Civil Division
The Civil Division handles cases involving disputes between private parties filed in Nevada City and Truckee.
Civil Cases
You may file or respond to a civil cases that may include claims for personal injuries arising from automobile accidents, alleged wrongful termination from employment, evictions from a house or commercial building or disputes regarding the use of an easement.
The guides linked here provide helpful details for each type of civil case.
Case Types
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Small Claims
Case litigants represent themselves to resolve a dispute for damages of $12,500 or less.
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Limited Jurisdiction Civil Case
A Limited Jurisdiction civil case involves an amount of money of $35,000 or less.
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Unlimited Jurisdiction Civil Case
An Unlimited Jurisdiction civil case involves an amount of money of $35,000 or more, as well as other types of disputes that do not involve money.
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Conservatorship
Conservatorship cases are about appointing a person or organization (the "conservator") to manage the affairs of another adult person (the "conservatee") who is not able to take care of themselves or their finances.
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Landlord-Tenant (Eviction)
Eviction cases are referred to as "unlawful detainers" in court. An unlawful detainer lawsuit is the process a landlord can use to try to make a tenant move out of their rental unit. It can also be used to try to get rent that is owed.
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Restraining Orders
A Restraining Order is an order issued by the court to protect a person from harm or harassment.
Representing Yourself in a Civil Case
If you are filing a limited civil case or an unlimited civil case, it is a very good idea to have a lawyer. You are not legally required to have a lawyer unless you are incorporated and your corporation is the one that is suing or being sued.
If you do not have a lawyer, you will have to act as your lawyer. To do so, you will have to know the laws and court procedures. The court cannot help you or give you a break just because you are not a lawyer and do not know the law, however the court's Self-Help Center can assist you with resources. If you do not follow the court rules and laws governing litigation, you could be fined by the court and you could lose important rights or your entire case.
Read the guide on representing yourself for more information you should know if you are going to represent yourself.
Mediation
Mediation is available to resolve your dispute and may be recommended by the court. Mediation is an alternative method for working out differences and creating agreements acceptable to everyone, facilitated by an experienced, neutral mediator who helps the disputing parties communicate. The court maintains a list of local mediators who provide these services. Click here to request a copy of this list or visit the Self-Help Center.