English isn't always English

English isn’t always English. The truth is that you should never sign a legal document without having an attorney look it over first. Usually, you can find a high quality attorney who will offer a free meeting, so all you are really out is your time.

There are many examples, but I can’t tell you how often very smart people will fall for this trap. A standard order of child support, used in nearly every case in this state, has a section titled “Periodic Adjustment”. Well, any reasonably smart person would tell you that if the “does not apply” box is checked, that means that there would be no periodic adjustment – right?

WRONG! Since this section is not really written in English, what it means is that only the standard legal reasons for future modification apply. Why doesn’t it just say so? I really have no idea. All I can tell you is that if you signed an order thinking that English is really English, you could have obligated yourself to serious future legal and financial repercussions.

Take the time and get that legal document reviewed by someone who practices law in that area. It will save you time, trouble, and, just maybe, might save you from making a serious and expensive mistake.