If you have not already, probably sometime in your own life you’ll need to seek the services of an attorney. With the help of my consultation with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, here’s a list of answers to very common and important questions.

1. QUESTION: Do I have to hire an attorney in the county where the issue occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers or attorneys practice in other counties and other states, based on their licensure for the latter. Having experience in the county wherein the matter will be litigated is crucial as that attorney will have a comfort level with the neighborhood courthouse personnel, lawyers (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One consideration in hiring an attorney outside the area wherein the matter occurs is cost of journey time. Some lawyers do not charge for travel, others give you a decreased rate or maintain a billable rate for all work conducted. Talk about that question with each attorney consulted.

2. QUESTION: How can I be sure my attorney is working on my issues?
ANSWER: Every good attorney accounts for his time (fees) and expenditures (costs). Your retainer contract should include a confirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients – once a month, quarterly, etc. You may also track your case in some jurisidictions that offer on-line accessibility to case dockets. If the county has that available, you’re wise to often review the docket and see what activities have taken place by your attorney and the other party/counsel. Also feel comfortable getting in touch with your lawyer at intervals to learn the status of the issue, understanding you’ll likely be billed for these interactions.

3. QUESTION: Just how do I select an attorney at law?
ANSWER: Legal troubles are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and may be just as perplexing. To protect your legal rights and remedies, the best practice is to investigate your area of need and research what attorneys are accessible to assist you. A referral from someone you know and respect can add a personal element to the consideration to hire an attorney but should not be the sole reason counsel is selected. Research the attorney’s background of schooling, experience and area(s) of practice. Asking basic questions should be urged in this process. Self-help can be strengthening but can also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a law firm should be contemplated with the same degree of thought and consideration as that given to the choice of a medical professional, accountant, financial specialist or therapist.

4. QUESTION: How do I know if I require a lawyer or attorney?
ANSWER: If you have been served with a Summons and related documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you really should endeavor to seek out legal assistance without delay. Papers filed in court that commence a lawsuit call for responses that involve specific deadlines; missing out on those deadlines could compromise your defense, restrict or avoid your recovery. Some matters by statute involve a “pre-suit” period of time that allow you to take into account the legal issues and potential resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking legal counsel as soon as possible is recommended.

5. QUESTION: What is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the case present at an agreed site with their counsel (if retained) and a chosen mediator to try and solve all or some of the issues involved. Mediators need to be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial amongst the parties and their counsel, and continue maintaining the confidential aspect of the conference to inspire settlement and resolution. Usually the parties share the fee 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 just before a trial is held.

6. QUESTION: What type of attorney do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other industries, lawyers may concentrate in a specific or more than one area. Similarly, law firms may specialize, offer general legal needs or offer you services in several unique areas of law. Trial attorneys handle cases involving lawsuits; family law lawyers handle divorce, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and associated matters; general practitioners handle almost all matters. Some areas of law are extremely specialized, like bankruptcy or taxation; others are delineated by statute, such as worker’s compensation. Any attorney should be able to go over your specific issue, determine if he/she is prepared to handle such matters or inform you of the need to speak with another in a specialised area.

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