What Does Divorce Lawyer Mean

In case you have not before now, chances are that sometime in your life you'll need to hire legal counsel. With the help of my discussion with Tampa Lawyer Christina Mesa, here's a list of answers to frequent and important questions.


1. QUESTION: How do I know if I need a lawyer?
ANSWER: If you have recently been served with a Summons and associated documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should endeavor to seek legal advice without delay. Papers filed in court that begin a lawsuit necessitate responses that involve particular deadlines; skipping those deadlines could compromise your defense, restrict or avoid your recovery. Some issues by statute involve a "pre-suit" period that enable you to consider the legal issues and probable resolution before a lawsuit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer at the earliest opportunity is advised.

2. QUESTION: Do I need to hire an attorney or lawyer in the county where the problem 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 is being litigated is crucial as that lawyer will have a level of comfort with the community courthouse personnel, lawyers (likely opposing counsel) and judges. One consideration in hiring an attorney outside the area in which the matter takes place is cost of journey time. Some lawyers don't charge for travel, others give you a reduced rate or preserve a billable rate for all work conducted. Clarify that question with each attorney consulted.

3. QUESTION: Precisely what is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a course of action whereby the parties to the issue present at an agreed area with their counsel (if retained) and a selected mediator to try and solve all or some of the issues involved. Mediators need to be unrelated to all participants and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial amongst the parties and their counsel, and continue maintaining the confidential structure of the conference to inspire settlement and resolution. Usually the parties share the cost of the mediation equally but other arrangements might be made if all parties are in agreement ahead of the conference. Mediation is generally required in just about every case filed in court and prior to a trial is held.

4. QUESTION: What kind of attorney do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other industries, attorneys may specialize in a certain or more than one area. Similarly, law firms may specialize, offer general legal needs or offer services in several unique areas of law. Trial attorneys deal with cases involving lawsuits; family law attorneys handle divorce cases, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and related matters; general practitioners handle nearly all matters. Some areas of law are extremely specialized, like bankruptcy or taxation; others are delineated by statute, like worker's compensation. Any lawyer can go over your specific issue, determine if he/she is qualified to handle such matters or inform you of the need to seek advice from another in a specialized area.


5. QUESTION: How may I make sure my lawyer is resolving my issues?
ANSWER: Every good attorney keeps track of his time (fees) and expenses (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a confirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients - once a month, quarterly, etc. You may also keep track of your case in some jurisidictions that offer on-line access to case dockets. If the county has that established, you are wise to occasionally review the docket and see what activities have transpired by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. You should also feel at ease getting in contact with your lawyer at intervals to learn the status of the issue, understanding you'll likely be billed for these communications.

6. QUESTION: Just how do I select an attorney or lawyer?
ANSWER: Legal topics are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and tend to be just as perplexing. To protect your rights and remedies, the very best practice would be to investigate your area of need and research what law firms are out there to help you. A referral from someone you know and respect can add a personal element to the decision to hire an law firm but shouldn't be the sole reason counsel is chosen. Research the lawyer's background of training, expertise and area(s) of practice. Asking important questions should be encouraged in this process. Self-help can be empowering but can also restrict or negate your recovery. Hiring a lawyer should be considered with exactly the same level of thought and consideration as that directed at the pick of a doctor, accountant, financial expert or therapist.

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