Legal representation is a critical aspect when it comes to matters regarding the law. Everyone has the right to a proper defense with lawyers who will support and advise them on legal matters. The best way to find a good lawyer will be to know what your circumstances require. Below are some of the situations that require a great attorney to represent you:
Divorce
If you are having a nasty divorce, then ensure that you have a divorce lawyer by your side. Divorce attorneys have the skills and expertise in handling such matters. They will also ensure that you get what you deserve in the asset division. Going through a divorce can be a stressful experience. A lawyer can help you deal with all the legal aspects of divorce, reducing the baggage you are dealing with. The hustle of a divorce can also impair your judgment, and you will need legal counsel to ensure that you do not make mistakes. Even in situations where you have a peaceful divorce, it is still best to have a lawyer by your side. They will advise you on what you are entitled to and help you with any required paperwork.
Wrongful Termination
When you lose your job unlawfully, you can hire a wrongful termination lawyer to help you file a lawsuit against your former employer. First, your lawyer will consider the terms of your contract. If you have been fired for a reason not stated in the contract, you have a case. If you think you have been terminated due to any form of discrimination, like your sexuality, gender, or race, then get an attorney. While most employers will not openly admit that that is why you are fired, a lawyer will help you dig evidence to prove it. There are cases where one might be fired as retaliation for raising the alarm on unethical behavior at the office. If this happens to you, you will need an attorney to build a case against your former employer.
A Car Accident
If you are badly injured from an accident that was not your fault, you will find the other person’s insurance company offering you a settlement as quickly as possible. Before accepting, talk to a personal injury attorney. They will help access the severity of your injuries and determine fair compensation. The lawyer considers factors like the pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages that you have incurred or are likely to. In cases you were at fault, an attorney will advise you not to admit fault. They will review your auto insurance policy and help you get compensation. When it comes to motorcycle accidents, injuries tend to be more severe because they lack safety features like cars. Hire a skilled and experienced lawyer who will ensure you get fair compensation for your injuries.
Child Custody
After separation, if you and your spouse are not in agreement about your child or children’s custody, get a custody lawyer to help you fight for parental rights. While the judge will be the one to decide what is best for the child, a lawyer will help you persuade the court why you should be granted parental rights. The attorney will help you with all the paperwork required for your case; they will guide you on the questions you should expect from the judge and how to answer them, and they will also help you gather evidence that will support your case. If you and your spouse have decided to settle things outside court, you can opt for child custody services to help you with mediation. Prior to the session, have a lawyer prepare you on what you can expect.
Child Adoption
When it comes to adoption, get an attorney from a family law firm. They are familiar with such cases, and it will be easier for them to take you through an adoption process works. They will also help you will all the necessary paperwork that you will require before you can adopt. The lawyer knows laws regarding adoption in your state and will prepare you for what to expect. If you are a same-sex couple, the lawyer guides you on any hearings that you can expect before you are allowed to adopt. In a situation where birth parents try to extort you for money, the attorney can help represent you.
Drug Charges
If you have been accused of any drug-related charges, find a lawyer immediately. The lawyer will analyze the severity of your case and then discuss with you the possible outcomes. A good lawyer will question the legality of the drug search, and if there was no warrant, arguing that the case should be thrown out. If the prosecutor does not have sufficient evidence, your lawyer may insist that the case be dropped as soon as possible before the lawyer keeps digging for more evidence. Depending on your case, an attorney can also plead for less severe punishment, like being sentenced on time served or on probation. A drug attorney can also advise you to plead guilty and apologize to the court if they think it will help your case.
Lawsuit
People can be sued for many reasons, such as a bad debt, breaching a contract, slander, property damage, and professional malpractice, among many others. The lawyer you contact will depend on what you are being sued for. If someone is suing you for causing them personal injury, you will need a lawyer who has expertise in dealing with personal injury litigation. The attorney can help you negotiate for a settlement outside of court. If the settlement is a lot, the lawyer can request that you be allowed to pay in installments on your behalf. If you are the one suing, you will also need a lawyer. If you have been injured at work due to someone’s negligence, an attorney will help you get fair compensation. In case a family member under a Medicare health insurance plan has been denied any benefits, the lawyer can help advocate for their benefits to be approved.
A DUI Charge
A DUI charge is a big offense that can cost you your license. You will therefore need a lawyer with expertise to handle your case. A lawyer will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your case before giving you, legal counsel. Since they have an understanding of the legal system, they can help negotiate for a plea bargain. If it is your first time, and your alcohol levels were not very high, it becomes easier to handle your case. Some lawyers can even help erase the DUI record so that it does not follow you in the future. They can also advocate for you in court to get back your license if it has been revoked or suspended.
Contract Signing
Before signing any important documents, it is best to have a lawyer look at them first. The lawyer will review the terms of the contract and see if there is anything that needs adjusting. Even in cases where you are signing a contract for a job, have a lawyer review it. If it contains information that you do not understand, talk to them about it. You do not want to find yourself in violation of the contract because of a term you were not aware of. They can also help you negotiate for better terms in the contract. One benefit of consulting an attorney from time to time about contracts is that it helps you learn about contract law.
Probation Violation
Most people released on probation by the court will be given rules to adhere to for a certain period. When you break any of the rules, you can be arrested for violating your probation. When that happens, the best route is to hire a lawyer to represent you. You can either refute or admit to violating your probation. If you admit, a lawyer will try and argue that there is a valid reason as to why you broke a particular rule. If you refute, the attorney will prepare you for the court process to expect. They will also prepare an argument that mitigates the consequences of violating your probation. They can also help you prepare a statement for the court, insisting that you will not violate probation again.
Immigration
Whether you are trying to obtain citizenship, fighting deportation, applying for a green card, or looking for refugee asylum, it will be best to have an immigration lawyer by your side. When it comes to immigration, the paperwork is bulky and extensive. An immigration attorney will help you deal with all that paperwork, ensuring you do not make a mistake. They will also prepare you for any interview you may have with people from the immigration department. When applying for citizenship, you will be given a list of rules you have to comply with. Your immigration lawyer will help explain those rules to you and hold you accountable.
Criminal Charges
When faced with criminal charges, whether you want to plead guilty or not guilty, you will still need a lawyer. In most criminal charges, there is a possibility of being sentenced or going to jail. You will need a lawyer by your side that will gather evidence and try to prove that you are innocent. A good lawyer will be honest with you from the start about the chances of you winning the case if you go to trial. The lawyer can also cut a deal with a prosecutor, asking for reduced charges or sentences. Criminal charges tend to bring feelings of anxiety and shame to most people. An attorney can help you learn a few techniques to cope with such emotions. They can also find witnesses who can testify in your favor. Most criminal attorneys know a few bail bond agents that are reliable no matter the time of day. They will help individuals get the bail bonds if released on bail.
Wills and Trusts
Family disputes over will and trusts are not uncommon when the family’s sole provider passes on. To prevent such issues, get a qualified lawyer to help you draft a will. They will help you list all the assets you have and all the members you want to include in the will. Lawyers are familiar with the ‘rules of construction’ that govern the making of choice. If any legal issues arise, the attorney will guide you on how to handle them. After you have made the will, the lawyer can help if you wish to make any adjustments. When you pass on, they will ensure the family carries out your wish. They can also help you set up a trust and guide you in finding a trustee to manage it. If you want to lower your estate taxes, setting up a trust is a good idea. A trust lawyer will ensure that whatever disputes arise from your decision are nullified.
Business
When you are starting a business, have a lawyer by your side to handle all legal requirements. They help when it comes to drafting business contracts for customers, vendors, and employees. They will also ensure that you cover all bases necessary for a contract. A business lawyer can help in preventing lawsuits against you. They will explain federal laws that govern employment to not expose yourself to a situation that can get you sued. They advise you on protecting your intellectual property like logos, product designs, original works, inventions, and trade secrets. Your intellectual property is essential as it gives you the advantage of competing with a similar business. They can also help in matters of office leases and agreements. They can review any contracts or agreements, ensuring that you are getting a fair deal.
When it comes to finding an excellent attorney to represent you, you need to consider factors like their years of experience and their track record in handling cases similar to yours. This improves the chances of you winning a case. Also, consider using a local lawyer; they are more familiar with the state laws and know how to navigate court procedures.