Lawyers have legal expertise that enables them to help people in a variety of crises. However, this assistance does not come without a price. If money is not a consideration, you need not worry about whether or when to seek representation. But, if you want to avoid unnecessary expenses, consider your plight carefully to determine whether you need professional help. Then, you can hire an attorney if you need help with your problem.
What Might You Lose?
Some situations are so serious in nature that you could lose your personal freedom or a large amount of money if you do not proceed correctly. For example, if you are charged with a crime, and jail or prison time could be involved, it’s important to have legal representation. Predicaments that involve a civil lawsuit and potentially large fines also warrant having a lawyer’s guidance and assistance.
Timeliness and Deadlines
When you have a specific deadline for acting, an attorney can often work quickly and effectively to complete the necessary tasks. The time it would take you to learn and then proceed through the legal system could be far longer than the time it would take a lawyer to act on your behalf. Consider applicable statutes of limitations for any legal situation, and ensure that you shop for lawyers with enough time for the professional you hire to be able to resolve your problem before the specified deadline.
Complicated Proceedings
There are a number of legal situations that involve complicated laws. In these situations, a layperson likely does not have a full grasp and understanding of everything involved in the legal process. Representing yourself in this situation could lead to mistakes and missed opportunities because you simply do not have a complete understanding of the situation. For example, estate planning, business negotiations, custody arrangements, and income tax issues typically require the expertise of lawyers to resolve them effectively.
Initial Consultation
Once you determine that you need assistance, schedule appointments to speak with attorneys for initial consultations. These appointments are ideal for outlining your problems and getting professional opinions about how you should proceed to resolve them. By having a few consultations with different attorneys, you can compare the recommendations and opinions you receive to see if they differ. Professionals may also have different opinions from you about the best way to proceed. In this case, you should weigh the professional recommendations carefully to determine whether your desires are unrealistic. You can also get estimates for the prices of representation to enable you to compare them to find an attorney that fits your budget.
By considering your situation carefully and weighing the benefits of attorney assistance, you can decide whether it’s prudent to have legal representation. You might decide that the expense of a lawyer is worth the benefit you’ll receive from the assistance. You could also decide that you would rather save your money and take your chances by representing yourself. Proceed carefully in this predicament to ensure that you don’t make your problems worse instead of resolving them.