Tel: While Douglas Kaplan, Esq specializes in Medical Malpractice, Criminal Law and Foreclosures in Nassau County, here are some generally helpful tips that anyone can use. Remember that not all advice fits every situation, and it is therefore strongly encouraged that you seek the counsel of an experienced Nassau County attorney for information on all your legal questions.
Should I execute a will?
Estate planning is not only for the elderly. Every adult should have an estate plan specifying what should happen to their property when they pass away. While most people prefer not to think too far ahead, death is a reality that is, for most of us, unplanned. It is much better to draw up your own will and testament than to rely on what the law has in store for everyone who did not take the time to do so. If you have a spouse and/or children, it is especially important for you to have a will to ensure they are properly taken care of once you have moved on.
When should I contact an attorney?
Estate planning is not only for the elderly. Every adult should have an estate plan specifying what should happen to their property when they pass away. While most people prefer not to think too far ahead, death is a reality that is, for most of us, unplanned. It is much better to draw up your own will and testament than to rely on what the law has in store for everyone who did not take the time to do so. If you have a spouse and/or children, it is especially important for you to have a will to ensure they are properly taken care of once you have moved on.
How much should I say?
Be open and honest. Your Nassau County attorney can only help you insofar as you help her understand your case. Keeping details or information from your Nassau County lawyer only makes her job that much more difficult, which is in every case a detriment to your claim or defense. Your Nassau County lawyer is there to represent you and therefore you need to have enough trust in her to divulge everything pertaining to your situation. Your Nassau County 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.
Should I ask questions?
Ask questions and make sure you get answers. Your Nassau County 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 Nassau County 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 into legal proceedings, from lawyer fees to court procedures. Make sure you are comfortable with your Nassau County attorney and that they can explain legal jargon to your entire satisfaction before deciding to hire her.
In three decades of practice, I've successfully represented plaintiffs and defendants (and individuals and corporations) in a broad variety of cases. I've handled matters, often of considerable complexity, involving airport accidents, municipal and prison liability, employment disputes, road design, product liability, construction, railroad and subway matters, a wide spectrum of professional malpractice cases (including insurance broker malpractice) and insurance/declaratory judgment litigation. I've handled and won appeals involving, among other things, duties of commercial property owners, legal malpractice/insurer bad faith, pre-trial discovery issues, and division of legal fees between law firms. I've litigated in courts all over the state, and am at home in front of judge or jury.
