Civil Law

Last updated on July 21, 2025

Civil law covers a wide range of areas, including family law, employment law, contract law, tort law and property law. Each of these areas has its own specific rules, regulations and procedures. Civil law cases can be complex and require the assistance of a skilled attorney who can provide experienced guidance and representation throughout the legal process. The attorneys with Carrillo|Sipes|Tibbels, PLLC, practice several forms of civil litigation law in Decatur, Wise County, and in Jack and Montague counties.

The stages of a civil trial may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the case, but typically involve the following:

• Pleadings: This is the first stage of a civil trial where the plaintiff files a complaint and the defendant responds with an answer. The complaint outlines the plaintiff’s claims, while the answer denies or admits the allegations.
• Discovery: This is the stage where both parties exchange evidence, facts and information relevant to the case, such as documents, testimony, or physical evidence.
• Pretrial motions: Parties may file motions to the court to address legal issues or disputes that may arise before the trial begins, such as a motion to dismiss, motion for summary judgment or motion to exclude evidence.
• Mediation: This is a confidential dispute resolution process where an
  impartial mediator facilitates communication between parties to promote
  reconciliation or understanding with the intent to reach a settlement.
  Mediation may be court ordered prior to a final trial setting.
• Jury selection: If the case is to be heard by a jury, the court will select a pool of potential jurors, and attorneys for both sides will have the opportunity to question and eliminate certain jurors through a process known as voir dire.
• Trial: The trial is the main stage of the civil litigation process, where both parties present their case in front of a judge or jury. The plaintiff presents evidence to support their claims, and the defendant has the opportunity to refute the allegations.
• Verdict: Once the trial is complete, the judge or jury will deliberate and reach a decision on the case, known as a verdict.
• Post-trial motions: Parties may file post-trial motions, such as a motion for a new trial, to challenge the verdict or address legal issues that may have arisen during the trial.

• Appeal: If a party is dissatisfied with the outcome of the trial, they may appeal the verdict to a higher court, such as a court of appeals, to seek a reversal of the decision.

What Does A Civil Lawsuit Involve?

When it comes to civil litigation, gathering and exchanging information is a crucial aspect of the legal process. Our experienced civil attorneys at Carrillo|Sipes|Tibbels, PLLC, in Decatur, Texas, have the necessary knowledge and skills to help you navigate this process with ease. Legal proceedings such as depositions and interrogatories require an attorney’s guidance to ensure that everything stays within the boundaries of the law and under oath. Depositions involve oral questioning, while interrogatories involve written questions, both of which can be complex and require the assistance of a skilled attorney.

At Carrillo|Sipes|Tibbels, PLLC, we understand that the production of documents is another time-consuming discovery phase. Our attorneys can help you determine which documents are relevant and necessary for your lawsuit. We will work with you to identify the relevant documents to request and guide you through the process of obtaining them.

Our law firm has a proven track record of success in handling all aspects of civil litigation, including the discovery phase. We will devote our time and skill to ensure that your case is built on solid evidence and that you have the best possible chance of success. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you with your civil litigation needs.

What Happens When My Case Doesn’t Go To Court?

Civil lawsuits can often be resolved outside of court through a settlement agreement between the parties involved. Even in these cases, it is crucial to have an experienced attorney to assist with the necessary paperwork and oversee the closure of the case. At Carrillo|Sipes|Tibbels, PLLC, our team of skilled civil litigation attorneys can handle your case from start to finish, providing experienced guidance and representation throughout the entire process. As the premier law firm in Decatur, Texas, we understand the unique needs of our clients and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome. Trust us to provide the professional and personalized legal services you need to resolve your civil litigation case.

Mediations

With over 20 years of experience, J. Michael Carrillo offers mediation services for litigants involved in various civil litigation matters within Wise and Jack counties. With an extensive understanding of the courts and juries in these areas, Carrillo’s familiarity can prove beneficial in reaching a resolution during mediation. Mediation can be an effective alternative to trial, as it offers a less formal setting where parties can resolve their dispute with the help of a neutral third party. Carrillo|Sipes|Tibbels, PLLC, based in Decatur, Texas, offers mediation services as part of their comprehensive civil litigation practice, ensuring that their clients have access to a range of dispute resolution options. Contact us at 940-400-7595 to learn more about how we can help you resolve your civil litigation matter through mediation.