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Civil litigation

compromise and settlement

Most civil disputes in which a lawsuit is filed (civil litigation) are resolved by compromise and voluntary settlement agreements between the parties—whether the disputes involve divorce, child custody, and child support matters, or contracts and intellectual property (patents, copyrights, and trademarks) claims by businesses. Only a small percentage of lawsuits filed in the United States are resolved by jury trials.

In Missouri, as in other states, the majority of civil disputes that lead to litigation are typically resolved through settlements rather than going to trial. This includes a wide range of legal issues such as divorce, child custody, child support, contract disputes, and intellectual property claims. Settlements are often reached through negotiation, mediation, or other forms of alternative dispute resolution. These processes are generally less costly and time-consuming than a trial, and they allow the parties involved to have more control over the outcome. Missouri courts encourage settlement agreements as a way to resolve disputes efficiently and to reduce the burden on the judicial system. Despite the availability of jury trials for many civil cases, they are relatively rare, with most parties opting to settle their disputes outside of the courtroom.

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Civil litigation

compromise and settlement

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Missouri State Code

Missouri State Code

Civil litigation

compromise and settlement

Articles