Procrastination is not merely a curious human aberration, one of the many instances in which people fail to pursue their interest in an efficient and productive manner; it represents a dysfunction of human abilities that are important, if not essential, for coping with the myriad tasks, major or minor, that accumulate daily on our desks, in our memo books or in our minds … We procrastinate, we waste time, miss opportunities, and do not live authentic lives …
Norman (Noach) Milgram, 1991
It is your responsibility
Procrastination is not simply the act of deferral or postponement. It implies an intentional avoidance of important tasks or unpleasant responsibilities that one knows should be taken care of right away and a setting of them somewhere in one’s mind for another day, another week, or forever…
There is an intrinsic connection between procrastination and legal problems that is most costly to the procrastinator because the legal system is very unforgiving to those who decide to put off their legal obligations.
Legal obligations and Ignorantia Juris non Excusat
To pay a fine on time, to pay a bill on time, to contest a bill on time, to sue someone on time, to defend yourself in a lawsuit on time are among our legal obligations according to the law. The law is one for all, the procrastinators and all “others” including new immigrants.
We are all aware of “Ignorantia Juris non Excusat” (ignorance of the law excuses no one) but somehow many new immigrants that request legal aid have a different perspective; believing they will get special treatment for ignorance of the law and, therefore, not taking care of their problems on time. How frustrating it is for them when they discover that they are no exception.
Timing is essential, and even when you seek help on time (before the last day) it may be impossible to assist you on time because we have our hands full with other issues.
Any legal issue is always time-consuming and there are no shortcuts, even when you hire a lawyer. Time is needed in order to do a good job and achieve positive results for you.
Rights and obligations
There is a vast difference between your right to receive something and your obligation to give something; for example, the right to receive a discount, as in the case of municipalities, etc. The right to receive a discount is limited; you have to apply on time, present documents on time – in a relatively short time or you will lose that right. But if you owe the municipality money (taxes) they have up to seven years to sue you and unlimited time after opening a file in the otsa la foal. The meaning is simple: They have the right to “go after you” forever.
If you have a “procrastination problem” it is better to take care of it right away – before it becomes a nightmare or, even worse, before it becomes your entire family’s problem; because a legal problem will certainly affect not only you but all your family members.
Family law
In family law, procrastination has a much more serious implication; not only psychological and emotional, but also legal.
If you are in a marital struggle, don’t wait until it becomes a battlefield because it will cause pain and suffering not only to you but to others, too, like your spouse, your children and close family.
Remember: Timing is essential when handling a marital crisis.
