Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

How long do lawsuits usually take?

I'm wondering how long on average it takes for a lawsuit to go through the legal system, for a trust?? A family trust is being contested by a relative who got left out--filed May 2004, depositions have been completed, court date is ''supposed'' to be scheduled soon. How many more months/years should this take? Need to know how long we have to rent before we might be able to buy a home! Do these things usually take about 2 years after filing? 5 years? 10 years,...?? Thanks!


Asked on 10/03/05, 5:41 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Donald Scher Donald T. Scher & Associates, P.C.

Re: How long do lawsuits usually take?

There is no way to state an answer. Most of the law suits are settled and do not reach trial or a ruling. The length of time depends mostly upon the parties, the types of claims, the court calendar, etc etc.

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Answered on 10/04/05, 1:18 am
Donald Scher Donald T. Scher & Associates, P.C.

Re: How long do lawsuits usually take?

I do not think this suit should take 5 and certainly not 10 years to resolve. Usually, the probate court will be reasonably prompt to set a case for trial and have the trial within a year or possibly 2. You can consider alternate dispute resolution to obtain a quicker result.

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Answered on 10/04/05, 1:21 am


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