ABA Family Legal Guide

When and How to Use a Lawyer

1.2 When Do You Need a Lawyer?

Do I need a lawyer's help whenever I'm faced with a situation involving the law?

Not necessarily. There are many matters you can deal with yourself, if you know how to go about it. For example, you can represent yourself in traffic or small-claims court, or engage in negotiations and enter into contracts on your own. But if you are not sure about the consequences of your actions or are uncertain about how to proceed, getting some quick legal advice from a lawyer could be very helpful in preventing problems down the road.