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When a dispute cannot be resolved on your own, we protect your rights and pursue the strongest possible outcome, in and out of court.
Disputes are a fact of life in business and in personal affairs, but they do not have to overwhelm you. Civil litigation is the process of resolving disagreements between people, businesses, or organizations through the court system when the parties cannot settle the matter on their own. Unlike a criminal case, where the government prosecutes someone for breaking the law, a civil case is a private dispute in which one side asks the court to award money, order someone to do or stop doing something, or otherwise enforce a legal right. At Nalbandian Law, we represent individuals and businesses throughout Glendale and across California in a wide range of civil disputes, working to protect your interests and resolve matters as efficiently as the circumstances allow.
Being in a dispute means you have a genuine, legally recognized disagreement with another party over rights, obligations, money, or property. It can feel personal and stressful, and the stakes are often high. What matters most is that you understand your options and have a knowledgeable advocate on your side. Litigation does not always mean a trial. Many cases settle along the way, and a strong, well-prepared position frequently leads to a better resolution. Our approach is to prepare every matter thoroughly from the start, so you are in a solid position whether your case resolves through negotiation, mediation, or a courtroom verdict.
Civil litigation covers a broad range of conflicts, and the right strategy depends heavily on the type of dispute involved. Over the years we have represented clients on both sides of many kinds of cases, and that breadth helps us anticipate how the other side is likely to approach a matter. Some of the disputes we regularly handle include the following.
Whatever the nature of your dispute, the first step is the same. We listen carefully to understand what happened, what you hope to achieve, and what a realistic resolution looks like. From there we build a plan tailored to your specific situation rather than applying a one-size-fits-all formula.
Understanding how litigation unfolds can make the process far less intimidating. While every case is unique and timelines vary, most civil matters move through a familiar series of stages. Knowing what lies ahead helps you make informed decisions and reduces the uncertainty that often accompanies a legal dispute.
At every stage, we keep you informed and help you weigh the practical and financial implications of each decision. Litigation is rarely a straight line, and being prepared to move forward or pivot as circumstances change is part of representing you well.
Discovery is often the longest and most involved phase of a civil case, and it is where much of the work that shapes the outcome takes place. The purpose of discovery is to allow each side to learn the facts, obtain relevant documents, and understand the other party's position before trial. A thorough, well-organized approach to discovery can reveal strengths you did not know you had and expose weaknesses in the other side's case.
Discovery generally takes several forms, and most cases involve a combination of them.
We manage discovery carefully, both to build your case and to respond appropriately to the other side's requests. Missing deadlines or handling requests improperly can carry real consequences, so this phase demands attention to detail and a clear strategy.
Most civil disputes never reach a courtroom verdict, and that is often a good outcome. Resolving a matter before trial can save time, reduce expense, and give you more control over the result. There are several ways to reach a resolution short of trial, and each has advantages and trade-offs worth understanding.
We evaluate which of these paths, if any, fits your goals, and we prepare for each one seriously. Being ready to try a case in court often improves your position in settlement talks, because the other side knows you are not simply hoping to avoid a courtroom.
One of the most common questions clients ask is how long their case will last. The honest answer is that it depends. Some disputes resolve within a few months through an early settlement, while others take a year or more, particularly when the issues are complex or the parties are far apart. Court schedules, the volume of discovery, and the number of parties involved all influence the timeline.
Several factors tend to drive how long a matter takes, including the complexity of the facts, the willingness of both sides to negotiate, the availability of witnesses and documents, and the court's calendar. A dispute that hinges on a single contract may move quickly, while one involving many parties, extensive records, and professional opinion testimony can take considerably longer. We work to move your case forward efficiently, and we set realistic expectations so you are never caught off guard by the pace of the process.
Litigation involves costs, and being clear-eyed about them from the outset helps you make sound decisions. Beyond attorney fees, a case can involve court filing fees, charges for depositions and court reporters, fees for professionals who provide opinions, and other expenses that accumulate over time. The overall cost depends heavily on how contested the matter is and how far it proceeds.
Fee arrangements vary depending on the type of case. Some matters are handled on an hourly basis, some on a flat fee, and certain cases, such as some personal injury claims, may be handled on a contingency basis where the fee depends on the outcome. We discuss the likely costs and the fee structure with you early, in plain terms, so there are no surprises. Weighing the potential cost against the value of what is at stake is an important part of deciding whether and how to pursue a dispute, and we help you think through that balance realistically.
Being a party to a lawsuit is unfamiliar territory for most people, and knowing what to expect makes the experience far more manageable. You can expect regular updates, clear explanations of each step, and honest guidance about the strengths and risks of your position. We handle the demanding legal work, but your involvement and cooperation are important to the outcome.
You can be an effective participant by staying organized and responsive. Keep the documents related to your dispute in one place, respond promptly when we request information, and be candid with us about all the facts, including those that may not help your case. Avoid discussing the dispute with the opposing party or posting about it on social media, since those communications can become evidence. When you and your attorney work as a team, the case tends to move more smoothly and your position is stronger.
The strength of a civil case rests on evidence, and much of that evidence exists before a lawyer is ever involved. Contracts, emails, text messages, invoices, photographs, and notes about key conversations can all prove decisive. One of the most valuable things you can do is preserve these materials as soon as a dispute arises, and avoid deleting or altering anything, even routine records, once you anticipate a legal claim.
Witnesses also play an important role. People who saw what happened or who have knowledge of the relevant facts can support your version of events, and identifying them early helps ensure their accounts are captured while memories are fresh. We work with you to gather documents, identify and interview witnesses, and organize the evidence into a clear and persuasive narrative. Careful preparation on the front end often makes the difference between a strong position and a difficult one.
We bring a steady, strategic approach to every dispute. From the first meeting, we work to understand your goals, whether that means recovering money you are owed, defending against an unfair claim, or protecting an important relationship or asset. We investigate the facts, assess the strengths and weaknesses of your position, and develop a clear plan designed to reach the result that matters most to you. Throughout the case we handle the demanding work of litigation, from drafting and responding to court filings to managing discovery and preparing witnesses.
Litigation can feel stressful and uncertain, so we make communication a priority. You will always understand where your case stands, what the options are, and what we recommend. We are honest about likely outcomes and costs, and we tailor our strategy to your priorities rather than pushing every dispute toward a trial. Our experienced and dedicated team combines careful preparation with practical judgment to protect your rights, and we pursue efficient resolutions through negotiation and mediation whenever they serve your interests while remaining fully prepared to try your case in court when that is the right path.
No. Many civil cases settle before trial through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. Trial is one possible outcome, not an inevitable one. That said, preparing as though your case may go to trial often puts you in a stronger position to reach a favorable settlement.
Act promptly. Civil cases are governed by strict deadlines, and failing to respond in time can result in a judgment against you by default. Gather the documents related to the matter, avoid contacting the other party, and speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
It depends on the complexity of the dispute and how far it proceeds. We discuss the likely costs and the fee arrangement with you early and in plain terms, so you can make informed decisions about how to move forward.
Sometimes an early, direct conversation resolves a disagreement, but it is wise to understand your legal position before you negotiate. Speaking with an attorney early helps you avoid statements or actions that could weaken your position later.
If you are facing a dispute or have been served with a lawsuit, acting promptly is important, because civil cases are governed by strict deadlines. Gather any contracts, correspondence, and records related to the matter, keep them organized, and avoid discussing the dispute with the other party before speaking with an attorney. The sooner you get knowledgeable guidance, the more options you are likely to have.
Contact Nalbandian Law to schedule a consultation. We will review your situation, explain your rights and options in clear terms, and help you decide how to proceed. Whether your matter calls for firm negotiation, mediation, or courtroom advocacy, our experienced and dedicated team is ready to protect your interests and guide you forward with confidence.
Let our experienced Glendale team protect your rights and pursue the outcome you deserve.
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