Three Times You Need To Contact An Attorney For A Civil Matter

Posted on: 28 September 2017

In any situation in which you are arrested for a crime, you need to have an attorney represent you. This is so important that people who cannot afford an attorney are allowed free representation. But when do you need to contact an attorney in a civil matter? The following are three situations when you should call a lawyer.

Personal injury

If you have been injured on another person's property or the property of a business, you should contact a personal injury attorney. The same is true if you have been injured by a car whether or not you were driving or were a passenger. Injuries sustained as a bicyclist or pedestrian are equally important. Often an insurance representative will offer you a check and ask you to sign some paperwork, but never do this without speaking to an attorney. An attorney will represent your interests and get you all the compensation you are entitled to.

A divorce

This is something that a married couple may forego because they a on good terms and believe that they can divorce without an attorney. The problem with this type of divorce is that there are agreements that can be difficult to arrive at without attorneys working in the interest of each spouse separately. Visitation and other aspects of custody agreements should always involve attorneys. Likewise, any married couple with assets, even if it is only a house, should each have an attorney. Contrary to what many believe, attorneys in a divorce can often draw up an agreement that makes the lives of a divorced couple easier as they understand exactly what to expect of each other.

A bankruptcy

It is often tempting to do your own bankruptcy to save money, especially since you are not likely to have much money for an attorney. But bankruptcies are more complicated than they first appear. There is more than one type of bankruptcy, and you must qualify for each of them. In addition, your creditors have rights and can challenge your bankruptcy, which is something they may do if they find out you have no legal representation. Some of your debts may not be covered under a bankruptcy, and some of your assets may be excluded from a bankruptcy. Getting advice from an attorney at a law firm is the best approach to a bankruptcy.

Attorneys can be helpful in many ways other than defending yourself against criminal charges or a civil suit. The circumstances above are only a few examples. Any time you believe you may need legal help, a consultation is all you will need to know how an attorney will be able to help you with your particular problem.

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