In the event that you haven’t before now, chances are that sometime in your own lifetime you will want to seek the services of a lawyer. With the help of my consultation with Tampa Lawyer Christina Mesa, here’s a number of responses to frequent as well as fundamental questions.

1. QUESTION: How do I know if I will need a lawyer or attorney?
ANSWER: If you have been recently served with a Summons and related documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should really endeavor to seek out legal advice right away. Papers filed in court that commence a lawsuit require responses that involve specific deadlines; missing those deadlines could damage your defense, limit or avoid your recovery. Some matters by statute involve a “pre-suit” period that enable you to think about the legal issues and potential resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking legal counsel as soon as possible is recommended.

2. QUESTION: Do I have to hire an attorney or lawyer in the county where the problem occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers or attorneys practice in other counties and other states, depending 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 comfort level with the neighborhood courthouse personnel, lawyers (likely opposing counsel) and judges. One thing to consider in hiring an attorney outside the area in which the matter takes place is cost of journey time. Some attorneys do not charge for travel, others give you a reduced rate or preserve a billable rate for all work carried out. Discuss that question with each attorney consulted.

3. QUESTION: What exactly 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 chosen mediator to try and resolve all or some of the concerns involved. Mediators should be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial in between the parties and their lawyer, and continue maintaining the confidential nature of the conference to recommend settlement and resolution. Usually the parties share the charge of the mediation evenly 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.

4. QUESTION: What kind of attorney at law do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other sectors, attorneys may specialize in a specific or more than one area. Similarly, law offices may specialize, offer general legal needs or provide services in a few specific areas of law. Trial attorneys handle cases involving lawsuits; family law lawyers handle divorce, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and related matters; general practitioners handle almost all matters. Some areas of law are extremely complex, like bankruptcy or taxation; others are delineated by statute, as in worker’s compensation. Any lawyer can discuss your particular issue, determine if he or she is qualified to take care of such matters or advise you of the need to consult with another in a specialized area.

5. QUESTION: How may I make sure my lawyer is resolving my problems?
ANSWER: Every good attorney keeps track of his time (fees) and expenses (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a confirmation of how the attorney bills his clients – month-to-month, quarterly, etc. You may even track your case in some jurisidictions that supply on-line access to case dockets. If the county has that set up, you’re wise to occasionally review the docket and see what activities have transpired by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. It’s also advisable to feel at ease contacting your attorney at intervals to learn the status of the matter, knowing you’ll likely be billed for these interactions.

6. QUESTION: Exactly how do I select an attorney at law?
ANSWER: Legal troubles are as vast as those in other industries, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and are often just as complex. To safeguard your rights and remedies, the ideal practice is to research your area of need and research what lawyers are around to help you. A recommendation from somebody you know and respect can bring a personal element to the plan to hire an lawyer but really should not be the sole reason counsel is picked. Look into the lawyer’s background of schooling, experience and area(s) of practice. Asking questions should be urged in this process. Self-help could be empowering but can also restrict or negate your recovery. Hiring a lawyer should be contemplated with exactly the same degree of thought and consideration as that directed at the selection of a doctor, accountant, financial expert or therapist.

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