In 2018, there were more than 1.33 million practicing attorneys in the United States alone. This is good news if you need a lawyer—you’ll have plenty of experts to choose from when you need legal help.
But knowing when you need a lawyer and when you can handle a situation on your own isn’t always as cut and dry as it should be.
If you’re wondering if hiring an attorney is in your best interest, you need to examine your personal situation closely. Here are a few key signs that it’s time to hire an attorney.
1. You’re Dealing With Paperwork You Don’t Understand
Though many lawyers specialize in court cases and are skilled at representing clients in a lawsuit, that’s not all they can do. Attorneys can interpret and explain complex paperwork, contracts, agreements, and other documents quickly so you can make the best decision for your situation.
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For example, if you’re buying a house from a private seller, an attorney can look over the purchase agreement and make sure everything is legal. If you’re trying to prepare a will and estate plan, an attorney will help you draw everything up.
2. You Need Advice
Attorneys are able to give you legal advice to help you make smart decisions. This can help you avoid making costly mistakes or getting in further trouble in an already sticky situation.
The key to getting the right types of advice lies in choosing an attorney or a law firm that specializes in the area of law that you’re concerned about. According to the team at Gorvins LLP, this means reaching out to different law firms in the area.
Ask each firm about their experience and their specialties. If you’re asking, “do I need a lawyer for divorce?” look for a firm that specializes in divorce cases. If you’re looking for help with a business matter, look for a firm that has experience working with small businesses like yours.
3. There’s a Dispute You Can’t Settle
Sometimes, disputes and arguments can turn into major blowouts and fights that you can’t settle on your own. Worse, trying to can lead to further disputes or get you into deeper trouble.
For example, if you’re in an argument with an ex over property or are fighting over the distribution of a loved one’s estate, settling things on your own could lead to more fighting or force you to accept an unfair settlement.
If you’re trying to negotiate a dispute and things just keep getting worse, you need a lawyer.
Knowing When You Need a Lawyer Matters
Knowing when you need a lawyer can make all the difference in how quickly situations get resolved and how fast you can move on with your life. Keep these signs in mind as you consider whether you need an attorney.
If you think you can benefit from legal help, schedule a consultation and get the advice you need. Your attorney will be able to tell you if you need legal help or advise you on how to resolve the situation yourself.
Do you already have an attorney but aren’t sure how to best use their services? Check out our latest posts for more tips.
