In the event that you haven’t already, chances are that sometime in your lifetime you will need to employ an attorney. With the help of my consultation with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, below is a variety of responses to basic and imperative questions.

1. QUESTION: How do I know if I require a lawyer?
ANSWER: If you have been served with a Summons and similar documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should endeavor to seek out legal advice without delay. Papers filed in court that commence a lawsuit require responses that involve specific deadlines; missing out on those deadlines could damage your defense, restrict or avoid your recovery. Some issues by statute involve a “pre-suit” time period that allow you to take into account the legal issues and possible resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer immediately is advised.

2. QUESTION: Do I need to hire an attorney at law in the county where the problem occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers practice in other counties and other states, based upon on their licensure for the latter. Having experience in the county in which the matter will be litigated is crucial as that lawyer will have a comfort level with the community courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One thing to consider in hiring legal counsel outside the area in which the matter takes place is cost of journey time. Some attorneys don’t charge for travel, others offer a lowered rate or maintain a billable rate for all work performed. Clarify that question with each attorney consulted.

3. QUESTION: Precisely what 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 decided on mediator to try and solve all or a number of the problems involved. Mediators should be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial in between the parties and their counsel, and maintain the confidential nature of the conference to recommend settlement and resolution. Usually the parties share the cost of the mediation evenly but other arrangements can be made if all parties are in agreement ahead of the conference. Mediation is generally required in every case filed in court and before a trial is held.

4. QUESTION: What kind of attorney at law do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other businesses, attorneys may concentrate in a certain or more than one area. Similarly, law firms may specialize, provide general legal needs or offer you services in a few precise areas of law. Trial attorneys deal with cases involving lawsuits; family law attorneys handle separation and 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; some are delineated by statute, like worker’s compensation. Any lawyer should be able to discuss your specific issue, determine if he or she is qualified to take care of such matters or advise you of the need to speak with another in a specialized area.

5. QUESTION: How may I make sure my attorney is resolving my problems?
ANSWER: Every good attorney keeps track of his time (fees) and expenditures (costs). Your retainer agreement should include a confirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients – once a month, quarterly, etc. You may even track your case in some jurisidictions that offer on-line access to case dockets. If the county has that established, you’re wise to occasionally review the docket and see what events have transpired by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. You should also 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 communications.

6. QUESTION: Exactly how do I select an attorney?
ANSWER: Legal difficulties are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and might be just as complex. To safeguard your rights and remedies, the very best practice is to investigate your area of need and research what legal professionals are available to work with you. A recommendation from somebody you know and regard can add a personal element to the decision to hire an lawyer but really should not be the exclusive reason counsel is picked. Look into the attorney’s background of education, experience and area(s) of practice. Asking a lot of questions should be urged in this process. Self-help can be strengthening but may also restrict or negate your recovery. Hiring a law firm should be considered with the exact same degree of thought and consideration as that directed at the pick of a doctor, accountant, financial expert or therapist.

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