You might not think you need legal advice, but you probably do. Here are some instances when it’s smart to consult a lawyer.
The law is incredibly complicated. While most of us are vaguely aware of the laws we must abide by, trying to understand the inner workings of the law is enough to cross anyone’s eyes.
Law school is one of the most demanding educations one could go through. It takes years of classes, certifications, exams, and internships. It takes even more if someone chooses a specialty field.
That’s why we highly recommend learning when it’s a good idea to consult a lawyer, even when it seems like overkill. But don’t just take our word for it, keep reading to see 7 times when you’re better off hiring a lawyer than risking it on your own.
When It’s a Good Idea to Consult a Lawyer
It seems like we live in a society obsessed with suing one another. Sometimes it’s over something as silly as getting sneezed on, other times it’s legitimate. Regardless, hiring a competent lawyer is your best bet for winning your case, regardless of what side you’re on or what trouble you’re facing.
1. When You’re Starting a Business
Starting a business is an innocent enough pursuit. However, there’s an infinite number of laws and codes you have to abide by while running a business. Even more perplexing is that these laws are all variable based on the type of business you do.
Things are made even more complex if you’re planning on having employees. You have to make sure you’re treating your employees correctly based on employment laws as well as taking care of taxes and insurance coverage.
However, instead of trying to navigate to complexities of business ownership and all of the legal obligations involved, you should consult a lawyer and get started on the right foot.
2. When You’re Involved in a Serious Car Accident
Most small accidents on the road are pretty straight forward. After the fact, the police come, make sure everyone’s alright, clean things up, and determine who’s at fault in their official police report.
However, some accidents are much more complicated, especially when you’re dealing with injuries or fatalities. If you or your loved one suffered a TBI, seeking legal assistance from Los Angeles brain injury attorneys can help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Alternatively, if the other people involved in the crash are going after you personally, hiring a lawyer is necessary for your own legal and financial protection.
3. When You Facing Tax Issues
Equally, if not more complicated than regular law, is tax law. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we make an error on our taxes or somehow owe more money. Regardless, if the IRS is coming after you with fines or worse, your best bet is to consult a lawyer.
There’s a lot the IRS can do to you if they decide to come after you for one reason or another. This includes charging you fines, seizing your possessions, or throwing you in federal prison.
Wouldn’t it be better to consult a lawyer and avoid the whole mess?
4. When You’re Facing Trouble with the Law
Speaking of prison, if there’s any chance you might be incarcerated, you need to consult a lawyer about your case. Whether you’re guilty, not guilty, or just suspiciously in the wrong place at the wrong time, you must get legal help.
However, legal trouble doesn’t just apply to facing incarceration in jail or prison. If you’re looking at getting charged with a misdemeanor or felony, it can affect your life for years to come.
Even if just for a free consult, call a lawyer immediately and get a good idea of what you’re looking at.
5. When You’re Involved in a Complicated Divorce
Most divorces aren’t amicable, and when they are, they’re rarely pleasant. They say you don’t truly know someone until you divorce them. Your gentle, loving ex-spouse is now smashing in your windshield with a baseball bat or trying to withhold the kids from you.
These are extreme examples, but they’re not uncommon. Separating from someone who doesn’t agree with the divorce can be nasty. When there are property, possessions, and/or kids involved, it can be even worse.
We highly recommend that you consult a lawyer if you’re getting a divorce and you know your spouse can be a little unpredictable. However, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for legal purposes to hire a lawyer even if it’s a smooth separation. You want to make sure everything is divided up fairly.
6. When You’re Facing a Lawsuit
As we mentioned earlier, we live in a sue-happy society. While it’s good for the careers and paychecks of lawyers, however, it leaves most of us pretty vulnerable to upsetting the wrong person.
People can attempt to sue you for just about anything. Whether or not they’re successful will depend entirely on the case. If you’re being sued for anything, you must consult a lawyer.
Alternatively, if you’re on the other side of things and are attempting to sue someone else, you’ll also want a lawyer. They’ll do everything they can and use their knowledge to help you get what you deserve. They’ll also give you a practical view of what you should expect and legal counsel on the steps you should take.
7. When You Are Wrongfully Terminated from Work
Our last example of when you should consult a lawyer takes place in the event that you are wrongfully terminated from work. If you’re fired improperly from your job, you may be in a position to file a lawsuit or get your job back (assuming you still want to work there).
There are laws regulating employers and when and how they can fire employees. If you’re being fired outside of those regulations, you may be due compensation but should consult a lawyer to know how to proceed.
Good Luck
Unfortunately, the need to consult a lawyer is typically cast in a somewhat negative light. However, those are often the times we need the most help.
If you’re even slightly concerned you might be in need of legal counsel, don’t hesitate to call a lawyer. Many offer free consultations so you really don’t have anything to lose. For Living Trusts and Estate Plans concerns.
For more articles on life and business, check out the rest of our blog before you go.
It’s interesting how a lawyer can provide legal advice to clients who are facing family-related issues, especially around assets. I first learned about this on a movie I binged last weekend, and it got stuck in my head ever since. If I ever end up in a situation where I’d want to part with my partner, I’ll be sure to consider seeking one for advice.