All. My GF was recently served papers - she is being sued by the family of a person who was killed by an underage drunk driver. My GF was drinking with the underage person. She has taken legal advice and will need to give a deposition. We are planning to marry etc and i would like this resolved before we do. How long approximately will it take for this issue to be closed - will it be months or years? Appreciate advice. P.
2007-09-01 08:52:41 · 3 answers · asked by Pa J 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It sounds like she is a named defendant, although I am not sure why she would be named. Civil suits can take a very long time - at least one year, but no more than 5 years. Civil cases have to be tried five years after they are filed, otherwise they will be dismissed (unless the parties stipulate to going past the 5 year deadline).
Does she have an attorney? If not, she may want to contact her homeowners' insurance company. This may be considered a covered event and then the insurance company will retain an attorney to defend her.
Otherwise, she will need to find an attorney to represent her. You said that she has "taken legal advice" but did she retain this attorney to represent her in this lawsuit and/or the deposition?
2007-09-01 14:21:04 · answer #1 · answered by Princess Leia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The civil suit itself will drag on for months, and might drag on for years.
Her involvement, if she is not named as a defendant, could be fairly minimal, and could be over in a couple months.
If she is not named as a defendant -- and can get in writing from the plaintiff that she will not be named as a defendant -- then there's no reason to change your plans just because she might be a witness.
2007-09-01 09:24:26 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Civil suit takes a while to air out. 12 -24 months
2007-09-01 09:04:00 · answer #3 · answered by Heaven Sent 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋