When a deal falls apart, a neighbor won’t move a fence, or a business partner stops talking to you, you need to know your options fast. Kostrub Law Firm, PLLC is a civil litigation attorney Pittsburgh-area clients can call for contract, property, and partnership disputes. We handle cases in Washington and Allegheny counties, and we look for ways to settle before a full trial when that serves you. Many of these disputes start in business deals, so see our business law overview for the prevention side.
What happens after you call: we ask what happened, who is involved, and whether you have been served with court papers, then set a meeting to review your documents and deadlines.
What civil litigation is
Civil litigation is the process of resolving a private dispute in court. It is different from a criminal case. One side, the plaintiff, files a complaint asking for money or a court order. The other side, the defendant, files an answer. Then both sides exchange information in discovery (the formal process of trading documents and asking questions under oath). Most cases settle. Some go to trial before a judge or jury.
Civil disputes we handle include:
- Contract disputes. Unpaid invoices, broken supply deals, and failed purchase agreements.
- Property disputes. Boundary lines, easements (a right to use part of someone else’s land), and real estate sale problems.
- Partnership and business-owner disputes. Co-owners who disagree about money, control, or a buyout.
Pennsylvania law that matters
- Statutes of limitation. A statute of limitation is the deadline to file a lawsuit. Most contract claims have four years under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525. Many injury and property-damage claims have two years under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. Some documents signed under seal may have a longer period.
- Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. These rules control how cases are filed and run in the Courts of Common Pleas. A defendant generally has 20 days after service to respond to a complaint.
- Magisterial district courts, 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515. These local courts hear smaller civil claims, often called small claims, of up to $12,000. Hearings are simpler and faster. Either side can usually appeal to the Court of Common Pleas for a new hearing.
- Compulsory arbitration, 42 Pa.C.S. § 7361. Each county can send smaller Common Pleas cases to a panel of three lawyers instead of a judge. The dollar limit is set by local rule, up to the statutory cap.
- Mediation and private arbitration. Mediation is a meeting with a neutral person who helps both sides reach a deal. Private arbitration is a binding decision by a neutral decision-maker, often required by a contract clause.
Common situations in Washington and Allegheny counties
Cases in our area are filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, at the Washington County Courthouse in Washington, PA, or the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh. Smaller claims go to the local magisterial district court for the area where the dispute arose.
Disputes we see often:
- A Canonsburg contractor is not paid for finished work and needs to decide between a magisterial district court claim and a Common Pleas suit.
- Two Bethel Park neighbors disagree about a driveway easement after a sale.
- A South Fayette business partnership breaks down, and one owner is locked out of the bank account.
- A Pittsburgh company is sued over a supply contract and must answer within the deadline.
- A Washington County landowner has a dispute tied to an energy deal. Royalty issues have their own rules, explained on our page about disputes over unpaid gas royalties.
What happens if you don’t act
Doing nothing in a civil dispute can cost you the case:
- Missed filing deadlines. If the statute of limitation passes, your claim may be barred for good.
- Default judgment. If you are sued and do not respond on time, the court can enter a judgment against you without hearing your side.
- Lost evidence. Emails, texts, and records get deleted. Witnesses forget details.
Been sued, or need to file? Call (304) 982-1586 · Request a consultation · After you call, we confirm any court deadlines first, then schedule a review of your papers.
How we handle it, step by step
- Check deadlines. We first look for response dates and limitation periods.
- Review the facts. We read your contracts, deeds, emails, and any court papers.
- Assess options. We explain your choices: demand letter, negotiation, mediation, magisterial district court, arbitration, or a Common Pleas lawsuit.
- Try to resolve early. Where it makes sense, we approach the other side about settlement.
- File or defend. If needed, we prepare the complaint or answer and handle discovery.
- Prepare for hearing or trial. We organize evidence and witnesses and represent you in court or arbitration.
- Close it out. We document any settlement and help with collecting or satisfying a judgment.
What to bring to your first meeting
- Any court papers you received, with the envelope or date you got them
- The contract, deed, partnership agreement, or other key document
- Invoices, payment records, and bank statements tied to the dispute
- Emails, texts, and letters with the other side
- Photos, surveys, or maps for property disputes
- A short timeline of what happened and when
Fees
We explain fees before we start. Court filing costs and service fees are separate from legal fees.
Who handles this
Civil litigation is handled by Daniel B. Kostrub and Heather N. Kostrub. Kostrub Law Firm, PLLC has served Washington and Allegheny counties since 2006.
- Daniel B. Kostrub concentrates on energy law and oil and gas matters. Learn about Daniel B. Kostrub.
- Heather N. Kostrub focuses on estate planning and family and business succession. Learn about Heather N. Kostrub.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a civil lawsuit take in Pennsylvania?
It varies widely. A magisterial district court claim may be heard within a few months. A Court of Common Pleas case with discovery can take a year or more, and complex cases can take longer. Many cases settle before trial, which can shorten the timeline. We give you a realistic range once we see the facts.
What is the small claims limit in Pennsylvania?
Magisterial district courts hear civil claims of up to $12,000. If your claim is larger, you can file in the Court of Common Pleas or give up the amount over the limit to stay in the simpler court. Choose carefully, because that choice can affect what you recover.
How much time do I have to respond to a lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In the Court of Common Pleas, a defendant generally has 20 days after being served with a complaint to file a response. Magisterial district court notices list a hearing date instead. Read every page of the papers and call a lawyer right away, because missing the deadline can lead to a default judgment.
What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
In mediation, a neutral person helps both sides talk and reach their own agreement. Nothing is decided unless you agree. In arbitration, a neutral person or panel hears evidence and makes a decision, which may be binding. Many business contracts require arbitration, so check yours before filing suit.
Should I hire a civil lawyer in Pittsburgh or Washington County?
Hire someone who regularly works in the court where your case will be heard. Local practice rules and scheduling differ between Washington County and Allegheny County. Our Cecil Township office is close to both courthouses, and we handle matters in each.
Can I sue my business partner in Pennsylvania?
Yes, if your partner breached the partnership or operating agreement or a legal duty owed to you. Before suing, check whether your agreement requires mediation or arbitration, or sets a buyout process. Many owner disputes can be settled through a negotiated buyout rather than a trial.
Talk to us about your dispute
Call (304) 982-1586 or arrange a case review. After you call, we check your deadlines first, then meet to review your documents and explain your options. Service area: Pittsburgh, Cecil Township, and Washington and Allegheny counties. Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m..
This page is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.