How To Get A Divorce Lawyer
In the case you have not by now, chances are that sometime in your own lifetime you'll have to retain the services of a lawyer. Thanks to my interview with Tampa Lawyer Christina Mesa, listed here is a selection of responses to frequent as well as imperative questions.
1. QUESTION: Do I have to hire an attorney in the county where the issue occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers practice in other counties and other states, based on their licensure for the latter. Having knowledge in the county wherein the matter is being litigated is important as that attorney will have a comfort level with the county courthouse personnel, lawyers (likely opposing counsel) and judges. One consideration in retaining an attorney away from area in which the matter takes place is cost of travel time. Some attorneys do not charge for travel, others offer a decreased rate or preserve a billable rate for all work conducted. Talk about that question with each lawyer consulted.
2. QUESTION: How will I make certain my lawyer is handling my problems?
ANSWER: Every good lawyer keeps track of his time (fees) and expenses (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a confirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients - up front, quarterly, etc. You may even track your case in some jurisidictions that supply on-line accessibility to case dockets. If the county has that available, you're wise to occasionally review the docket and see what events have taken place by your attorney and the other party/counsel. It's also advisable to feel at ease getting in contact with your lawyer at intervals to ascertain the status of the issue, understanding you'll likely be billed for these interactions.
3. QUESTION: How do I select an attorney?
ANSWER: Legal concerns are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and are generally just as perplexing. To protect your rights and remedies, the very best practice is to research your area of need and research what lawyers are around to help you. A recommendation from someone you know and regard can bring a personal element to the consideration to hire an lawyer but should not be the sole reason counsel is picked. Look into the attorney's background of training, practical experience and area(s) of practice. Asking questions should be encouraged in this process. Self-help could be empowering but can also restrict or negate your recovery. Hiring a lawyer should be considered with the exact same level of thought and consideration as that given to the pick of a physician, accountant, financial advisor or therapist.
4. QUESTION: How do I determine if I need a lawyer or attorney?
ANSWER: If you have already been served with a Summons and comparable documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you really should endeavor to find legal advice now. Documents filed in court that start a lawsuit call for responses that involve specific deadlines; missing out on those deadlines could compromise your defense, reduce or avoid your recovery. Some matters by statute involve a "pre-suit" time period that allow you to think about the legal issues and potential resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer as quickly as possible is recommended.
5. QUESTION: What exactly is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the issue present at an agreed place with their counsel (if retained) and a decided on mediator to try and resolve all or some of the problems involved. Mediators should be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to remain impartial between the parties and their lawyer, and continue maintaining the confidential structure of the conference to encourage settlement and resolution. Typically the parties share the charge of the mediation equally but other arrangements may be made if all parties are in agreement ahead of the conference. Mediation is normally required in just about every case filed in court and before a trial is held.
6. QUESTION: What kind of lawyer do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other sectors, lawyers may specialize in a specific or more than one area. Similarly, law offices may specialize, offer general legal needs or provide services in several unique areas of law. Trial attorneys handle cases involving lawsuits; family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and related matters; general practitioners handle almost all matters. Some areas of law are extremely complex, like bankruptcy or taxation; some are delineated by statute, like worker's compensation. Any lawyer can go over your specific issue, determine if he/she is prepared to handle such matters or advise you of the need to speak with another in a specialized area.
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