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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 Utah, as in other states, the majority of civil disputes that lead to litigation are typically resolved through settlements reached by the parties involved, rather than proceeding to a jury trial. This trend holds true across various types of civil cases, including family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and child support, as well as business-related disputes involving contracts and intellectual property rights. Settlements are often preferred as they can provide a more efficient, cost-effective, and private resolution to legal conflicts. The Utah Rules of Civil Procedure encourage settlement by providing mechanisms for alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, which can facilitate the settlement process. Additionally, court-annexed arbitration may be used in certain cases. The actual percentage of cases that go to trial is small, reflecting a broader national trend towards resolving legal disputes outside of the courtroom.

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Civil litigation

compromise and settlement

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Utah State Code

Utah State Code

Civil litigation

compromise and settlement

Articles