7 Questions To Ask Before Hiring NRI Property Disputes Lawyers In India
There is a sizeable population of Indians who have settled abroad but many of them still maintain links with the country and are attached not only emotionally but also economically with their land of origin. Many Non Resident Indians (NRIs) invest in business ventures, properties and other assets and require legal assistance in resolving any issues surrounding these investments. A list of questions that an NRI must ask all prospective lawyers in India before hiring them for settling any NRI land dispute cases, is being presented here.
1. Does The Lawyer Possess Experience And Knowledge Of Handling Property Dispute Cases?
It is the most important question that any person looking for help in NRI property dispute cases, must ask a professional. The answer to the query will help in assessing whether the lawyer knows about all relevant property laws besides finding out whether he/she has experience of representing other clients in similar cases. The client must also ask what type of other property cases the attorney apart from asking him/her to provide testimonials from other clients.
2. What Is The Professional’s Approach Towards Property Dispute Cases?
Another vital query that is helpful in assessing the appropriateness of the professional for the client’s requirements. The NRI may be looking for settling the matter which would require a lawyer with good negotiation skills, making dispute resolution firms the ideal choice for him/her but if the scenario requires aggressive handling, then an attorney known for successful courtroom arguments must be engaged.
3. Can The Attorney Suggest Any Alternative Ways To Solve The Problem?
A thorough professional will advise the client on viable alternative routes that can be used for settling the matter. It will be sensible to ask whether other avenues of dispute resolution like arbitration or out of court settlement will be helpful in the case or not.
4. How Will The Lawyer Handle The Case In The Client’s Absence?
It will be practically impossible for an NRI to attend all court hearings or be physically present for discussions with the attorney and therefore people looking for lawyers in India must ask them about how they will handle the case in their absence. An experienced professional will be able to get an exemption for the client from personal appearance for most of the hearings.
5. What Is The Possible Outcome Of The Case?
A client must ask about the possible outcome of the case so that preparations can be made for the future. Beware of a person who guarantees a definite result in your favour and look for a lawyer who gives an honest answer no matter how unpleasant it may sound.
6. How Will The Developments Of the Case Be Communicated?
As the client will not be present at all times for discussions or hearings, it is necessary that an effective channel for communicating the developments regarding the case be established. Asking the legal professional how and when details about the matter will be conveyed in addition to enquiring who will be the person deputed for handling the communication will be pertinent.
7. What Will Be The Total Costs Including The Fees And The Payment Plan?
Enquiring with the lawyer about the fees that will be charged and the manner in which it needs to be paid is also very important as the reply will give the client an idea whether the services of the professional are affordable or not. The client must also ask about any additional expenses and their nature to estimate how much money it will cost to resolve the issue.
Conclusion
An NRI must conduct a comprehensive discussion with the attorney to understand his/her expertise, management skills, experience and the costs involved in addition to doing a background check of all prospective lawyers in India before choosing the most appropriate one.