The cases we handle
- Contract and business disputes, including partnership and ownership disputes.
- Claims for money owed, whether you are owed or the one being sued.
- Property disputes between co-owners, including partition.
- Civil rights claims against public officers and agencies.
- Defending individuals and small businesses who have been sued.
Injury claims are on our personal injury page, and business disputes have their own page on business litigation.
Which court hears your case
The amount in dispute usually decides where the case is filed.
- Small claims. Small claim actions cover $10,000 or less (G.S. 7A-210).
- District court. The proper court for civil cases of $25,000 or less (G.S. 7A-243).
- Superior court. The proper court for civil cases over $25,000 (G.S. 7A-243).
Deadlines that decide cases
Many claims are lost on time, not on the facts. Many contract claims and many personal injury claims must be filed within three years (G.S. 1-52), and some claims have shorter limits. If you have been sued, the 30-day answer deadline in Rule 12(a)(1) is the first thing we calendar. Do not assume you can get more time.
How a civil case moves
- Complaint and service. The case begins when the complaint is filed and the summons is served.
- Answer and motions. The defendant answers or files motions, and may bring claims of its own.
- Discovery. Each side asks for documents, written answers, and depositions. This is where most cases are won or lost.
- Mediation. Many civil cases go to mediation before trial. We go in knowing the case better than the other side.
- Trial. If the case does not resolve, a judge or jury decides it.
What to bring to your consultation
- The summons and complaint, and the date you were served.
- Contracts, invoices, receipts, and account statements.
- Emails, texts, and letters with the other side or its lawyer.
- Photos and any insurance policies that may apply.
- The names of everyone who knows what happened.
How Huggins Law Firm handles civil cases
We read every page, find the witnesses, and build the case for trial from the first week. That preparation is what moves the other side at mediation. You get a straight answer about your risk and your fees, in writing, before you decide. Hablamos español.
Questions people ask us
How long do I have to answer a lawsuit in North Carolina?
A defendant must serve an answer within 30 days after service of the summons and complaint (N.C. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(1)). Count from the day you were served, not the day the case was filed.
What happens if I ignore the lawsuit?
The other side can ask the court to enter a default judgment against you. A judgment can lead to liens and collection against your property. Call a lawyer before the 30 days run.
Can I handle it in small claims court?
Small claims covers claims of $10,000 or less (G.S. 7A-210). Larger cases go to district court ($25,000 or less) or superior court (over $25,000) under G.S. 7A-243.
How long do I have to sue someone?
It depends on the claim. Many contract and personal injury claims carry a three-year limit (G.S. 1-52), and some claims are shorter. Bring your papers to a consultation so we can check your deadline.
Do you represent people who are suing and people who are being sued?
Yes. We represent plaintiffs and defendants, individuals and small businesses, after a conflict check.
Will my case settle?
Many civil cases resolve before trial, often at mediation. We prepare every case as though it is going to trial, because that preparation is what produces a fair resolution.
How do fees work?
We explain the fee in writing at the consultation, before you decide. Every agreement opens with a plain statement of what the fee pays for.
Do you speak Spanish?
Hablamos español. Tell us when you call.
Related
This page is general information about North Carolina law, not legal advice for your case. Contacting us does not make us your lawyer.