why would a lawyer need my ssn

by Prof. Chadd Kertzmann Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago 7 min read

As has been pointed out, depending on the nature of issue at hand, the SSN may be necessary for the attorney to gather the necessary background to actually help you. Without knowing the general nature of your legal concern and reason for the consultation, it is not possible to be definite. For some areas of law, the number can be essential.

One of the ways to do this is with your Social Security number. By law, we are required to provide this information to the defense attorneys. It allows them the ability to do background checks on you as well as investigate your past and current issues.

Full Answer

Why do I need a Social Security number for a lawyer?

Jun 15, 2013 · As has been pointed out, depending on the nature of issue at hand, the SSN may be necessary for the attorney to gather the necessary background to actually help you. If all you are looking for is answers to some questions, contact legal aid, don't bother attorney that earn a living helping people and waste those attorneys time.

Why would the other side need a Social Security number?

Answered 2 years ago · Author has 2.3K answers and 2.4M answer views. The attorneys on the other side will want that information, and they’ll be able to compel the production of the number in court. The SSN helps identify you and aids in things like background checks.

Is my Social Security number protected from the defendant?

Jul 15, 2013 · If you ultimately retain the attorney, they may need your social securtiy number in the future. *** LEGAL DISCLAIMER I am licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and have an office in Reading. My practice is focused in the areas of elder law, estate planning and probate administration.

Do you need a Social Security number to file a lawsuit?

Mar 13, 2013 · There is no need for it unless there is some claim of identity theft or something. There should be some compelling reason for the other side to need a social security number and they should have to prove that reason to a court. Too much information is available once a social security number is given out.

Can I refuse to give my Social Security number?

Anyone can refuse to disclose his or her number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone's number and use it for any purpose that does not violate a federal or state law.Feb 27, 2019

Who should I provide my SSN to?

You do need to give your Social Security number (SSN) to:

The three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Federal and state agencies when applying for benefits: Social Security, Medicare, disability, Medicaid, and other aid programs` Investment advisors and brokerage houses. Banks.May 22, 2018

Is it safe to give public your SSN?

Rest assured all your personal information is always encrypted and never accessible or visible to anyone within Public that is not licensed by FINRA to do so.

Why SSN is confidential?

Background. The Social Security number (SSN) has a unique status as a privacy risk. No other form of personal identification plays such a significant role in linking records that contain sensitive information that individuals generally wish to keep confidential.

Is someone using my Social Security number?

If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).Nov 19, 2019

What can someone do with the last 4 digits of your SSN?

As long as a hacker or scammer has access to other personal information such as your name and address, they can use the last four digits of your SSN (in most cases) to open accounts in your name, steal your money and government benefits, or even get healthcare and tax refunds in your name.

What can someone do with my SSN and DOB?

5 things someone can do with a stolen Social Security number

Open new accounts. If someone has your SSN, they can open new accounts in your name. ...
File fraudulent tax returns. Your Social Security number is also used to file your taxes in most cases. ...
Obtain medical care. ...
Steal your benefits. ...
Commit crimes.

Dec 10, 2021

How do I block my Social Security number?

If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).

Is SSN mandatory?

Evidence of identity is required of all applicants regardless of age. A valid nonwork reason is defined as a federal statute requiring an SSN to receive a benefit or a state/local statute requiring an SSN to receive a public assistance benefit.

Is Social Security number private?

California law limits the public display of Social Security numbers. A California law bars organizations from publicly displaying SSNs ². The law prohibits: Printing SSNs on ID cards or badges.

What can a Social Security number be used for?

In addition to Social Security, the SSN is now also used for a wide range of purposes. These include obtaining credit, opening a bank account, obtaining government benefits or private insurance, and buying a home or a car, among many other pursuits.

Brian C. Snell

Many lawyers have a standard in-take form. If you are not ready to select the lawyer and would prefer to hold on to that information, then don't complete that question. If you ultimately retain the attorney, they may need your social securtiy number in the future...

Alan James Brinkmeier

At first blush It would appear to be a sure way to avoid being scammed. Your SS # clearly identifies you so the lawyer knows you are who you say you are. You won't believe how often people use alias information on an intial consult to scam the law office later. It happened multiple times today

Do you have to give your SS number?

You don't have to give your SS#, but more than likely, if you don't, the other side will ask the Court to order you to and if you don't comply with the judge's order, the judge is likely to kick your case out of court. The other side is allowed to discover anything that could likely be admissible in the case. Presuming you have an injury case, almost all your medical records will be indexed by SS# and they will need the number to get those records. Your income records will be indexed that way too. The other side is entitled to get those records if you are claiming injuries and lost income. Good luck.

Is it legal to ask an attorney to ask questions?

No, it is not illegal. A person can ask for anything, but whether the attorney can force you to produce the information is a different question. Since you want to know if an attorney can ask, the answer is yes he or she can ask. It is legal also for the lawyer to have you ask questions over the phone as well.

Linda Reid Oldham

First, please let me express my condolences in the loss of your aunt. Attorney Robinson has provided you a great wealth of important and useful information. I would add only that you might want to contact the Probate Office in the County in Illinois where your aunt died and request copies of any Will and all Accountings filed in the Estate.

Steven M Zelinger

It is not uncommon for a beneficiary form, such as for an IRA, to require (or at least request) a SS for a beneficiary. Also, while you don't need the SS of a person you name in your will, when the person dies it is typical to need the beneficiary's social in order to file necessary tax returns such as trust/estate income tax returns.

Brandon Alexander Robinson

No social security number is needed to devise property to a beneficiary under a will or trust. It is possible that the social security numbers were requested because the aunt wanted to name you and your sons as beneficiaries to a payable on death account with a bank, or an IRA account.