Difference between revisions of "Shocking Information About Divorce Lawyers Exposed"
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| − | In the | + | In the instance that you have not already, probably sometime in your own lifetime you will need to employ legal counsel. Thanks to my consultation with Tampa Lawyer Christina Mesa, here is a group of responses to very common and important questions.<br><br>1. QUESTION: Do I have to hire an attorney in the county where the problem occurs?<br>ANSWER: No. Many attorneys practice in other jurisdictions and other states, depending on their licensure for the latter. Having knowledge in the county in which the matter is being litigated is essential as that lawyer will have a comfort level with the local courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One consideration in retaining legal counsel away from area in which the matter takes place is cost of journey time. Some lawyers do not charge for travel, others offer a decreased rate or preserve a billable rate for all work carried out. Talk about that question with each attorney consulted.<br><br>2. QUESTION: How can I be sure my lawyer is resolving my case?<br>ANSWER: Every good lawyer keeps track of his time (fees) and expenditures (costs). Your retainer agreement should include a statement of how the lawyer bills his clients - in advancemonthly, quarterly, etc. You may also keep track of your case in some jurisidictions that provide on-line access to case dockets. If the county has that established, you're wise to occasionally review the docket and see what changes have occurred by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. It's also advisable to feel at ease getting in contact with your attorney at intervals to ascertain the status of the matter, knowing you will likely be charged for these interactions.<br><br>3. QUESTION: Exactly how do I select an attorney? <br>ANSWER: Legal issues are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and are generally just as perplexing. To safeguard your legal rights and remedies, the best practice would be to study your area of need and research what law firms are around to work with you. A recommendation from someone you know and respect can add a personal element to the consideration to hire an attorney but should not be the singular reason counsel is selected. Research the lawyer's background of schooling, practical experience and area(s) of practice. Asking important questions should be urged in this process. Self-help can be empowering but may also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a legal professional should be contemplated with the same level of thought and consideration as that directed at the pick of a medical doctor, accountant, financial expert or therapist.<br><br>4. QUESTION: How do I determine if I will need a lawyer?<br>ANSWER: If you have recently been served with a Summons and associated documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should endeavor to find legal advice immediately. Papers filed in court that start a lawsuit call for responses that involve particular deadlines; missing those deadlines could compromise your defense, limit or avoid your recovery. Some concerns by statute involve a "pre-suit" period that enable you to take into account the legal issues and potential resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer as quickly as possible is recommended.<br><br>5. QUESTION: What exactly is mediation?<br>ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the issue present at an agreed location with their counsel (if retained) and a chosen mediator to try and solve all or some of the concerns involved. Mediators should be unrelated to all participants and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial amongst the parties and their lawyer, and continue maintaining the confidential nature of the conference to encourage settlement and resolution. Generally the parties share the cost of the mediation equally but other arrangements can be made if all parties are in agreement ahead of the conference. Mediation is normally required in every case filed in court and just before a trial is held.<br><br>6. QUESTION: What kind of attorney do I need?<br>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 specific areas of law. Trial lawyers deal with 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, such as worker's compensation. Any lawyer should be able to talk about your specific issue, determine if he or she is qualified to take care of such matters or advise you of the need to consult with another in a specialized area.<br><br>For more information about [http://www.mesalawpa.com/divorce.html Tampa Family Attorneys] look at the web site. |
Revision as of 02:32, 24 October 2018
In the instance that you have not already, probably sometime in your own lifetime you will need to employ legal counsel. Thanks to my consultation with Tampa Lawyer Christina Mesa, here is a group of responses to very common and important questions.
1. QUESTION: Do I have to hire an attorney in the county where the problem occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many attorneys practice in other jurisdictions and other states, depending on their licensure for the latter. Having knowledge in the county in which the matter is being litigated is essential as that lawyer will have a comfort level with the local courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One consideration in retaining legal counsel away from area in which the matter takes place is cost of journey time. Some lawyers do not charge for travel, others offer a decreased rate or preserve a billable rate for all work carried out. Talk about that question with each attorney consulted.
2. QUESTION: How can I be sure my lawyer is resolving my case?
ANSWER: Every good lawyer keeps track of his time (fees) and expenditures (costs). Your retainer agreement should include a statement of how the lawyer bills his clients - in advancemonthly, quarterly, etc. You may also keep track of your case in some jurisidictions that provide on-line access to case dockets. If the county has that established, you're wise to occasionally review the docket and see what changes have occurred by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. It's also advisable to feel at ease getting in contact with your attorney at intervals to ascertain the status of the matter, knowing you will likely be charged for these interactions.
3. QUESTION: Exactly how do I select an attorney?
ANSWER: Legal issues are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and are generally just as perplexing. To safeguard your legal rights and remedies, the best practice would be to study your area of need and research what law firms are around to work with you. A recommendation from someone you know and respect can add a personal element to the consideration to hire an attorney but should not be the singular reason counsel is selected. Research the lawyer's background of schooling, practical experience and area(s) of practice. Asking important questions should be urged in this process. Self-help can be empowering but may also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a legal professional should be contemplated with the same level of thought and consideration as that directed at the pick of a medical doctor, accountant, financial expert or therapist.
4. QUESTION: How do I determine if I will need a lawyer?
ANSWER: If you have recently been served with a Summons and associated documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should endeavor to find legal advice immediately. Papers filed in court that start a lawsuit call for responses that involve particular deadlines; missing those deadlines could compromise your defense, limit or avoid your recovery. Some concerns by statute involve a "pre-suit" period that enable you to take into account 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 location with their counsel (if retained) and a chosen mediator to try and solve all or some of the concerns involved. Mediators should be unrelated to all participants and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial amongst the parties and their lawyer, and continue maintaining the confidential nature of the conference to encourage settlement and resolution. Generally the parties share the cost of the mediation equally but other arrangements can be made if all parties are in agreement ahead of the conference. Mediation is normally required in every case filed in court and just before a trial is held.
6. QUESTION: What kind of attorney 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 specific areas of law. Trial lawyers deal with 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, such as worker's compensation. Any lawyer should be able to talk about your specific issue, determine if he or she is qualified to take care of such matters or advise you of the need to consult with another in a specialized area.
For more information about Tampa Family Attorneys look at the web site.
