Not everyone needs to use the services of a lawyer frequently, and while watching TV shows might suggest you need to have a lawyer on retention, this isn’t realistic for most people. Plus, the type of lawyer you might need can vary depending on the situation.  

There are many areas of law, and not all lawyers will be experts in them all. Most lawyers specialize in specific areas of law, honing their expertise to offer their clients the best service possible. This specialization should reassure you that when you do need legal assistance, you’ll be in capable hands.

With this in mind, when are the most likely times you will need a lawyer in your life?

Criminal Charges

If you’re facing a criminal charge or have been charged in relation to criminal activity, you need a lawyer asap. A criminal lawyer will have extensive knowledge of the criminal system and can be your guide through the process, whether you are guilty or innocent. They will work hard on your behalf to assess the facts and get you the most favorable outcome possible. As soon as you’re arrested, invoke your right to remain silent and speak to your expert criminal attorney. 

Complex Divorces

Not all divorces are amicable or straightforward, and if you find yourself on the wrong end of divorce issues, getting legal advice is vital to help you understand your rights and ensure a fair outcome for all parties. This is especially true where child custody is involved, vast sums of money are involved, or intertwined finances are an issue. 

Your lawyer can be a great source of knowledge about your rights and can help you get what you deserve or protect your rights during a particularly messy divorce period. 

Car Accident 

If you are involved in a road collision, then you need expert legal advice to help you make any claims or fight for the compensation you might be entitled to. While you need to call your insurance company if anyone has been hurt due to your actions or you were hurt due to someone else’s poor driving choices, a lawyer can be your best way to resolve the issue.

Civil Lawsuit

Most people don’t find themselves being sued or suing someone else and ending up in court. But that’s not to say it won’t happen. If you know nothing or very little of litigation and appeals, then you will be dealing with yourself all in the face of a civil lawsuit.

A civil lawsuit can be filed for many reasons, including but not limited to your dog biting another person, someone is injured on your property, breach of contract, or a whole host of other reasons. If the claim is serious enough to take to court, then a lawyer can help you understand your liabilities and provide the right evidence to fight your corner.

Real Estate

Most states only stipulate the services of real estate lawyers at closing, but they can be just as viable at any point in the real estate buying process, especially when brought in at the beginning. 

There are many complex legal activities that are required when you buy the property and many terms and conditions that you might not be aware of or familiar with. From reading and drawing up contracts to spotting issues, translating legal jargon, and uncovering unscrupulous vendors, your real estate lawyer can be an available asset when purchasing any type of property, be it your next home, land for development, or commercial property. 

Starting a Business

If you are considering starting a business, you need to talk to a business lawyer. You might know the identity you want to set up and how to do what you do, but do you know the nuts and bolts of running an efficient business? If not, then it’s worth talking to someone who can help you put together a structurally sound business that allows you not only to set up the right business structure but also understand aspects such as employment laws, copyright, and the advantage of tax breaks, how to avoid accidentally performing illegal actions and so much more.

Wrongful Termination

If you have been wrongly terminated and want to seek legal revenge on a previous employer, then you need the help of wrongful termination lawyers. They can determine if you have a case and what the next steps are if you do. Experienced employment lawyers will understand the illegal reasons to terminate an employee, and if you’re entitled to persue this. Most employment is “at-will,” meaning that you can be fired for any reason or no reason, however, there are still some illegal ways to fire a person, and if you suspect this has happened to you, talk to a lawyer to pursue this.

Writing a Will

Anyone can write a will, but if you want it to be legally binding, then you need a lawyer to help you complete the will, understand the probate process, and talk you through estate planning. Finding expert probate solicitors takes some time, especially when you want to find one that can be sensitive to your specific case. Having your Will and estate written out properly is vital for you to feel confident your legacy will be taken care of. It’s not a nice topic to discuss or even plan for, but the reality is if you have anything you want to leave to others once you’re not around, you need a legally binding will.

This is where a lawyer can help you to make sure your will is watertight and not up for debate, and your wishes are honored.

Bankruptcy

No one wants to find themselves in this position financially, however, sadly, this is a point many people come to. Bankruptcy is a legal way to discharge your debts, and a lawyer can help you understand your options, what bankruptcy means for you, and which kind you need to choose, i.e., Chapter 7 for liquidation or Chapter 13 for reorganization. The more you know and the more help you have, the easier the process will be for you.

As you can see, many different lawyers are available for multiple reasons and for the challenges you might encounter in your life. In all of the mentioned ones, a lawyer can guide you until you reach the correct resolution.