It’s never a bad idea to hire an attorney. They can provide you with invaluable advice in every legal matter, but that doesn’t mean you have to have one. There are definitely some situations where you can figure out the details and file the paperwork yourself.
There are also situations that absolutely require an attorney, and it’s even more important that you choose an attorney with some serious experience.
Hiring an experienced attorney is important if:
- You were in a car accident and you have pre-existing conditions
- You’re ending an unequal marriage
- You’re on a strict budget
- Your estate is complicated
- You could go to jail for a long time
- You’re starting a business with others
- Your immigration options are complicated
You Were in a Car Accident And You Have Pre-Existing Conditions
An accident attorney, whether experienced or not, is worth their weight in gold because they can deal with insurance companies so you don’t have to. However, if you have pre-existing conditions, you’ll want to be pickier about who you hire.
“Once the insurance adjuster learns you had a pre-existing condition,” says Hollander Law Firm, whose accident injury lawyers have more than 28 years of experience, “You can bet that they’ll immediately challenge your right to compensation.”
In order to prove that the accident caused new injuries and/or exacerbated existing injuries, you have to have a lawyer who knows exactly how to plead your case. The more experience they have, the more you increase your chances of getting the most compensation possible.
You’re Ending an Unequal Marriage
Uncontested divorces can be filed fairly quickly with help from a mediator. There are also times when mediation isn’t a good idea and you should turn to an experienced attorney instead.
Ending an unequal marriage is a good reason to get help from an experienced attorney. Whether you experienced physical, mental, or financial abuse, if there was infidelity, or if anything else occurred that created an unequal partnership, you’ll want help from a knowledgeable professional who will act as your advocate. They will be able to speak up when you find it difficult, ensuring that you get a fair divorce settlement.
You’re on a Strict Budget
The cost can be well worth it, but attorneys can be expensive. Although it makes intuitive sense to hire an attorney with less experience because they often charge less, you’ll likely end up paying more in the long run.
An experienced attorney has gotten efficient at getting through the legal process. They know the latest laws, what paperwork to fill out, and what strategies work best. Their experience enables them to get through the process more quickly with fewer setbacks and a better outcome, which means you will likely end up saving money when you hire the attorney with experience.
Your Estate is Complicated
Getting your affairs in order isn’t too difficult if you have few possessions and/or you only have one child. That’s not the case if you have businesses, if you have valuable possessions, or if you have a lot of money.
It’s especially difficult if you have a large family or certain family members that you suspect will fight over their inheritance, even if you have your wishes spelled out in a will.
It’s a good idea to hire an experienced attorney if your estate is complicated. They can oversee certain stipulations you may have, they can ensure that your final wishes are carried out according to your directions, and they can act on your behalf as part of a living will. You’ll get peace of mind knowing that everything is managed exactly the way you want when you hire an experienced attorney.
You Could Go to Jail For a Long Time
You can technically represent yourself in court if you have been charged with a crime, although it’s not a very good idea. You could go with a court-appointed attorney or hire a newbie to save some money, but those aren’t very good ideas either, especially if you could go to jail for a long time.
It’s much better to hire an experienced attorney who is invested in the outcome of your case. Not only will they know the best ways to reduce or eliminate your jail time, you will also experience a sense of relief knowing that they are motivated to help you get the very best outcome in your case.
You’re Starting a Business With Others
Starting a business with one or more people can be exciting, but that doesn’t mean it will end well. Just like a happy wedding can eventually devolve into a messy divorce, a happy business partnership can also sour.
It’s a good idea to reach out to an experienced attorney when starting a business with others. They can help you iron out appropriate roles and create future stipulations that enable one or more of you to bow out or reduce your involvement, should it ever come to that. Your attorney will force you to think about and prepare for possibilities that will ensure you’re prepared, which can actually increase your chances of success.
Your Immigration Options Are Complicated
You don’t have to have a lawyer in order to immigrate to the United States, but you’ll want one who really knows their stuff if your immigration options are complicated.
You’ll want to hire an experienced attorney if:
- You’re a worker with multiple visa or green card options
- You’re engaged and don’t know if you need an immigrant visa or a K-1 fiancé visa
- You’re in the midst of deportation proceedings
- You have been told you’re inadmissible by the USCIS or consulate
- Your immigration application was denied
There are times when you can get away with hiring a new attorney or not hiring an attorney at all, but there are also times when hiring an experienced attorney is a must. You will increase your chances of a positive outcome, but you’ll also rest easy knowing that your life is in the hands of a highly capable professional who is dedicated to helping you through a life-changing challenge.