An attorney is a valuable legal asset, but how do you know when an attorney is necessary? Criminals need attorneys. Estate planning and divorce cases can require attorneys. But legal experts aren’t just for those in trouble or facing big financial decisions. Anyone can benefit from the help of an attorney. Their advice can be incredibly helpful in understanding laws, regulations, business regulations, and so much more.
RichLegg / Getty ImagesFace legal action without an attorney, and you could find yourself in trouble – perhaps even behind bars.
Do You Need an Attorney?
You need an attorney if you find yourself in one of the following situations:
You’re Facing Legal Action
A serious legal case requires an attorney – and some cases are more dire than others. If you’re dealing with any of the below examples, you should never go without representation:
- Arrested for a crime
- Served with a lawsuit
- Injured in an accident of any kind
- Facing property damage
- A sudden family change (such as adoption, death, or divorce)
- A significant financial change (such as filing for bankruptcy or buying valuable property)
These complicated and scary legal matters aren’t easy to handle on your own – each one requires special expertise and legal understanding.
You Have Little Legal Know-How
Do you know the details of divorce law in your state? Are you aware of legal loopholes for certain businesses? Do you even know what happens when you’re served with a lawsuit?
An attorney does. Attorneys can prevent you from making a serious legal mistake. Run the risk of representing yourself, and you could lose your case. That could result in criminal charges, a loss of your rights, and huge financial penalties.
Your Opponent Hired an Attorney
If you’ve been served a legal summons or hit with a lawsuit, you need an attorney immediately. When someone else has already hired an attorney of their own, they’ve taken the time to prepare a strong case against you – and they’re prepared to win.
When an opponent hires legal representation, they’ve been working for months to gather information and build a successful case against you. Don’t fight their case alone; an attorney offers the best chance to refute their argument and win.
Before You Sign a Contract or Agreement
No matter how experienced you are with contracts, hiring an attorney to help you understand the terms, limitations, or other important information in any legal paperwork is a smart move. An attorney can offer invaluable advice: explain legal jargon, notice irregularities or illegal items, point out complications, and answer questions about different potential scenarios.
Don’t sign a big contract, business deal, or legal agreement without consulting an attorney. You could wind up trapped by an unfair contract or financially strapped if things go awry.
Don’t Wait – Hire an Attorney Today
Many people assume that it’s a smart idea to wait to hire an attorney until you’re certain you need one. Waiting allows you to save money, only paying for the attorney’s services when you’re ready.
But waiting is a terrible move. In an effort to save a few hundred dollars, you’re putting yourself at risk of dangerous consequences and even bigger expenses.
If you’re considering legal help, you need to hire an attorney as soon as possible. Failing to take action often leads to a big loss in court – and if you lose a lawsuit or case, you could suddenly owe thousands of dollars.
How to Find The Right Attorney
Imagine the damage that could be done if you try to represent yourself in a lawsuit, uninformed and ill prepared. With no legal expertise, you could face a criminal record, bankruptcy, or loss of property – and those are only a few examples.
Everyone should be prepared to hire an attorney. Set yourself up for success by doing your research before a legal crisis strikes. Take the time to do your research and find an experienced, reliable attorney near you. All it takes is an online search.
Perform an online search for an attorney, and you’ll discover legal specialists of all kinds. You can find the perfect attorney for your legal needs, whether you need an attorney ASAP or in the future. And you can even see attorneys’ ratings, experience, and client reviews to help you make an informed decision.
