Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyers | Decatur Office | Serving Somerville, AL
Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyers | Decatur Office | Serving Somerville, AL
Lead Counsel independently verifies Alternative Dispute Resolution attorneys in Somerville by conferring with Alabama bar associations and conducting annual reviews to confirm that an attorney practices in their advertised practice areas and possesses a valid bar license for the appropriate jurisdictions.
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a process by which the parties can resolve their situation without going to court. The process typically involves several methods including arbitration, mediation, early neutral evaluation, collaborative law, and conciliation.
It is not necessary to have legal counsel for ADR proceedings, but it is a good idea to consult with a Somerville lawyer who is experienced in these forms of negotiation to protect your rights. The lawyer can advise you how to avoid potential misunderstandings and act as an advisor.
Specialized legal help is available for most legal issues. Each case is unique; seeking legal help is a smart first step toward understanding your legal situation and seeking the best path toward resolution for your case. An experienced lawyer understands the local laws surrounding your case and what your best legal options might be. More importantly, there are certain situations and circumstances – such as being charged with a crime – where you should always seek experienced legal help.
The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.
A reputable attorney will be very upfront about how he/she will charge you. The three most common fee structures that attorneys use to charge for their services are:
Depending on your specific legal situation, it’s possible that only one type of fee structure is available. For instance, criminal defense attorneys almost always bill by the hour. In a flat fee arrangement, an attorney accepts a one-time payment to help you resolve your issue. With a contingent fee agreement, the client pays little to nothing upfront and the attorney receives a percentage of the money recovered if you win your case.
Affidavit – A sworn written statement made under oath. An affidavit is meant to be a supporting document to the court assisting in the verification of certain facts. An affidavit may or may not require notarization.