when do you need an internal lawyer

Why is it important to find a lawyer?

Especially if there is a sizeable estate, tax issues, or a complicated or extensive distribution plan, it is important to find a lawyer to be sure things are done right. You Are Adopting A Child. Adopting a child is an important matter, and an attorney will assure things are done right. A Contract Is Needed. It is essential that you understand the ...

Do you need a lawyer to administer an estate?

In these cases, it may not be necessary to hire a lawyer.

Do you need a lawyer to adopt a child?

However, you need to be sure you know what you are doing. Especially if there is a sizeable estate, tax issues, or a complicated or extensive distribution plan, it is important to find a lawyer to be sure things are done right. You Are Adopting A Child. Adopting a child is an important matter, and an attorney will assure things are done right.

Is it cheaper to hire a lawyer?

The Value of Hiring a Lawyer. Legal services generally do not come cheap. The more complicated your legal problem, the more you will need legal advice, and the more it will cost for legal help. In some cases, it can be much more costly to try to represent yourself.

What to do if you don't understand the terms of a contract?

If you don’t understand the terms, or how to prepare a contract, consult a lawyer. If you need a complex business organization (multiple entities), have complex tax matters, need to file for a patent, or become involved in litigation, hire a lawyer.

What happens if you are charged with a crime?

If you are charged with a crime, including domestic violence, tax fraud, or even some motor vehicle offenses (such as driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, or so many unpaid parking tickets that an arrest warrant has been issued), hire an attorney. You Could Lose A Lot of Money.

What does a lawyer do?

A lawyer will assess your legal issue and can tell you at the outset whether it is worth your while to obtain legal assistance and/or pursue legal action.

Can a lawyer help you with a car accident?

Lawyers can help with legal problems after they come up -- after a car accident, for example -- but in other instances, consulting a lawyer before a legal issue arises can help you anticipate and prevent serious legal problems. Some common situations where assistance from a lawyer may be necessary include:

What is a family problem?

A family problem such as divorce or a child custody dispute. The sale or purchase of a home, real estate, or a business. Discrimination or harassment on the job. The formation or incorporation of a business. The drafting of a will, trust, or estate plan. A tax problem.

The Cost-Benefit Approach

Many people are hesitant to hire a lawyer because they are fearful of what it might cost. While it is true that legal services do not usually come cheap, having a skilled professional on your side almost always means a better outcome, when compared with the results you can expect when you represent yourself.

Cost-Benefit in the Real World

A couple of examples will bring this cost-benefit approach into sharper focus. First, let's take the case of an insurance claim for stolen jewelry. You believe the value of the stolen articles is $2,500, but the insurance company is only offering you $1,600.

Can a lawyer work in a law firm?

Lawyers can work in a law firm with other lawyers, with a partner, or practice by themselves in a solo practice. In most cases, a lawyer will be chosen based on the type of case, or practice area, and the location of the case. Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases.

What can a lawyer advise on?

A lawyer can advise an individual what they may be entitled to in their state, as laws vary by state. Issues may include alimony and child support. Without a lawyer, an individual runs the risk of inadvertently waiving their rights to alimony, visitation with their children, or even custody of their children.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who is licensed to practice law in a state. Lawyers are also known as attorneys or an attorney at law. Some lawyers are licensed in multiple states. Some lawyers are admitted to practice at the Federal level as well.

What does it mean to practice law?

“Practicing law” can mean many things, including drafting legal documents, representing a client in court, and/or providing legal advice to a client.

What is criminal law?

Criminal law is the body of laws that pertain to crimes. Crimes are actions or behaviors prohibited by state or federal laws. Crimes are punishable by fines, probation, and/or imprisonment. Usually, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies.

Can a guilty plea affect immigration status?

Some guilty pleas, even to misdemeanor charges, can have long-term consequences. A guilty plea can also affect immigration status or lead to deportation of a non-citizen. It is important to remember that, in most cases, when an individual cannot afford a criminal lawyer, the court will appoint one to represent them.

What is civil matter?

Civil matters include contract disputes between businesses, real estate, and personal transactions. Unlike criminal cases, there is no determination of guilt or innocence. Usually, the parties may only recover monetary damages, including punitive damages in some cases.

Avoid costly mistakes by hiring an elder law attorney

Julie Ann Garber is a vice president at BMO Harris Wealth management, a CFP, and has 25 years of experience as a lawyer and trust officer. Julie Ann has been quoted in The New York Times, the New York Post, Consumer Reports, Insurance News Net Magazine, and many other publications.

It's Not Just About Dying

Elder law isn't the same thing as estate law, although they cover some of the same issues. Elder law addresses your finances and property in such a way as to best provide for you and your family while you're still alive.

Medicaid Issues

Medicaid imposes some strict guidelines for eligibility should you ever need long-term care. Benefits are income- and asset-based, but you can't just give away everything you own to qualify if you suspect you might need this type of care sometime in the imminent future.

Sorting Out Complex Family and Financial Situations

Take a look at your life and your assets to see if you fit into one or more of these situations that can impact your finances:

State Laws Determine Elder Law Rules

State laws are very specific about what can and cannot be included in a will, trust, advance medical directive, or financial power of attorney. These laws control who can and cannot serve as a personal representative, trustee, health care surrogate, or attorney-in-fact under a power of attorney.

How Much Will a Lawyer Cost?

That old Latin saying “caveat emptor” or “buyer beware” certainly applies to elder law matters if you're thinking of handling things yourself with a little store-bought assistance.

How to Find an Elder Law Attorney

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys is comprised of lawyers who specialize in this field. It's a non-profit organization that's been around to assist seniors since 1987. Members are located in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. You can search their website for assistance in finding someone in your area to work with you.