Representing People & Businesses in a Wide Range of Civil Matters
Law Firm FAQs
General questions about working with McGraw, Rauba & Mutarelli.
Is legal representation necessary?
It depends on the type of legal issue you’re facing. Even if legal representation is not required, hiring a lawyer will certainly make a difference.
Are there specific questions I should ask my attorney?
It’s crucial to maintain ongoing communication with your attorney. Consider asking: what is your plan for my case? What should I expect during proceedings? How do I reach you in an emergency? How does payment work? What should I bring to meetings and hearings? How should I prepare for depositions?
Will our attorney-client meetings take place at your firm?
A large majority of our meetings take place at our Ocala law firm. If anything prevents you from meeting at our office, talk with your attorney — there are solutions we can work through together.
Does my specific incident require legal services?
We’ll need to review your case to determine that. Even when representation isn’t strictly required, a lawyer’s support and guidance improves your chances of winning or settling.
How much should I expect to pay for attorney services?
Every case involves different expenses, charged according to the work required to settle, close or win it. Many of the matters we handle are based on contingency fees, where we collect a portion of your settlement if successful. Always ask about payment and contingency policies up front.
Legal Case FAQs
Questions about filing a claim or pursuing a legal case.
Do I have a legal claim?
If you’ve suffered financial, personal injury, or property damage, you may have a claim. Proving it requires sufficient evidence for the legal elements involved — we can review your situation and provide insight into whether it may be pursued.
Do I need an attorney?
You have the right to represent yourself, but courts hold you to the same standard as an attorney. Self-representation is almost always a bad idea — an experienced attorney ensures you comply with procedure and don’t waive important claims or defenses.
What is my case worth?
It depends on the circumstances. In a contract dispute, the goal is to put you in the position you’d be in had the contract been performed; in an injury case, you’re entitled to compensation for damages sustained, including pain and suffering.
What is a contingency fee?
The attorney recovers a set percentage of any judgment or settlement, common in personal injury cases — this gives the attorney incentive to recover damages, since otherwise neither side is paid.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases resolve without going to trial. Trial is expensive and outcomes are never guaranteed, so that decision is weighed carefully if a case can’t otherwise be resolved.
What is a statute of limitations?
A time period within which a claim must be filed, which varies by claim type. If you believe you have a claim, don’t delay — waiting risks the claim expiring.
Can an attorney settle my case without asking me?
No. An attorney must review any settlement offer and get your permission before accepting it.
Florida Mediation FAQs
Common questions about mediation as a dispute-resolution option.
What does mediation involve?
A neutral mediator helps both parties understand each other’s positions and works toward a fair, negotiated resolution — facilitating the bargaining process rather than deciding the outcome.
What are the benefits of mediation?
It’s typically less expensive and less risky than trial, keeps the terms confidential, and lets you learn what the other side is actually willing to offer.
What kinds of cases can be mediated?
Almost any civil dispute — personal injury, business disputes, estate disagreements, family law issues and more.
Is mediation mandatory?
Usually not, though a court may require it. If there’s little chance of agreement, mediation may not be worthwhile; if there’s a real possibility of resolution, the parties may agree to try it.
How can a lawyer help with a mediation?
An attorney assesses the strengths and weaknesses of your case and the fairness of offers made, and brings experience with the mediation process itself.
What exactly is a consultation?
Common questions about mediation as a dispute-resolution option.
What happens during a consultation?
One of our attorneys, by phone or in person, talks with a potential client about their case — gathering facts to make an initial judgment about what the firm can offer. This meeting, before any contract is signed, is the consultation.
