For many of us, the legal system is a complicated maze to navigate. It helps to have a skilled and reputable lawyer on your side to ensure that your rights are being protected and that your case follows the due process. But do you really need a lawyer for every single legal matter? The answer can’t be a straightforward “yes” or “no,” but there are situations when you really need to hire a lawyer.
- There Is Injury Involved
Whether you have been injured in the workplace while performing your duties or have been involved with an automobile accident, it is essential to get a lawyer before agreeing to any claims. If you are a victim of such cases, don’t talk to the insurance or claims company without consulting your lawyer first. Your lawyer will counsel you with the best course of action and whether or not the company is offering just and rightful compensation. In any case, you have to know what questions to ask your lawyer so you can be enlightened with the best options.
- To Handle Complicated Family Matters
Are you and your spouse about to get divorced or annulled? Are you considering adopting another child? Do you have concerns over custody, child support, division of properties and visitation rights? These things may be settled amicably with the other party, but it’s still a legal process where you need professional representation. A lawyer is especially helpful in resolving the complexities of divorce and adoption as these life events are emotionally and financially draining.
- To Settle Business Concerns
Whether you are putting up a new business venture, drawing up contracts for stakeholders or going through a nasty tax issue, having a business lawyer helps smooth things out for you. A lawyer can help you decide whether it’s right to declare sole proprietorship, an LLC or corporation for your business. Additionally, your lawyer can navigate through the legal requirements of your new business as well as keep track of the legal implications your business decisions, from trademarks, licenses, leasing establishments, registrations and so on.
- To Defend You in Criminal Court
If you’re accused of a criminal charge, the more you need a lawyer to represent you and protect your rights. Criminal charges can have a profound impact to your life and public record, and an experienced lawyer can walk you through the process of the criminal justice to give you wise and sound counsel. Whether you are guilty of the crime or not, you must never attempt to represent yourself before the court. Hire an experienced criminal attorney, if not, wait for the state to assign a public defender for you before giving any statement.
- Drawing Up and Updating Wills
It is also essential to get a lawyer when you need to draw up a new will or update an existing one. Estate planning can get complicated and you can’t count on just verbal agreement when it comes to distributing assets in the event of your passing. Your attorney can ensure that your will is fully executed and that assigned family members or charities shall get their fair share of your assets according to your wishes.
Without a lawyer, your assets can go into intestacy. The state shall dictate how your assets are to be disbursed. Also, estate planning with the aid of a lawyer is vital in reducing or eliminating estate taxes, at the same time, ensure that your last wishes are honored.
- Driving Under the influence
A DUI charge is a not a case to be taken lightly. It can taint your public record, lead to hefty fines and costs, jail time, suspension or revocation of your license. It can affect your personal life, career, and future opportunities. An experienced DUI lawyer can gather evidence and statements regarding your case, represent you in a trial, cross-examine arresting police officers, and importantly, negotiate to reduce, if not dismiss, your conviction.
Getting an attorney for any of these cases should not be a matter of hit or miss or trial and error. You need to consider how these cases can affect your future. It always pays to do your own due diligence, interview lawyers, ask them questions about their legal strategies and work closely with them to get the results you both wanted.
Check out the lawyer’s years of experience in his field of practice. Laws can vary from one state to the next, so try to pick a lawyer who is knowledgeable with the local state laws as well. Don’t hesitate to talk about the costs, ask for options and follow your gut feeling. You need a lawyer who you can trust and have full confidence in to ensure that he has your best interests at heart.
