Five Reasons to Call Your Lawyer

There are a lot of reasons to call an attorney for the first time. If you’re gearing up for a divorce or you have been charged with a crime, you should call a legal professional, but what if you already have an attorney?

If you have worked with an attorney before, you’ll find that some of the reasons you might give them a call are the same as if you were calling them for the first time. However, you’ll also discover there are also some benefits of calling your attorney that others who are calling for the first time may not enjoy.

You Have Experienced an Event That Shouldn’t Have Happened

One of the best reasons to contact your attorney, or an attorney for the first time for that matter, is if you have experienced an event that shouldn’t have happened. Any devastating event that isn’t going quite like you planned will do. For example, if you were in a car accident and you’re having trouble with your insurance, you were injured on the job, or your child was bitten by a dog you should call your lawyer.

More serious things warrant a call to your attorney too. If you were charged with a crime, like sexual assault, you should speak with your attorney right away. This offense in particular carries a minimum sentence of a year in prison, which can be devastating if you’re being falsely accused.

You Want to Make a Legal Change

Any kind of legal change should include your attorney if you want it done properly. A few examples of changes your attorney can help you make include:

  • Changes to your will or estate
  • Getting divorced
  • Changing child custody arrangements
  • Change in business structure

The benefit of talking about any changes you want to make with an attorney you trust is the fact that they can tell you whether it’s even worth making the change legally or not. For example, an attorney can tell you how much it’s going to cost to legally change your name. If you learn that it costs hundreds of dollars where you live, you may decide just to ask everyone to call you by your nickname instead of having it officially changed with the government.

You Are Seeking Knowledge

You hire an attorney to do a job, but if you have worked with one before or are working with one continuously, there is more that they have to offer.

It takes a lot to become a lawyer. From going to college to taking exams, by the time an attorney is licensed, they know a lot about the law. Take advantage of that knowledge!

Wondering if it’s worth enlisting their help if you have been in a car crash? Wondering how a friend should proceed with drunk driving charges? Saw something in the news you’re curious about? Send them a quick email or give them a call. If you have worked with them before, chances are, they would be happy to answer one or two quick questions you have.

You Need Professional Advice

Not only can you ask an attorney to share their knowledge, you can also use that knowledge if you need professional advice. Although you can ask any attorney what they think you should do in a certain situation, their advice holds more weight when your attorney is someone you already know and trust.

For example, if you’re gearing up to start a business, you may be unsure what kind of business structure to choose. That’s the perfect thing to discuss with your attorney. They will consider your unique situation and tell you whether or not you should create an LLC or if you would be better off choosing a sole proprietorship.

You Have to Sign a Contract

Are you being asked to sign a contract? Whether your employer wants you to sign a contract or you’re buying a house, it’s a good idea to talk to your attorney.

Most people won’t ask an attorney for help with contracts if they don’t already have one, but that can be a mistake. Plain language contracts aren’t the norm. Your attorney can help you understand the fine print so you only sign contracts that are in your best interest.

If you have worked with an attorney in the past, take advantage of your existing relationship! Whether you’re dealing with a serious crime or you want to make a change to your business, talking to your attorney can give you peace of mind that you’re making the right decisions.