How does due process work?

[no.to...@gmail.com]

In a civil matter, are the facts all to be set down in the pleadings,
before the matter is heard?
If so what is to be heard?
If not, is it not very amateurish and wastefull of court resources to
NOT establish the essential facts, which may require time consuming
evidence collection, before the hearing?
Is the sytem considered as being an adverserial system, and thus the
Court may NOT initiate it's own argument/s?
Do the rules recognise that a finite time is required to prepare a legal
argument and/or a rebuttal?
By 'argument', I mean a construction of:
facts plus statutes and precedence(sp?) leading a to conclusion in law.
What is the time allowed to prepare and file/serve an affidavit
replying to a 'founding affidavit': the initial document of the plaintiff?
How many rounds/cycles of affidavits are allowed?
Where would I read on line, the procedure/rules relating to my
questions?

== TIA.