Language, being the primary source of communication, can hold great power when it is used efficiently to express thoughts, emotions or arguments. Not only does the language play a key role in accurate expression of ideas, but it has the ability to create a strong impact with the right choice of words. Additionally, language can be used to make a persuasive request of the court or state a strong opposition.
When it comes to sensitive issues where the stakes are high, such as legal procedures involving a divorce, child custody, or child support language can be a major barrier—especially if you are a native speaker of another country and do not speak English. Things become further complicated when you are unable to understand the law, legislation, and legal precedents because it can cause major negative legal consequences. Having someone on your side that speaks both English and your native language can greatly benefit you by ensuring that you are on an equal footing with your opposition—especially if you opposition is represented by an attorney.
Whether you are a citizen of Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia, or any other Spanish-speaking country, and you live in the United States, your life will eventually touch or be impacted by the legal system in some way. The way in which the law will touch your life can be as small as an innocent traffic citation, a parking ticket or as critical as fighting for custody of your children. Navigating the legal system is tough, even if you do speak English. However, navigating the legal system, not knowing the language and receiving a favourable outcome in your case is nearly impossible (even if the courts offer interpreters for court hearings). This is because so much of the work that is required to obtain a favourable outcome is not done in court, but rather outside of court.
Risks Involved in Hiring an Interpreter for Legal Matters
As a native Spanish-speaker, you might have wondered whether you can have an interpreter in court hearings. The answer is yes, but it depends on the interpreter’s availability. However, if you have an interpreter translating for you, but not an attorney who understands you, and knows exactly what you want from having in-depth discussions with you, it is unlikely that you will obtain an outcome that you are happy with. This is because there is still a language barrier between you and the non-Spanish-speaking attorney. On the other hand, if you have a Spanish-speaking lawyer on your team, then it will save you a lot of energy, time and will (honestly) help you feel significantly more comfortable knowing that the attorney is handling your case exactly the way you want it handled.
Each piece of this puzzle plays a significant role in helping you achieve a favourable outcome in your case!
The following is a list of basic reasons why you should not choose a Spanish-interpreter to communicate with a non-Spanish-speaking attorney in your legal matters:
- An interpreter does not have legal knowledge or understanding of the legal terminology in your legal matter, which can cause small (but extremely significant) misunderstandings between you and the attorney.
- An interpreter can damage your case by failing to accurately translate what you want the court to know about your legal case or position.
- Hiring a non-Spanish-speaking attorney and an interpreter would cost you significantly more money.
If you do not speak English very well and anticipate filing a legal action, or are currently involved in a legal action, then the best decision you can make is to hire a Spanish-speaking attorney as it will help you communicate your position and concerns to the court in the most persuasive and precise way possible.
Hiring A Spanish-Speaking Lawyer is The Best Way to Go!
The law will touch your life in one way or another no matter where you live and you will need to consult with a Spanish-speaking lawyer. Eventually, you may need the assistance of an attorney to help you draft or review a contract, represent you in a divorce or child custody proceeding, defend you against criminal charges, or sue someone who has injured you. The list of why you may require an attorney is endless.
Finding an attorney who will work with you and your budget is difficult. Whereas, finding a Spanish-speaking attorney who will work with you and your budget in the area of law you need is even more difficult. For whatever reason, most people hire English-speaking lawyers (even when it is not ideal to do so). Unless the specific skill of Spanish-speaking is needed, Spanish-speaking lawyers are rarely considered. If you do not speak English, then not considering a Spanish-speaking lawyer would be a big mistake because it will significantly reduce your chances of obtaining a favourable outcome in your case. A bilingual lawyer has the ability to convey required information and messages with accuracy, which saves you both time and money, as well as allows you to present your case to the court persuasively, precisely and exactly the way you want your case to be presented.
A Spanish-Speaking Attorney Simplifies The Legal Process And Removes Language Barriers
Not understanding the language can become challenging and may create many unnecessary issues. The inability to understand the language can cause significant misunderstandings and may complicate your case. Hiring a proper Spanish-speaking lawyer will significantly decrease the likelihood of misunderstandings and unnecessary issues.
- A Spanish-speaking lawyer will help you present your thoughts, positions and concerns to the court effectively and precisely—both in your court hearings and in the papers you file.
- Having a Spanish-speaking attorney on your team will provide you with confidence and reassurance, knowing that your case is being handled exactly the way you want it to be handled.
- A Spanish-speaking attorney will assist you by preventing you from suffering significant losses, be it your children or significant sums of money, in your life.
At Castro Law Offices, P.C., our main area of legal expertise is in family law. We have a proven track record of providing exemplary legal services to clients from Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia, and Brazil.
How Can Our Spanish-speaking Lawyers Assist You in Specific Cases?
1. Document Review Assistance
Whether you are creating a new business organization, filing a suit with the court and require either full representation or are self-represented, a Spanish-speaking lawyer can guide you accurately through the process.
2. Family Law Proceedings
Family law is a very specialized area of legal expertise. It involves both married and unmarried individuals. Whenever someone walks away from a marriage, or an unmarried couple with children decides to file a separation, the State’s domestic relations laws will apply. The most common types of cases we see on a daily basis that a Spanish-speaking lawyer can assist you with include the following:
- Child Custody
- Child Visitation
- Child Support
- Division of Assets
- Alimony
- Spousal Support
- Domestic Violence
- Adoption
- Parental Rights
There are always two sides to every story. The same is true for legal matters. Hire a Spanish-speaking attorney to tell your story so that it doesn’t go untold. Gain comfort in knowing that a Spanish-speaking attorney will review your case thoroughly with you, analyse it and provide you with sound legal advice.
Family law cases have many psychological components to them as well. You need an excellent lawyer to support you in all aspects, both legal and emotional. Hire a Spanish-speaking attorney who can listen, understand and have a normal conversation with you about your views. Hire an attorney who understands you, can negotiate for you, and can fight for you in the court against his English-speaking counterparts. Or, hire a Spanish-speaking attorney who can effectively mediate and settle the case for you.
Our Service Areas
Castro Law Offices, P.C. can provide you with legal services through a Spanish-speaking attorney. We have successfully provided outstanding legal advice, services and support to various clients from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Colombia. Our primary service areas include:
- Marin County
- Sonoma County
- Alameda County
- Contra Costa County
- San Francisco County
- Napa County
- San Francisco Bay Area
If you are in need of a Spanish-speaking attorney, then please call (415) 432-9866 or email info@castrolawoffices.com to schedule an appointment today.