ABA Family Legal Guide

When and How to Use a Lawyer

1.2 When Do You Need a Lawyer?

I understand that going to a lawyer may be unnecessary under certain circumstances. Are there specific cases when I should see a lawyer?

Yes, there are matters best handled by a lawyer. While these matters are sometimes hard to recognize, nearly everyone agrees that you should talk with a lawyer about major life events or changes, which might include:

• being arrested for a crime;
• being served with legal papers in a civil lawsuit;
• being involved in a serious accident causing personal injury or property damage;
• a change in family status such as divorce, adoption, or death; and
• a change in financial status such as obtaining or losing valuable personal property or real estate, or filing for bankruptcy.