Individuals work with attorneys because they have the legal knowledge to help them through tough times. This does not, however, mean you need to sit back and be passive when dealing with your attorney. Instead, it’s important that you ask at least a few very important questions.
What to Expect
Most people don’t have much experience with the legal system. As such, it’s important to ask your attorney what you should expect from the process. He or she will explain how cases like yours typically proceed, including the obstacles that might be in your way. While much of your immediate future will be up in the air until the facts become clearer, it’s important to get a roadmap early on so you can make important decisions.
What is Needed
Your role as a client is not passive. If you are working with an attorney, there are several things that you will be expected to do. Make sure to ask your attorney if you will need to provide any type of documentation or if there’s anything else he or she might need. Getting an idea of what you will have to provide will allow you to avoid surprises.
The Cost
While it might seem impolite to discuss, you absolutely must discuss billing with your attorney. It’s important to know not only how much representation costs, but for what things you will be billed. A good personal injury lawyer, for example, will walk you through the exact cost of every aspect of representation so you can prepare your finances.
What Comes Next
You should also talk to your lawyer about what the concrete next steps for your future might be. While a lawyer cannot tell you what your ultimate fate might be, he or she should know a bit about the process. Experienced attorneys know roughly how long it takes to get a case through court, how likely it is that you’ll get a settlement offer, and what steps you’ll have to take to get through the legal system. Great lawyers will help you to plan for what happens after your case is wrapped up.
Always make sure to ask your attorney the important questions. Do what you can to learn about how the legal process works, what kind of fees you’ll be charged, what you’ll need to provide, and what your near-term future looks like. If you ask the right questions, you’ll face fewer surprises in the future.
Author Info: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber.
