How is the civil legal system different from the criminal legal system?

Unlike criminal law issues, civil legal issues are not dealt with using the same process. Different issues require different processes, and these can sometimes involve courts, tribunals or regulatory institutions. 

The civil legal system is also different from the criminal legal system because it requires the individual to proactively participate, often within a specific timeframe. Individuals are typically not forced into participating in the civil legal system and instead must often make a choice to do so, especially if they want to address their own civil legal issues. This is why timely referrals to legal services, advice and/or resources is so important.