Divorce Lawyer Exposed

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If you have not previously, probably sometime in a lifetime you will need to retain legal counsel. With the help of my consultation with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, this is a group of responses to very common and important questions.

1. QUESTION: Do I have to hire an attorney in the county where the case occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many attorneys practice in other jurisdictions and other states, based on their licensure for the latter. Having experience in the county wherein the matter will be litigated is important as that lawyer will have a level of comfort with the community courthouse personnel, lawyers (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One matter in hiring a lawyer outside the area in which the matter takes place is cost of journey time. Some lawyers do not charge for travel, others offer a reduced rate or maintain a billable rate for all work performed. Discuss that question with each attorney consulted.

2. QUESTION: How can I be sure my attorney is working on my case?
ANSWER: Every good attorney monitors his time (fees) and expenses (costs). Your retainer agreement should include a statement of how the lawyer bills his clients - up front, quarterly, etc. You may even track your case in some jurisidictions that provide on-line accessibility to case dockets. If the county has that available, you're wise to occasionally review the docket and see what activities have taken place by your attorney and the other party/counsel. In addition feel comfortable contacting your lawyer at intervals to determine the status of the issue, knowing you will likely be billed for these interactions.

3. QUESTION: How do I pick an attorney at law?
ANSWER: Legal issues are as vast as those in other industries, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and usually are just as complex. To safeguard your legal rights and remedies, the best practice would be to investigate your area of need and research what legal professionals are accessible to help you. A referral from somebody you know and admire can bring a personal element to the decision to hire an attorney but really should not be the singular reason counsel is selected. Research the attorney's background of education, practical experience and area(s) of practice. Asking a lot of questions should be urged in this process. Self-help could be empowering but may also reduce or negate your recovery. Hiring a lawyer should be considered with exactly the same level of thought and consideration as that directed at the selection of a doctor, accountant, financial consultant or therapist.

4. QUESTION: How do I know if I will need a lawyer or attorney?
ANSWER: If you have been recently served with a Summons and associated documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should really endeavor to find legal advice immediately. Documents filed in court that start a lawsuit necessitate responses that involve particular deadlines; skipping those deadlines could compromise your defense, limit or avoid your recovery. Some issues by statute involve a "pre-suit" time period that enable you to think about the legal issues and possible resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking legal counsel at the earliest opportunity is advised.

5. QUESTION: What exactly is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the matter present at an agreed site with their counsel (if retained) and a selected mediator to try and resolve all or some of the issues involved. Mediators need to 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 aspect of the conference to recommend settlement and resolution. Generally the parties share the cost of the mediation equally but other arrangements may be made if all parties are in agreement in advance of the conference. Mediation is normally required in every case filed in court and prior to a trial is held.

6. QUESTION: What kind of attorney at law do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other industries, attorneys may concentrate in a specific or more than one area. Similarly, law firms may specialize, provide general legal needs or offer you services in several specific areas of law. Trial lawyers handle cases involving lawsuits; family law lawyers handle separation and divorce, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and associated matters; general practitioners handle most 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 specific issue, determine if he or she is qualified to take care of such matters or inform you of the need to consult with another in a specialized area.

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