ASK LAURA, OUR OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
While we practice exclusively immigration law, here are some generally helpful tips that anyone can use. Remember that not all advice fits every situation, and we therefore strongly encourage you to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney for information on all your legal questions.
When should I contact an attorney?
Act without delay. If you find yourself in a situation wherein you need legal advice, make contacting a skilled, experienced Pearl River attorney your priority. The sooner you seek legal advice, the easier it will be for your Pearl River attorney to build a strong case in your favor, whatever the charges or circumstances of your situation. Delay in obtaining legal counsel might lead to some important information being lost or forgotten, or allowing the other party involved in your dispute to build a stronger case against you. Often times, you also have to allow some time for your Pearl River attorney to review the case, file paper work and get the proceedings started.
How much should I say?
Be open and honest. Your Pearl River attorney can only help you insofar as you help him or her understand your case. Keeping details or information from your Pearl River lawyer only makes his or her job that much more difficult, which is in every case a detriment to your claim or defense. Your Pearl River lawyer is there to represent you and therefore you need to have enough trust in him or her to divulge everything pertaining to your situation. Your Pearl River attorney will in most cases ask questions that may seem very personal in nature, or might upset you. Remember that their only concern is to ensure you come out of the situation with the best results possible, and as such you should answer honestly and not feel defensive when being questioned.
Your answers to our office will be confidential per the law.
Should I ask questions?
Ask questions and make sure you get answers. Your Pearl River attorney, if skilled, qualified and experienced, should expect you to have many questions about your case, their background, the cost of the proceedings and other aspects of the law. Any Pearl River lawyer who cannot or will not take the time to answer these questions clearly and openly should not be trusted. You should know exactly what to expect walking in to legal proceedings, from lawyer fees to court procedures. Make sure you are comfortable with your Pearl River attorney and that they can explain legal jargon to your entire satisfaction before deciding to hire him or her.
Do I need an attorney to handle my legal issue?
If you stand to lose a lot financially from a given situation, or if your freedom, family, career or property is at stake, discussing your situation with an experienced attorney allows you to methodically review all of your legal options regarding a broad range of life events to assist you with determining the best course of action.
How can I ensure that I receive the most cost effective services from an attorney?
Ask an attorney for a written agreement of fees for clarity on projected costs. When communicating with your lawyer either by phone, email or in person plan your questions in advance and limit conversation to the immediate legal matter at hand. Ask an attorney whether arbitration or mediation is possible to avoid more costly litigation proceedings. Inform you attorney of your budget and work around that figure or look for a competent lawyer who provides a payment plan.
Does consulting an attorney mean my case will automatically go to court?
Selecting the most appropriate attorney can provide you with qualified access to alternate dispute resolution methods that include arbitration and mediation. An experienced attorney will do everything possible to settle your case outside of trial but is also prepared to go to court and work toward the best possible outcome.