When should I hire a Lawyer?

#1: Always talk to a lawyer if you don’t understand the law

We’ve talked about this before, but English isn’t always English when it comes to the law. What may be obvious language in a law or document may mean something entirely different in the eyes of a court. The law can be complex and confusing. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you seek help to understand a contract, a will, a divorce decree, etc. It’s much better to get advice up front than try to fix a mistake later. If you don’t understand a legal document, if you can’t figure out how the law affects you, or you can’t make sense of a legal issue – hire a lawyer.

For example, suppose you are dealing with a child support issue that will have a big effect on you and your family for many years. Maybe you have read the law that applies to this issue over and over, and you just don’t understand your options. Should you take the risk of handling it yourself and making a mistake? Do you want the State of Washington breathing down your neck for the next 20 years? It is penny smart and dollar foolish to take on such a big risk without professional advice.

#2: Hire a lawyer for legal issues with long-lasting consequences

When looking at a possible legal problem, you need to decide whether it will have a serious or long term impact on your life. It just makes sense to hire a lawyer for the big legal problems.

For example, suppose you are charged with a DUI. It may be possible to get through this life changing event without a lawyer, but will the long term consequences of a conviction be properly addressed? Are you aware of the many ways a DUI can be defeated or minimized? How will the actions you take effect you when seeking a job, traveling out of the U.S.A., or purchasing insurance?

Many types of legal issues have long lasting consequences. Divorce, child custody, wills, real estate transactions, criminal charges, etc. all can have major long term consequences. Getting knowledgeable legal advice can affect you for many years to come.

#3: Hire a lawyer when you need the “big guns”

There are times in your life when it just makes sense to bring in the “big guns” – a lawyer who will act as your tireless advocate. In many instances, you want a lawyer if you’re fighting an opponent who is more powerful, has more money, or is better versed in the law.

Maybe you are getting a divorce, and your spouse is gearing up for a fight. You do not want to represent yourself against a lawyer who has many years of experience litigating divorces. You want to have representation that can stand up to your spouse’s lawyer and fight effectively for your rights.

#4: Hire a lawyer for issues worth more than the cost of a lawyer

As obvious as it sounds, it really doesn’t often make much sense to spend $1,000 to fix a $500 problem. If you are facing a legal issue that’s worth a lot of money, it is often worth the investment to hire a lawyer.

For example, take a child support issue. A child support payment for a young child might total $100,000 before support terminates. Child support, day care, insurance, extra curricular activities, etc. require a solid knowledge of the law, and mistakes may cost thousands. Why not spend a small fraction of that to hire a lawyer who can review the issues, point out any problems, and help you reach a fair and equitable solution.

#5: Follow your instincts

When faced with a legal issue, sometimes you just have to rely on your gut. Maybe the problem seems clear cut and straightforward, but you have a nagging doubt in the back of your mind. Maybe a lot of people have told you “it’s easy, you don’t need a lawyer for this,” but you’re not so sure. Maybe something seems fishy. When it comes down to it, our gut instincts are, more often than not, accurate. If you have any doubts, hire the attorney. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.