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Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer
Not every legal situation requires the use of an attorney. Smaller civil trials or legal disputes that fall below a value of $10,000 can often be handled alone or in small claims court, for example. Moreover, self-representation is one of the biggest alternatives to hiring a lawyer and, in many circumstances, can be an effective and cheaper option. Below is a list of articles dealing with self-representation and help from non-lawyers like paralegals, notary publics, and law students. Choose from the list of titles below to get started.
Self-Representation
- What to Do After You File Your Lawsuit - Explains the process known as discovery, a necessary task in locating information to help prove your case.
- Dealing With Lawyers FAQ - Answers to common questions about working against someone who has hired a lawyer.
- Judge versus Jury Trials? - Learn the basics of having your case heard before a judge or jury, and what to expect.
- Jury Trials: Representing Yourself - In-depth look at how to represent yourself before a jury.
- FAQ: How to Represent Yourself in Court - Answers to common questions that arise when you represent yourself in court.
- Your Conduct in Court Can Affect Your Case - Tips on conducting yourself in court, such as be on time and never interrupt the judge while he or she is speaking.
Other Resources:
- Help from Non-Lawyers - Discusses legal matters that can be handled by paralegals, notary public, and by gathering free legal information on the web.
- Legal Advice - Learn the difference between "legal advice" (which only a lawyer can give) and "legal information."
Lawyer Coach: An Option for Limited Legal Assistance
See also:
- Arbitration & Mediation - Section addressing alternative methods of dispute resolutions, which are often good ideas in cases of divorce, child custody, and other matters.
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