Assuming you have not by now, chances are that sometime in your lifetime you will want to employ legal counsel. With the help of my consultation with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, here’s a group of answers to very common as well as worthwhile questions.
1. QUESTION: How do I select an attorney?
ANSWER: Legal problems are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and may be just as perplexing. To safeguard your legal rights and remedies, the best practice would be to study your area of need and research what lawyers are accessible to work with you. A referral from somebody you know and respect can add a personal element to the consideration to hire an attorney but shouldn’t be the singular reason counsel is picked. Look into the lawyer’s background of training, experience and area(s) of practice. Asking important questions should be encouraged in this process. Self-help can be strengthening but may also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a law firm should be considered with the same level of thought and consideration as that given to the choice of a medical professional, accountant, financial advisor or therapist.
2. QUESTION: How do I know if I will need a legal professional?
ANSWER: If you have been served with a Summons and related documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should endeavor to seek legal guidance immediately. Papers filed in court that commence a lawsuit require responses that involve exact 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 think about the legal issues and possible resolution before a lawsuit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer immediately is recommended.
3. QUESTION: Exactly 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 selected mediator to try and resolve all or some of the issues involved. Mediators should be unrelated to all participants and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial amongst the parties and their counsel, and maintain the confidential nature of the conference to inspire settlement and resolution. Typically the parties share the charge of the mediation equally but other arrangements can be made if all parties are in agreement in advance of the conference. Mediation is normally required in just about every case filed in court and prior to a trial is held.
4. QUESTION: What type of law firm do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other sectors, lawyers may specialise in a certain or more than one area. Similarly, law firms may specialize, provide general legal needs or offer services in a few unique 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 nearly all matters. Some areas of law are very technical, like bankruptcy or taxation; some are delineated by statute, as in worker’s compensation. Any lawyer should be able to talk about your particular issue, determine if he or she is qualified to handle such matters or inform you of the need to seek advice from another in a specialised area.
5. QUESTION: Do I need to hire an attorney in the county where the problem occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many attorneys practice in other counties and other states, depending on their licensure for the latter. Having experience in the county in which the matter will be litigated is important as that attorney will have a comfort level with the community courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One consideration in hiring an attorney away from area wherein the matter takes place is cost of travel time. Some lawyers don’t charge for travel, others offer a reduced rate or preserve a billable rate for all work performed. Discuss that question with each lawyer consulted.
6. QUESTION: How am I able to make sure my attorney is handling my issues?
ANSWER: Every good attorney monitors his time (fees) and expenses (costs). Your retainer agreement should include a affirmation of how the attorney bills his clients – month-to-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 set up, you’re wise to periodically review the docket and see what activities have transpired by your counsel and the other party/counsel. It’s also advisable to feel at ease getting in touch with your lawyer at intervals to ascertain the status of the issue, knowing you will likely be charged for these communications.
If you beloved this report and you would like to obtain much more info concerning Tampa Personal Injury attorney kindly pay a visit to http://www.mesalawpa.com.
llxeunice 