By Michelle DeLuca
Every January, many Americans make resolutions for the coming year. They resolve to volunteer more, spend more time with their family, lose weight, quit smoking, advance their career, or organize their home or office. Unfortunately, many of these resolutions are abandoned two weeks later. This year, adhere to your plan by setting manageable goals and seeking guidance when appropriate.
Guidance can come from a trusted friend or, when dealing with a business or legal situation, an attorney. Legal counselors can be valuable resources in a variety of situations. First, attorneys can offer up front advice and direction to help you avoid legal troubles. Additionally, when legal problems have arisen, they can help resolve legal disputes before they become too serious.
Many individuals and businesses mistakenly wait until they are served with a summons and complaint before hiring an attorney. This year, resolve to obtain the trusted advice of a lawyer immediately to keep a difficult situation from expanding. This is especially true when dealing with complex business decisions or potential legal problems with important financial implications.
Before choosing an attorney, you first need to ascertain the nature of your legal problem. Do you need an attorney for advice on a real estate matter, an incorporation issue, or even a potential lawsuit? After determining the type of legal problem you have, you should choose someone who is qualified and sincerely interested in protecting your interests.
Consider asking these questions:
1) Does your attorney specialize in the area with which you need assistance?
2) Do you understand what is going on or is your attorney using unfamiliar legal terms?
3) Are your calls returned promptly?
4) Is your attorney fully focused on your problem?
5) Are you receiving the facts you need to make good decisions?
6) Do you trust your attorney to always act in your best interest?
After selecting your lawyer, there are some additional items to consider when consulting with him or her:
1) Be completely honest since he or she can only give you appropriate legal advice based on the information you provide;
2) Give your attorney all of the relevant facts, even if some of the facts are not in your favor;
3) Keep your attorney fully informed of any new developments;
4) Make sure you understand the scope of the engagement; and
5) Make sure you understand and agree in writing to the fee agreement and obtain an initial legal budget.
These simple suggestions can assist you with selecting an honest and professional advocate to protect your interests. This year, resolve to set manageable goals and, when appropriate, seek legal guidance before problems arise so that you can begin the new year with a solid foundation.
Michelle DeLuca, a partner at Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A., practices law in the areas of products liability, torts and insurance, workers' compensation, business litigation, and transportation litigation. For more information, visit www.gwblawfirm.com or call Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A. at (864) 271-9580.
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