A: A civil lawsuit generally follows several key stages:

1. Filing the complaint: the plaintiff outlines the legal claims.
   
   
2. Serving the defendant: the defendant is formally notified.
   
   
3. Answering the complaint: the defendant responds with defenses or counterclaims.
   
   
4. Discovery process: both sides exchange documents, take depositions, and gather evidence.
   
   
5. Motions: attorneys may ask the court to decide certain issues before trial.
   
   
6. Settlement negotiations or mediation: many cases resolve here.
   
   

Trial: if no settlement is reached, the judge or jury decides the case.