ABA Family Legal Guide

When and How to Use a Lawyer

1.2 When Do You Need a Lawyer?

1.2a Help from Nonlawyers

If I do not use a lawyer, who else can help me?

There are many ways to solve a grievance without resorting to lawyers. For example, if you have trouble with a product, read the warranty to see what rights you have. Notify the merchant and see if you can negotiate a satisfactory solution. If that doesn't work, contact the manufacturer directly. If that doesn't work, contacting the Better Business Bureau might stir the merchant or manufacturer to resolve your complaint.

If you believe a business has cheated you, help can be obtained from a consumer protection agency run by your city, county, state, or federal government. Many businesses, stores, and utility companies have their own departments to help resolve consumer complaints. Some communities have an ombudsman, a government official whose job is to to mediate and resolve minor landlord/tenant, consumer, or employment issues. Local television and radio stations may have programs to resolve consumer-related disputes.

Most states also have dispute resolution centers. These centers, which may be known as neighborhood justice centers or citizens' dispute settlement programs, specialize in helping people who have common problems and disputes. Their services are often available for a small fee, or even at no cost.