicios legales civiles en Arizona.
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Civil cases often involve legal disagreements between individuals, businesses, corporations, or partnerships. A person can also be involved in a civil case with a government entity such as a state, county, or city.

  • The person that begins the process is called the plaintiff.
  • The person or entity that someone is seeking damages from is called the defendant.

There are 3 types of lawsuits that can be brought in court:

  • Small claims
    • Seeking damages for less than $3,500
    • No lawyers are involved (think Judge Judy), unless both sides agree to allow lawyers
    • Cannot appeal the outcome
    • Filed in Justice Court
  • Civil cases seeking damages less than $10,000
    • Filed in Justice Court
    • Legal representation is often present
    • Eligible for appeal
  • Civil cases seeking damages more than $10,000
    • Filed in Superior Court
    • Legal representation is often present
    • Eligible for appeal

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