Until you need one, you very rarely think that a lawyer will be something that you need in your life. Hiring a lawyer in West Virginia can be a tricky business especially if you don’t know whether they will help you. You won’t need a lawyer for a parking ticket, but you would if you decided that armed robbery that was more your style. This article will let you know in which instances you need a lawyer and how they can help you in whatever situation you find yourself in.
Legal Categories
An important thing to note from the start is that there are two legal categories to be aware of. Civil law and Criminal Law. Civil Law covers all legal issues that aren’t criminal law or breaking the law. It often involves suing as a “wronged” party and demanding compensation for it. It also covers legal agreements such as real estate, divorces, and wedding documents. Criminal Law relates to issues that break the laws of state or federal governments. These can be split into smaller misdemeanors or more serious felonies. You are likely to want or demand a lawyer if you are facing a criminal lawsuit. You can check all you need at www.wvattorneys.com
Outside of criminal law, you should get a lawyer when facing:
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Car Accidents:
Source: standard.co.me
If you have faced a car accident that wasn’t your fault then it may be in your interest to get a lawyer. They will be able to do the hard negotiation for you and be able to win you a better deal. It is likely the person at fault will want to settle the claim quickly and quietly. However, if you aren’t aware of the normal compensation rates or the laws around car accidents, you may miss out on everything you are owed.
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A divorce:
Divorces are very rarely an easy and amicable affair. Depending on how the marriage has broken down it can be difficult to agree. A lawyer can be objective and help split things more easily. Issues to do with property, savings, debt, and child custody can all be dealt with through a legal representative. This is a binding process and can only be changed by returning to court so getting it right the first time around is essential.
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Wrongful Termination:
This can be a tricky and difficult legal process and as such it pays to have a really good lawyer. Especially one who specializes in work placement law. Suits in this area can stray between both federal and state and so should not be tackled by yourself.
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Wills and Trusts:
A sobering thought at the best of times but organizing your will and testament can save a lot of hassle for your family after you are gone. There is nothing worse than having already lost a loved one and then the remaining family begins to fight over inheritance and possessions. Setting out a clear and binding will can ensure that no one is left questioning what is meant by your last document.
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Buying a Home:
Having a lawyer or solicitor lined up for buying a home is certainly a good plan to have. There is a lot that goes into buying a house or home. Who is responsible for what part of the land? Where does the boundary of your property begin and end? If there is a communal area, who pays for what and who looks after what bit? It is so much easier to have someone who can sift through the final details and give you the heads up on what you need to know.
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Starting a business:
When you begin your own business, you have enough worry on your plate without having to take on legal matters as well. Having a lawyer when starting up your business can make sure that any deals you make work out for you. This can be for when you are renting a retail space or employing partners. A lawyer specializing in business law can save you a lot of hassle in the future so is well worth investing in one straight away.
However, it should be noted that you don’t always need a lawyer to represent you in court.
You can represent yourself and save yourself all of the hassles of researching and hiring a reliable lawyer. Below are a few examples of where you can get by without a lawyer:
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Small Claims Court:
Source: carsblare.com
A court usually reserved for civil disputes over smaller sums of money though, this is determined by every individual state. Quite informal and usually where you tell your side of the story as does your opposition. The judge then decides, and the judgment is made there and then.
Traffic Tickets
You have two choices with a ticket. You can either pay the fine and move on or challenge it. Providing that you can produce evidence that counters the ticket, you should be able to get rid of it or get it reduced. Otherwise, you could get a lawyer involved in the offense was to cause you to gain points on your license or you would lose your license. They may be able to reduce the sentence or get it canceled.
Lawsuits not worth contesting
If you are being sued and you are willing to pay the fine or believe that it will be more hassle to contest than it would be just to pay the suit or contest it yourself. You can either plead no contest or agree with the opposition outside of the courtroom.
Hiring a lawyer
It can be a burdensome process but equally rewarding. Sometimes it is so much easier to get a lawyer from the get-go so that you don’t land yourself in hot water later. They may cost a pretty penny but can often save you money. However, there is no need to get lawyers involved in every disagreement. Sometimes it can be just as easy to represent yourself and deal with it behind closed doors.