“So You Want An Orange County Attorney To Solve Your Legal Problems?”
Watch For Our Upcoming Directory of Orange County Attorneys!
Here Are 10 Facts You Need To Know Before Choosing One
Imagine how great life would be if all your legal problems disappeared with the simple snap of your fingers. You’d have a better quality of life and more time to do the things you love. Unfortunately, life hands you bumps and surprises and there will be times when legal issues come up.
If you’re facing a legal problem and don’t know how to fix it, you need the help of a competent Orange County attorney specially trained to advise and assist you in that area of law.
How much easier would life be if an experienced Orange County attorney handled your legal problem? He or she can help you understand your rights, and the strengths and weaknesses of your case. He or she will also know how to argue your case in court. Having an attorney can mean the difference between successfully winning your case or losing.
Attorneys can specialize in one area of law or handle a variety or legal problems including getting a divorce, filing a bankruptcy, drawing up a will, or filing a lawsuit for an injury. Retaining an Orange County attorney during the early stages of your legal problem could save you headache, time, trouble, and money.
Let’s examine the 10 facts you need to know before retaining one:
1) Find An Orange County Attorney With Experience
Be sure to ask your attorney what experience he or she has had with your particular legal problem. While a general attorney can handle a variety of legal problems, one that is state-bar certified has advanced experience and tested ability in their field of law.
You can find Orange County attorneys certified in appellate law, criminal law, estate planning, trust and probate, family law, immigration, and nationality law, bankruptcy law, taxation law, and workers compensation law.
You will also find attorneys certified by private certifying organizations in civil advocacy, criminal trial advocacy, family law trial advocacy, business bankruptcy law, consumer bankruptcy law, creditor’s rights law, elder law, accounting, legal and medical malpractice, and juvenile law (child welfare).
2) Beware Of Attorneys Who Solicit You First
Depending on the circumstances, that Orange County attorney could be violating the legal professions code of ethics. For example if you were hurt in an auto accident and an attorney or attorney’s representative contacts you in the hospital asking to represent you, that would be a violation of the code of legal ethics.
3) Comparison Shop
Compare several attorney’s before you decide to meet with one. Many Orange County attorneys offer a free initial consultation to help you make a decision. Ask about their experience with your type of problem and when they were last retained for a similar case. Remember that age has nothing to do with an attorney’s experience. Someone with more experience is better qualified to assist you with your problem.
Ask if he or she would offer you a free in office consultation. If there is a charge for the office consultation, ask how much the fee is. Expect your Orange County attorney consultation to last between 15-30 minutes. Before your meeting, write down the key points you want to discuss including details such as names, addresses, and phone numbers of involved parties.
4) Write Notes At Your Consultation
Take detailed notes on everything the attorney discusses. Each attorney will offer a unique approach to handling your problem and you may not remember which one sounded the best. Take time to decide which attorney is right for you.
5) Who Will Handle Your Case?
Ask if the Orange County attorney will be handling your case personally or if another colleague will. You don’t want to find out later that your case was assigned to a less experienced attorney. If you case is assigned to another attorney, be sure to meet with him or her.
6) Beware of Guarantees
Like anything in life, it’s hard to guarantee results on your case. Lawsuits and legal matters aren’t 100 percent predictable so beware of any Orange County attorney who guarantees your results. While an attorney can’t promise you results he or she can discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Ask the attorney how long your case may take, the steps involved, and how their fee is calculated.
7) How Involved Will You Be In Your Case?
Find out what the Orange County Attorney needs from you to do a good job. You can help by telling the attorney everything you know and by gathering documents, evidence, and witnesses to support your case. Ask how often the attorney will update you and if he or she will provide copies of all letters and prepared documents.
8) Limited Representation
Depending on the difficulty of your case, you may want limited representation by an Orange County attorney. If this options is available to you, you could save money on legal fees.
Not all attorneys will agree to provide limited representation so be sure to ask the attorney during your initial phone consultation. Attorneys who do agree will not take on the full responsibility for managing your case. Services will be limited to what is spelled out in your agreement and can include assistance with negotiating or representation at a court hearing.
9) Fee Agreements
The law requires a written fee agreement when services will total over $1,000. Always have a written record of the agreement. If you only have a verbal agreement or the Orange County attorney fails to draw up one, make a written note for your records.
The fee agreement should list the services the attorney will perform for you and how you’ll be billed for those services. Additional fees such as interest or other late charges should be spelled out in the agreement.
Remember that your fee agreement is only an estimate and the charges could change as your circumstances change. Be sure you understand the agreement fully. If you don’t feel comfortable with any of the terms, negotiate to have it changed. If the Orange County attorney refuses to cooperate, you may want to consult with another attorney.
10) Additional Out-Of-Pocket Costs
The Orange County attorney will charge you to handle your case and any fees incurred. Some additional fees can include certified shorthand reporter charges, copying and fax costs, postage, telephone, and investigator bills. Regardless of the outcome of your case, you’ll still be responsible to pay these costs. Ask the attorney to give you an estimate of what the total costs will be. A good idea is to agree on a spending limit unless you approve the additional charges.
With the right attorney, you can tackle your legal problems with less worry and stress. Start enjoying life again! Follow the recommendations on this list to find the right attorney just for you. A good place to start is by browsing our directory of Orange County Attorneys where you can get details about their office and learn more about their education and training. Search our directory now to make your appointment today!
Comments on this entry are closed.