How to file a lawsuit against people in other states?

Answer by  cynosure (376)

For a court to decide a law suit, it must have personal jurisdiction over the defendant. To assure personal jurisdiction, one must either file the suit in the defendant's home state, or must produce a contract showing that the defendant agreed to allow jurisdiction outside of that state.

Answer by  patti (29325)

The lawsuit must be filed in the state where the matter originated. If that is in your state, the other parties will be notified of the suit and advised to appear. If the events occurred in the other state, you must file in that state and travel to court to be heard in the matter.

Answer by  hashbrown64 (221)

Lawsuits against individuals in other states can be heard in federal court on the basis of diversity jurisdiction, as long as the person has "minimum contacts" with your state.

Answer by  Dean (4035)

The lawsuit is filed in the jurisdiction where the injury took place. If you trip and fall while on vacation in another state, the action is filed in the jurisdiction where you had the accident. If you feel you have grounds for legal action, most attorneys offer a free 30-minute session to evaluate the situation.

Answer by  answerqueen (564)

The lawsuit needs to be filed in the location where the wrong was committed. For example, if you were in an auto accident in Illinois, but live in Iowa, you would need to file your lawsuit in the county in Illinois where the loss actually occured.