What Everybody Ought To Know About Divorce Lawyers

If perhaps you haven't already, chances are that sometime in your life you'll need to hire legal counsel. With the help of my interview with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, below is a group of answers to very common along with imperative questions.


1. QUESTION: How do I know if I require a lawyer or attorney?
ANSWER: If you have been recently served with a Summons and similar documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you really should endeavor to seek legal assistance without delay. Papers filed in court that commence a lawsuit necessitate responses that involve particular deadlines; missing those deadlines could compromise your defense, limit or avoid your recovery. Some issues by statute involve a "pre-suit" period of time that enable you to consider the legal issues and probable resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer immediately is recommended.

2. QUESTION: Do I need to hire an attorney or lawyer in the county where the issue occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many attorneys practice in other counties and other states, based upon on their licensure for the latter. Having knowledge in the county in which the matter will be litigated is important as that lawyer will have a level of comfort with the local courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One consideration in hiring an attorney away from area wherein the matter occurs is cost of travel time. Some lawyers don't charge for travel, others offer a lowered rate or preserve a billable rate for all work conducted. Discuss that question with each lawyer consulted.

3. QUESTION: What is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the matter present at an agreed location with their counsel (if retained) and a chosen mediator to try and solve all or some of the problems involved. Mediators should 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 encourage settlement and resolution. Typically the parties share the fee of the mediation evenly 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 prior to a trial is held.

4. QUESTION: What type of attorney at law do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other sectors, lawyers may concentrate in a specific or more than one area. Similarly, law offices may specialize, offer general legal needs or offer services in several specific areas of law. Trial attorneys deal with cases involving lawsuits; family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and related matters; general practitioners handle most matters. Some areas of law are very complex, like bankruptcy or taxation; others are delineated by statute, as in worker's compensation. Any lawyer should be able to go over your particular issue, determine if he or she is prepared to handle such matters or advise you of the need to speak with another in a specialized area.


5. QUESTION: How may I be sure my attorney is resolving my problems?
ANSWER: Every good attorney monitors his time (fees) and expenses (costs). Your retainer agreement should include a confirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients - month-to-month, 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 periodically review the docket and see what activities have taken place by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. It's also advisable to feel comfortable getting in contact with your lawyer at intervals to determine the status of the issue, understanding you'll likely be billed for these interactions.

6. QUESTION: Precisely how do I select an attorney?
ANSWER: Legal problems are as vast as those in other industries, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and might be just as perplexing. To safeguard your legal rights and remedies, the very best practice is to study your area of need and research what legal professionals are available to help you. A recommendation from someone you know and admire can bring a personal element to the consideration to hire an lawyer but really should not be the sole reason counsel is picked. Look into the lawyer's background of education, practical experience and area(s) of practice. Asking important questions should be urged in this process. Self-help can be empowering but can also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a law firm should be considered with exactly the same degree of thought and consideration as that given to the pick of a doctor, accountant, financial expert or therapist.

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