Court Representation When Disputes Cannot Settle

Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC handles civil litigation matters for individuals in St Cloud and Apple Valley and throughout Minnesota.

Not every conflict ends with a handshake or a signed agreement. When negotiations fail or the other side refuses to cooperate, court intervention becomes necessary to resolve disputes over contracts, property, business relationships, or personal injuries. Civil litigation involves filing or responding to a lawsuit, exchanging evidence, preparing motions, and potentially going to trial. These cases require attention to deadlines, procedural rules, and strategic decision-making that affects both the timeline and the cost.

Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC represents individuals in civil disputes that require court intervention in St Cloud, Apple Valley, and statewide. The firm handles contested hearings, motion practice, and case management from initial filing through resolution. Each case is approached with attention to the facts, the risks involved, and the outcomes you are trying to achieve. The goal is efficient resolution with awareness of legal fees and the time required to reach a favorable result.

If you are involved in a civil dispute in St Cloud, Apple Valley, or elsewhere in Minnesota and need representation, contact Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC to discuss the case and the process ahead.

How Civil Cases Move Through the Court System

Civil litigation begins when one party files a complaint outlining their claims and the relief they are seeking. The other party must respond within a set deadline, either admitting, denying, or asserting defenses to the allegations. After the initial pleadings, both sides exchange documents, answer written questions, and may take depositions to gather testimony under oath. This discovery phase can take months depending on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the parties to cooperate.

Once discovery is complete, you will see motions filed to narrow the issues, exclude evidence, or request summary judgment if the facts are undisputed. Some cases settle during this phase after both sides evaluate the strength of their positions. Others proceed to trial, where a judge or jury hears testimony, reviews exhibits, and issues a decision. The firm represents clients in St Cloud, Apple Valley, and across Minnesota in both settlement negotiations and courtroom proceedings.

Civil litigation requires managing multiple deadlines, filing requirements, and strategic choices about what to pursue and when to compromise. The firm works with clients to assess the costs and benefits of each option, and does not file motions or take depositions without a clear reason tied to the outcome. Cases that settle early avoid the expense and uncertainty of trial, but some disputes require a judge's ruling to resolve.

Civil litigation raises practical questions about timing, costs, and what happens if you win or lose. These answers address the concerns that come up most often during initial consultations.

Most people wonder what litigation actually involves

Most civil cases take between six months and two years depending on the complexity, the court's schedule, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Discovery and motion practice account for most of the time.
How long does a civil lawsuit take to resolve?
Discovery is the process where both sides request documents, answer written questions, and conduct depositions to gather evidence and testimony. You will need to provide records, answer questions under oath, and participate in preparing your case.
What happens during the discovery phase?
A motion for summary judgment asks the court to decide the case without a trial because the facts are not in dispute and the law favors one side. If granted, it ends the case early and avoids trial costs.
What is a motion for summary judgment?
Cases settle when both sides decide the outcome of a trial is uncertain or not worth the cost and time required. Settlement allows you to control the result rather than leaving it to a judge or jury.
Why do some cases settle before trial?
If you lose, you may owe the amount awarded in the judgment, and in some cases you may also be responsible for the other side's attorney fees and costs. You have the right to appeal if there are legal errors, but appeals add time and expense.
What happens if I lose the case?

Civil litigation requires preparation, attention to procedure, and strategic judgment about when to push forward and when to settle. Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC represents individuals in contested civil disputes throughout Minnesota, including cases filed in St Cloud, Apple Valley, and surrounding courts. Learn more about your case and your options by reaching out to the firm.