5 Times When You Should Hire an Attorney

Any type of legal conflict can get quickly out of hand, making it important to know the best time to hire an attorney. In general, you should trust your instincts. If you think you need an attorney, you should probably consult a lawyer. When it comes to hiring an attorney, each situation is different.

You're Facing an Arrest

Even if you are only a suspect in a case and suppose you may be arrested or charged sometime in the future, you should consult a criminal defense attorney. An individual won't know when the arrest will happen in many situations, making it important to consult a lawyer as early as possible. Your discussions with an attorney will be confidential, so you shouldn't feel nervous about disclosing incriminating information to your attorney. However, telling them ahead of time that you have committed a crime or think you're under suspicion can help you and your lawyer prepare for a potential arrest.

You're Starting a Business

It makes sense to enlist an attorney for legal assistance before launching a new business since many legal factors are to consider early. You'll need to structure your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC, and knowing which structure to choose may require the expertise of a business attorney. You'll also need to draw up legally binding employment contracts, vendor agreements, and sales agreements. Your business attorney can advise you on avoiding litigation from employees, customers, or vendors, and they can represent you if your business faces a lawsuit.

You Have Been Injured in an Accident

Almost immediately after you have been injured due to an auto accident, slip, and fall, or medical malpractice, the process of seeking compensation will begin. While you may not think you need to get help from a lawyer to file an insurance claim, it's often a wise precaution. Your lawyer can ensure the insurance company's investigation into the incident is fair to you. They can also negotiate with the insurance company to ensure the settlement they offer is enough to cover your damages. If negotiations fail, your lawyer will already be familiar with your case. This can be a great benefit, considering how little time you have to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out.

Your Spouse is Filing For a Divorce

It's a common mistake to think you can discuss a divorce settlement with your spouse without legal representation. When a spouse files for divorce, they usually do so after hiring a divorce lawyer. If you don't also get help from a divorce lawyer, you'll be starting this process off on an unequal footing. Hiring a divorce lawyer will help you meet your spouse on level ground, giving you a better chance of getting the outcome that's important to you. In addition, your divorce lawyer can help you get better terms in the division of assets, support payments, and child custody arrangements.

You Need an Estate Plan

Most people put off estate planning until they reach their 30s or 40s or older, but you should not delay this. You may suffer from a serious illness or become severely injured in an accident at any moment. An estate planning attorney can help you create a will that establishes guardianship for your children, and they can draw up a living trust to protect your assets. They can also help you choose a healthcare proxy and financial power of attorney to help you if you become unable to express your wishes coherently. Leaving any of these details to chance will result in the courts making these decisions for you.

In some cases, an attorney will offer a free initial consultation. Even if you have to pay an office visit fee for that first consultation, the insight you'll receive can be well worth the cost. You'll discuss your circumstances, and the attorney will evaluate the strength of your case. In many cases, an initial consultation can be enough to help you decide on a course of action.