When Should You Consult an Attorney?

Oct 14, 2024

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Laws oversee every aspect of life, from where a person lives to how they drive. Today, people cannot get away from the law. Most people rarely need an attorney, however. When they have a question, they may wonder if they need to consult an attorney or if another professional would be more helpful.

Legal Advice

A person might not have a legal dispute but still consider contacting an attorney. Lawyers regularly help individuals with legal matters when no dispute is involved. They may wish to start a business, create an estate plan, or transfer real estate to a family member. The attorney can help them do all of the above and more. People might wish to have legal checkups just as they do medical checkups to ensure their legal matters are in order.

When is a Lawyer Necessary?’

Certain matters require an attorney’s help. When a person has a significant life event or change, they should speak to an attorney. For example, anyone arrested for a crime should contact an attorney immediately, and the same holds for someone named in a civil suit and served papers.

A person in a serious accident with injuries or significant property damage should talk to an attorney to ensure they receive fair compensation. An attorney should handle any change in family status or financial situation. The lawyer will ensure the adoption or divorce is dealt with correctly, and they will assist a person in starting a business, filing for bankruptcy, or purchasing and selling real estate.

People should turn to an attorney for help when creating an estate plan to ensure their assets are distributed as they desire when they pass. An attorney best handles child custody and support issues, and people should always consult an attorney when they have a traffic matter that requires an appearance in court. The attorney will fight for the client to keep their license or reduce the number of points on their license. They need this help as the loss of a driver’s license can have far-reaching effects for the individual.

When Should Other Professionals Be Consulted?

People don’t always need an attorney. For instance, a problem with a product or service can often be handled by a consumer protection agency or the company’s customer service department. There is no need to contact an attorney until these avenues have been exhausted. An ombudsman can help with many community matters relating to consumer, employment, or landlord/tenant conflicts, and a person should consider calling their local TV or radio station to see if it has someone tasked with resolving disputes between businesses and consumers.

Another option is a dispute resolution center. Often referred to as neighborhood justice centers, the groups help individuals resolve problems and disputes. The person pays a small fee for the service, or the center may offer its services for free.

Using Small-Claims Court

Small-claims court is an option that should be considered in some instances. If the amount involved is under a predetermined limit, no attorney is needed to appear in this court. Both parties share their stories and allow a judge to decide the case. People often prefer this option because the case can usually be heard quickly, and the cost is minimal.

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People might wait until a problem arises to consult an attorney. As previously mentioned, regular legal checkups are wise, as they help to prevent problems before they occur. When a matter arises that needs their attention, the attorney will already be familiar with the client’s situation, making it easier to resolve the problem quickly.

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