Will I have to travel to California?

Possibly once or twice — most likely for trial, if the case gets there. Many of our out-of-state clients never set foot in the state during their case.

Can the other side drag me into California court for anything, just because I own property there?

No. Owning a California asset generally exposes you to California jurisdiction for disputes related to that asset or your California activities — not for unrelated matters. Whether a particular suit crosses that line is a threshold defense worth evaluating early.

I was served at my home in another state (or another country). Is that valid?

It can be — California plaintiffs may serve non-residents out of state, and international service is available through established procedures. Do not assume defective service; have counsel evaluate it against the deadlines, which run quickly.

Dracup & Patterson

Call 24/7Click to Call

(833) 221-2990

Out-of-State & International Owners

You Live in New York (or Paris). Your Dispute Lives in California. Now What?

Geography does not save you from a California dispute — and it should not cost you the outcome. How non-resident owners litigate California cases from anywhere.

Out-of-state owner managing California litigation remotely by video with California counsel

Category: Out-of-State & International OwnersDracup & Patterson

Loading article...

California disputes only

The State Bar of California · California Courts Self-Help · JAMS Mediation & Arbitration