There’s a good chance you’ll need to work with an attorney at some point in your life. While it’s easy to think that lawyers are only necessary for more extreme situations, many types of lawyers help with more mundane tasks. From drafting a will to getting help with a divorce, there are many reasons you might want to hire an attorney.
In fact, it’s often safest and wisest to work with an attorney for routine legal matters such as estate planning. But, you may wonder about other reasons someone might hire a lawyer.
Here are some common kinds of lawyers and when you might need to hire them.
The Most Common Kinds Of Lawyers The Average Person Works With
If you ever need legal assistance, these kinds of lawyers are the ones you may need to reach out to:
- Civil litigation: This is the lawyer many people think of because they deal with anything that could be taken to trial that’s not related to crime. These civil cases can be anything from contract issues to divorce.
- Criminal attorneys: This is the second type of lawyer most people are familiar with. These attorneys work with criminal cases of all kinds.
- Real estate law: A real estate attorney helps people sell and buy property. While this is simplified, they are the individuals who work with everyone from developers to renters to sellers.
- Personal injury lawyer: There are many personal injury cases these attorneys can address. Common issues include vehicle accidents or slips and falls. Some personal injury firms also take workers’ compensation for medical malpractice cases.
- Family law: A family practice attorney specializes in custody, divorce, and other family dispute cases. Some of these cases can be handled without litigation, while others are not.
- Estate attorney: These professionals assist with estate planning, wills, and distributing assets after someone dies.
While this list is not comprehensive, it does give a solid idea of the attorneys most people interact with. It’s unlikely you’ll need to work with every type of lawyer on the list, but most individuals will have a point in their lives where they need legal assistance.
Is Hiring A Lawyer Worth It?
If a situation arises and you think you could use legal advice, it’s natural to ask if reaching out to an attorney or law firm is worth it. In some cases, you can find pro bono work or get an attorney assigned to you, but for many everyday concerns, you’ll have to pay the lawyer for their work.
Some may require a fee for a consultation, while others may not. But, overall, it’s worth a small price to avoid any major issues down the road, and often, lawyers can save you money or get you out of trouble.
What To Know About Hiring An Attorney
When hiring a lawyer, it always pays to research. You can always ask around in your social circles and post online to get recommendations. Then, you can check your area’s local and state bar associations.
When you start reaching out to lawyers, it’s also helpful to create a checklist of questions to ask them. You’ll want to know about their experience working with cases like yours. You should also ask them about their fees and potential outcomes for your circumstance.
While reaching out to an attorney might take a bit of work, they are professionals who can assist you with various legal matters.
