Calling Up Your Counsel: 7 Situations That Call For You To Call An Attorney

Some legal issues are easy to take care of, like traffic violations and parking tickets. Others, like felonies, require assistance from an attorney. Mid-level legal matters can be more confusing as to whether you can handle them on your own or if you need to call your lawyer. With legal issues, it’s better to be safe rather than sorry. Here are seven situations that call for you to phone your lawyer. 

A car accident

Car accidents can become problematic legal issues, especially if injuries are involved. An auto accident attorney can help victims secure compensation or the legal protection they need. Your attorney can help you work with your insurance company to get the most out of your policy. 

When you’re involved in a car accident, you could receive a phone call from the other party’s insurance company or lawyer. Your attorney will help you understand your rights and the compensation for you or the other party depending on the circumstances.

Wills, estates, and trusts

An attorney can help you arrange your will, estate, and trust, so your family doesn’t have to deal with family court or other unpleasant disputes. 

A qualified attorney knows how to handle the situation gently so you are as comfortable as possible while making decisions about your belongings after your death. Don’t forget to update your will if you have any significant life changes, like having more children or getting a divorce. 

Divorce and custody proceedings

No one should attempt to deal with a divorce and related custody issues without an attorney. Divorces involve property, investments, children, and other complicated problems that attorneys can handle in a calm and unemotionally. Divorce attorneys understand local laws and custody requirements, so couples don’t have to find out information on their own. 

Divorce attorneys can present all options, allowing couples to avoid expensive mistakes and hurtful interactions. Lawyers know how to make the process as smooth as possible. 

Driving under the influence charges

If you are arrested for driving under the influence, you need an attorney. A DUI is a serious crime with several fines and penalties like losing your license and spending time in jail. When you are charged with a DUI, the arresting officer will bring you to the local prison, where you should immediately call your attorney. 

Once you’ve contacted your attorney, you can expect them to talk to the prosecutor to reduce your charges and get you out of jail. No matter how many times you’ve been arrested, you’ll want an attorney to help you understand your situation and handle the legal paperwork. 

Bankruptcy filings

Bankruptcy is a complicated process that most people cannot manage without an attorney. Before deciding to file for bankruptcy, you’ll want to meet with a bankruptcy attorney to learn about your options and what is best for your financial situation. Most lawyers will work their fees into the bankruptcy plans, so you won’t worry about paying for everything upfront. 

A reasonable bankruptcy attorney will first apply the means test to determine if you should file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Then, they’ll help you value your property. They will also inform you of your state’s exemption system so you know what assets you can keep. 

The attorney will also help you determine which debts you have you pay and which ones get wiped out through bankruptcy. Most people do not know how to manage these standard bankruptcy steps. 

Business startups

If you want to start a business, you’ll want to work closely with a lawyer who understands what you need to protect your finances. Business attorneys know how to arrange the legal requirements for various businesses. They’ll help you decide if you want to incorporate, develop a partnership, or open a sole proprietorship. 

They can file paperwork with your state and help you arrange insurance and tax accounts. Interestingly, business attorneys can help start a business and help close companies effectively. 

Wrongful termination suits

If you feel that you have been wrongfully terminated, you’ll want an attorney on your side. Wrongful termination suits can be complicated as the reasons for firing can be related to racism, sexism, or other unpleasant situations. 

A qualified and knowledgeable attorney knows what to look for in a wrongful termination suit, and they understand what judges need to see to side with the employee. If you accuse your employer of wrongful termination, they will have their corporate lawyers on alert, so you’ll want the best representation that you can afford. 

Wrap up

Several situations become easier to manage when you trust your attorney. An experienced attorney can help you work through bankruptcy, divorce, DUI charges, and wrongful termination. They can also help you with projects like starting a new business or drafting your will.