Where To Find Divorce Lawyers
In the instance that you have not by now, probably sometime in a lifetime you'll need to employ a lawyer. With the help of my interview with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, here is a listing of answers to basic as well as worthwhile questions.
1. QUESTION: Do I have to hire an attorney in the county where the issue occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many attorneys practice in other counties and other states, depending on their licensure for the latter. Having experience in the county wherein the matter will be litigated is important as that lawyer will have a level of comfort with the community courthouse personnel, lawyers (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One consideration in hiring a lawyer outside the area in which the matter takes place is cost of journey time. Some lawyers don't charge for travel, others offer a decreased rate or preserve a billable rate for all work carried out. Clarify that question with each lawyer consulted.
2. QUESTION: How will I make certain my attorney is handling my issues?
ANSWER: Every good attorney accounts for his time (fees) and expenditures (costs). Your retainer contract should include a affirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients - once a month, quarterly, etc. You may even keep track of your case in some jurisidictions that provide on-line accessibility to case dockets. If the county has that available, you are wise to periodically review the docket and see what changes have taken place by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. In addition feel comfortable contacting your lawyer at intervals to ascertain the status of the matter, understanding you'll likely be charged for these interactions.
3. QUESTION: How do I select an attorney or lawyer?
ANSWER: Legal issues are as vast as those in other industries, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and might be just as complex. To safeguard your legal rights and remedies, the best practice is to study your area of need and research what legal professionals are accessible to assist you. A referral from someone you know and admire can add a personal element to the decision to hire an attorney but should not be the sole reason counsel is chosen. Look into the attorney's background of schooling, experience and area(s) of practice. Asking important questions should be encouraged in this process. Self-help could be empowering but can also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a law firm should be considered with exactly the same level of thought and consideration as that directed at the selection of a medical doctor, accountant, financial specialist or therapist.
4. QUESTION: How do I know if I need a lawyer?
ANSWER: If you have already been served with a Summons and related documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you really should endeavor to find legal advice right away. Documents filed in court that begin a lawsuit necessitate responses that involve particular 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 enable you to consider the legal issues and probable resolution before a lawsuit is filed. Similarly, seeking legal counsel as quickly as possible is advised.
5. QUESTION: Exactly what is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a course of action whereby the parties to the matter present at an agreed site with their counsel (if retained) and a selected mediator to try and resolve all or a number of the problems involved. Mediators need to be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to remain impartial in between the parties and their lawyer, and maintain the confidential nature of the conference to inspire settlement and resolution. Generally the parties share the charge of the mediation evenly but other arrangements can be made if all parties are in agreement in advance of the conference. Mediation is generally required in every case filed in court and before a trial is held.
6. QUESTION: What type of lawyer do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other industries, attorneys may specialise in a certain or more than one area. Similarly, law offices may specialize, offer general legal needs or offer you services in a few specific areas of law. Trial lawyers 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 technical, like bankruptcy or taxation; some are delineated by statute, like worker's compensation. Any lawyer should be able to talk about your specific issue, determine if he or she is qualified to handle such matters or advise you of the need to consult with another in a specialised area.
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