In the event that you haven’t before now, chances are that sometime in a lifetime you will have to hire an attorney. With the help of my consultation with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, this is a number of responses to common as well as worthwhile questions.

1. QUESTION: How can I be certain my attorney is handling my issues?
ANSWER: Every good attorney keeps track of 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 even track your case in some jurisidictions that provide on-line accessibility to case dockets. If the county has that set up, you are wise to periodically review the docket and see what events have taken place by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. It's also advisable to feel comfortable getting in contact with your attorney at intervals to ascertain the status of the issue, understanding you'll likely be billed for these interactions.

2. QUESTION: Do I need to hire an attorney at law in the county where the issue occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers or attorneys practice in other counties and other states, based upon on their licensure for the latter. Having knowledge in the county wherein the matter is being litigated is essential as that lawyer will have a comfort level with the local courthouse personnel, lawyers (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One consideration in retaining a lawyer away from area wherein the matter occurs is cost of journey time. Some attorneys don't charge for travel, others give you a lowered rate or preserve a billable rate for all work conducted. Discuss that question with each attorney consulted.

3. QUESTION: What type of attorney do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other industries, lawyers may specialise in a specific or more than one area. Similarly, law offices may specialize, offer general legal needs or offer you services in several unique areas of law. Trial attorneys handle 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 complex, like bankruptcy or taxation; others are delineated by statute, such as worker's compensation. Any lawyer should be able to discuss your specific issue, determine if he or she is qualified to handle such matters or advise you of the necessity to speak with another in a specialized area.

4. QUESTION: What is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the issue present at an agreed site (click here for more info) with their counsel (if retained) and a chosen mediator to try and resolve all or a number of the concerns involved. Mediators should be unrelated to all participants and the litigation at issue, are to remain impartial amongst the parties and their counsel, and continue maintaining the confidential nature of the conference to encourage settlement and resolution. Usually the parties share the cost of the mediation equally but other arrangements can be made if all parties are in agreement in advance of the conference. Mediation is generally required in every case filed in court and before a trial is held.

5. QUESTION: How do I know if I need a lawyer?
ANSWER: If you have been recently served with a Summons and similar documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should endeavor to find legal guidance without delay. Papers filed in court that start a lawsuit call for responses that involve particular 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 consider the legal issues and potential resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer as quickly as possible is advised.

6. QUESTION: Precisely 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 legal rights and remedies, the ideal practice is to research your area of need and research what law firms are around to help you. A recommendation from somebody you know and respect can add a personal element to the consideration to hire an law firm but should not be the only reason counsel is chosen. Research the lawyer's background of training, practical experience and area(s) of practice. Asking basic questions should be urged in this process. Self-help could be strengthening but can also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a legal professional should be considered with exactly the same level of thought and consideration as that given to the pick of a medical professional, accountant, financial specialist or therapist.