Start with the documents
The first conversation is about the paper: the contract, the emails, the invoices, and anything that has been served. From there you can weigh a letter, a negotiation, or a lawsuit against what each one would cost in time and money.
If you have been served
In an ordinary California civil lawsuit, a response generally must be filed and served within 30 days after service is complete. The way the papers were served and the type of case can change that deadline, and eviction cases have much shorter ones. Missing the deadline can lead to a default judgment, so have the summons, the complaint, and the details of how they were served reviewed promptly.
What to bring to the first conversation
- A short timeline of what happened
- Contracts, correspondence, invoices, and notices
- Any court papers, with the date you received them
- The names of everyone involved
Keep these for your own reference until you receive instructions about sharing documents.
Questions
Do I have to file a lawsuit to resolve a dispute?
No. Many disputes are resolved by letter, negotiation, or mediation. A lawsuit is one option, and the right choice depends on the facts, the amount at stake, and the other side.
What should I do if I have already been served?
Note the date and the way you received the papers, and get legal help promptly. In an ordinary civil case the response is generally due 30 days after service is complete; some cases, including evictions, allow much less time.
Further reading
General information, not advice about your situation. Official resource: California Courts: civil lawsuits.