We’d like to think that we’re all fully independent, able to handle every aspect of our lives, and invincible from any hidden dangers. But, unfortunately that’s not the world we live in. There will be times when you will need someone to help you protect your interests. If you ever have to deal with anything to do with the legal system, having a lawyer on your side can make a huge difference when it comes to protecting your rights. There are just way too many nuances and particularities with our judicial system that most citizens aren’t fully aware of.
Here are seven situations where having a good lawyer would come in really handy.
#1 Lawsuits
When someone files a lawsuit against you, they are most likely going after your assets. The scary thing about lawsuits is that if someone wants to sue you, they can. And, if they have a lawyer representing them, you’ll want one on your side as well. Unfortunately, there are some attorneys out there who will take on cases and file lawsuits that really have no substance. They’re hoping that don’t hire a lawyer to represent you which would give them full-advantage over you in the courtroom. Or, they’re hoping that you’ll be willing to settle to avoid the potential risk of going to court. If you find yourself on the receiving end of a lawsuit, having an attorney will not only come in handy, it could possibly save you from a financial disaster.
#2 Arrests
If you are arrested for any reason, contacting a lawyer needs to be one of your first moves. The legal system can be very complicated and without a lawyer, you would be at its mercy. It doesn’t matter if you’re guilty or innocent of the crime that you’ve been arrested for. The difference between having a lawyer and not having one could be significant. It could even mean you paying higher fines or, in worse cases, a longer jail time.
#3 Divorce
Divorces almost always require the expertise of attorneys. Rarely will a couple be able to agree on exactly how the division of property should be distributed. And, that property is usually the entirety of a divorcing couple’s assets. Having a competent lawyer skilled in the complexities of divorce proceedings is the best way to protect your interests. Without adequate counsel, you would walk away from a finalized divorce with a lot less money, fewer personal possessions, and possibly even more ongoing financial obligations that you hadn’t expected. And, if children are involved in a divorce, the skills of a qualified family lawyer will be vital to the quality of life you will have with your children after the divorce.
#4 Lemon Laws
There are laws in place that protect you financially when you lease or purchase a new vehicle, and sometimes even when you buy a used one. If your newly purchased vehicle has issues concerning its safety, use, or value, and the dealership isn’t able to repair it after multiple attempts, it should be classified as a lemon, entitling you to mechanically sound replacement vehicle, a manufacturer buy-back, or some other equitable solution. States have different criteria for determining whether or not a car is classified as a lemon, and California’s Lemon Law is one of the most stringent.
Officially called the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, it protects consumers in ways that other states don’t, including covering more mechanical and safety issues as well as protecting more types of vehicles. Unfortunately, dealerships and vehicle manufacturers will sometimes be hesitant to adhere to lemon laws. This is when you need a lemon law attorney who will protect your rights. A recent article by Neale and Fhima LLP details the benefits of having a knowledgeable attorney on your side, one that not only has a full interpretation of California’s Lemon Laws but also has the ability and resources to stand up to the auto manufacturer’s attorneys when necessary.
#5 Probate
A probate lawyer represents the interests of the loved ones of a deceased person, guiding them through the legal processes involved after they die. Here are just a few of the things that a probate lawyer can do for you.
They will be responsible for ascertaining the value of the deceased assets. They’ll act as the family’s liaison for all courtroom proceedings and document filing. A probate lawyer is also assigned the responsibility of collecting the deceased financial resources. Any insurance settlements, retirement plans, and any other cash accounts will be consolidated.
They will advise the family on how to handle any final financial obligations and bills that the deceased was still responsible for. There will also be both state and federal taxes due if the deceased had any assets. The probate attorney will make sure all of the taxes are paid.
If there any disputes among the beneficiaries, those would also be settled by an attorney.
The probate lawyer will also help sell any assets or reassign their ownership to the correct parties. Once the estate is settled, they will be in charge of the final distribution of assets to the beneficiaries.
#6 Serious Car Accidents
A serious car accident would be classified as one where there are injuries. It doesn’t matter if it is you that is hurt in an accident or someone else if there are injuries, there is a huge potential for litigation. And, any time you are dealing with litigation, you’ll want a lawyer on your side.
#7 Wrongful Termination
A lawyer will also come in handy if you are terminated for unlawful reasons. States have different laws pertaining to wrongful terminations. But, if you were terminated for reasons that aren’t legal in the state where you live, you could be entitled to a significant amount of compensation. And, an attorney knowledgeable with your state’s labor laws will know exactly how to get you that compensation.
These are just a few of the reasons why it would be beneficial for you to have an attorney on your side, representing you and guiding you through the intricacies of our legal system. Our court system is in place to protect everyone’s interests. Fortunately, we have the advantage of having attorneys skilled and specialized in the different parts of our judicial system. Having a lawyer on your side will make sure that your rights are upheld and your best interests are protected.
