{"id":358077,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:22","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer.html"},"modified":"2024-08-23T10:49:00","modified_gmt":"2024-08-23T15:49:00","slug":"do-you-need-a-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer.html","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need a Lawyer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><div\n    data-testid=\"fl-general-title\"\n    class=\"fl-general-title fl-flex fl-gap20 fl-items-end\"\n>\n    <div class=\"fl-general-title-heading fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n        <h1\n            class=\"fl-h1 fl-general-title-title fl-no-spacing\"\n            data-testid=\"fl-general-title-title\"\n        >\n            Do You Need a Lawyer?\n        <\/h1>\n        <p\n            class=\"fl-general-title-description fl-text-xl fl-no-margin\"\n            data-testid=\"fl-general-title-description\"\n        >\n            If you have a legal issue, you need a lawyer. If you&#8217;ve been arrested, you have the right to an attorney. \n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/susan-buckner-j-d\/\">Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            August 23, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>When dealing with family law matters or eviction, you know a good lawyer is essential. But there are many other situations when legal advice is important for business or personal issues. Read on to learn some of the areas of law where the right lawyer is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div\n    class=\"fl-category-overview\"\n    data-testid=\"fl-category-overview\"\n>\n    <div\n        class=\"fl-accordion fl-category-overview-container\"\n        id=\"category-overview\"\n        data-testid=\"fl-accordion\"\n    >\n                    <div\n               class=\"fl-accordion-item fl-category-overview-item\"\n               id=\"section-1-category-overview\"\n               aria-labelledby=\"button-1-category-overview\"\n               data-testid=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n            >\n                <h2\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-header fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-between fl-no-margin\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-header\"\n                >\n                    <button\n                        id=\"button-1-category-overview\"\n                        aria-label=\"Category 1 content\"\n                        aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                        aria-controls=\"section-1-category-overview\"\n                        class=\"fl-accordion-button fl-flex fl-flex-auto fl-justify-between\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                    >\n                        What Does a Lawyer Do?\n                        <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <i\n                                class=\"fa fa-angle-down small\"\n                                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/h2>\n                <div\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    id=\"content-1-category-overview\"\n                >\n                    <ul class=\"fl-no-margin fl-list\">\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-lawyers-do.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>What Lawyers Do<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-the-attorney-client-privilege.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>What Is the Attorney-Client Privilege?<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-does-a-government-lawyer-really-do-.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>What Does a Government Lawyer Really Do?<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-legal-advice.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>What Is &#039;Legal Advice&#039;?<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div\n               class=\"fl-accordion-item fl-category-overview-item\"\n               id=\"section-2-category-overview\"\n               aria-labelledby=\"button-2-category-overview\"\n               data-testid=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n            >\n                <h2\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-header fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-between fl-no-margin\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-header\"\n                >\n                    <button\n                        id=\"button-2-category-overview\"\n                        aria-label=\"Category 1 content\"\n                        aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                        aria-controls=\"section-2-category-overview\"\n                        class=\"fl-accordion-button fl-flex fl-flex-auto fl-justify-between\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                    >\n                        Legal Aid Resources\n                        <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <i\n                                class=\"fa fa-angle-down small\"\n                                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/h2>\n                <div\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    id=\"content-2-category-overview\"\n                >\n                    <ul class=\"fl-no-margin fl-list\">\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/types-of-free-legal-services.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Types of Free Legal Services<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/do-you-qualify-for-free-legal-aid.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Do You Qualify for Free Legal Aid?<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div\n               class=\"fl-accordion-item fl-category-overview-item\"\n               id=\"section-3-category-overview\"\n               aria-labelledby=\"button-3-category-overview\"\n               data-testid=\"fl-accordion-item\"\n            >\n                <h2\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-header fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-between fl-no-margin\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-header\"\n                >\n                    <button\n                        id=\"button-3-category-overview\"\n                        aria-label=\"Category 1 content\"\n                        aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                        aria-controls=\"section-3-category-overview\"\n                        class=\"fl-accordion-button fl-flex fl-flex-auto fl-justify-between\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                    >\n                        When To Hire a Lawyer\n                        <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <i\n                                class=\"fa fa-angle-down small\"\n                                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            ><\/i>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/h2>\n                <div\n                    class=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    data-testid=\"fl-accordion-content\"\n                    id=\"content-3-category-overview\"\n                >\n                    <ul class=\"fl-no-margin fl-list\">\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer-.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Do You Need a Lawyer?<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/top-ten-reasons-to-hire-a-lawyer.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Lawyer<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/how-to-determine-if-you-need-a-lawyer.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>How To Determine if You Need a Lawyer<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-control-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-container\">\n                                <i\n                                    class=\"fa fa-angle-right small\"\n                                    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                                ><\/i>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-list-control-text\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/before-you-sue-10-things-to-think-about.html\" class=\"fl-list-item-link\">\n                                    <span>10 Things to Think About Before You Sue<\/span>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>Knowing When You Need a Lawyer<\/h2>\n<p>Some types of cases that call for legal assistance are obvious. Criminal cases, personal injury lawsuits, and child custody cases clearly require an attorney&#8217;s help.<\/p>\n<p>You should consult an attorney or legal aid group in many other areas, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/contracts-law.html\">Business contracts<\/a>:<\/b> Whether you are starting a new business or have been in operation for years, you should have an attorney review any legal documents.<\/li>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/planning-an-estate\/what-is-estate-planning.html\">Estate planning<\/a>:<\/b> Wills, trusts, end-of-life planning, and powers of attorney all require an attorney&#8217;s assistance to ensure everything is done the way you want. Any errors could mean stress, squabbles, or even a loss of financial or housing security for your loved ones.<\/li>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate.html\">Real estate<\/a>:<\/b> Buying and selling property is not as easy as it used to be. A lawyer can review the deed, mortgage, and title transfer with you and translate the jargon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>When You May Not Need a Lawyer<\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes, you don&#8217;t need professional assistance. Your legal problem may not call for an attorney right away. You can resolve some things with a phone call or by paying your fine. If all you have is a parking ticket, the attorney fees will be much higher than any money you save by beating the citation.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re unsure whether you need a lawyer, you can go to the self-help clinic at your local courthouse. Most courthouses have legal aid clinics online and at the courthouse itself that can give you legal information and forms to help you decide if you need a lawyer. They can&#8217;t give you\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-legal-advice.html\">legal advice<\/a>\u00a0but can let you know whether your case needs an attorney.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, small claims cases involve sums below around $10,000, depending on the jurisdiction, and attorneys do not represent parties. You can file the case yourself. You would not need an attorney for this type of case.<\/p>\n<h2>Finding the Right Attorney<\/h2>\n<p>If you need legal assistance, your next step is finding the right lawyer for the job. A lawyer referral service like FindLaw&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer.html\">Hire a Lawyer Guide<\/a>\u00a0is a good place to start. Lawyer referral services categorize attorneys by practice area and size of office, so you can narrow your search once you know what kind of attorney you need.<\/p>\n<p>Once you have a list of attorneys to contact, here are some questions you should ask when you go in for your first meeting:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Do I have a case?<\/b>\u00a0If you see an attorney for possible litigation, they should advise you of all possible outcomes, including the chance you might lose.<\/li>\n<li><b>What type of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements\/attorney-fee-agreements.html\">fee agreement<\/a>\u00a0will you use?<\/b>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements\/attorney-fees-and-costs.html\">Lawyers charge differently<\/a>\u00a0for different cases. Personal injury cases are usually taken on a contingency fee basis. Small cases may be handled with a flat fee. The attorney should be willing to discuss this upfront.<\/li>\n<li><b>Who will be handling my case?<\/b>\u00a0Unless the attorney is a sole practitioner, several attorneys may be in the office. An associate or paralegal may handle most of your case under a senior attorney&#8217;s oversight in large firms. This affects the lawyer&#8217;s fees as well as your case, so be sure you understand what&#8217;s going on.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The most important thing in finding the right lawyer is the attorney-client relationship. You should feel comfortable talking with the attorney. If you can&#8217;t trust the attorney or cannot communicate with them, they can&#8217;t do a good job representing you.<\/p>\n<h3>Checking Up on Your Attorney<\/h3>\n<p>Individual\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/state-bar-associations.html\">state bar associations<\/a>\u00a0have attorney searches that allow clients to learn about attorneys in their states. Some local bar associations in large counties have similar attorney searches. These sites let you see what types of law an attorney practices, what law school they attended, and if they have faced any disciplinary action. An attorney in good standing with the bar can practice without restrictions.<\/p>\n<h2>Free Legal Services<\/h2>\n<p>You might need a lawyer but be unable to afford one. Lawyers are expensive. However, there is good news for people needing low-cost or no-cost legal aid. There are many low-cost legal services for those in need of help.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/do-you-qualify-for-free-legal-aid.html\">Qualifying for free legal aid<\/a>\u00a0can be difficult. Government-funded legal service providers are available for low-income individuals in these areas:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Family law<\/li>\n<li>Landlord-tenant law (mainly evictions)<\/li>\n<li>Immigration law (asylum and refugees)<\/li>\n<li>Dependent care (children and dependent adults)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To qualify for these services, applicants must have incomes less than 125% of the poverty level in their area. However, applicants should check with the aid providers in their area.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/state-legal-aid-resources.html\">State legal aid\u00a0<\/a>resources are constantly changing, and you may find someone willing to work with you.<\/p>\n<p>Other low-cost legal aid options for those who don&#8217;t qualify for free aid include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/pro-bono-resource-center.html\">Pro bono attorneys<\/a>:<\/b> The bar association requires all attorneys to donate a certain number of hours each year to free (&#8220;pro bono&#8221;) work. They may provide their hours through legal clinics or the court.<\/li>\n<li><b>Law schools:<\/b> Many law schools have free clinics staffed by law students overseen by attorneys. Depending on your legal needs, these clinics may provide excellent service in the area of law you require.<\/li>\n<li><b>Negotiate your fee agreement:<\/b> Discuss your legal fees upfront with your attorney. Your attorney may be willing to work with you if you cannot pay a large retainer but can manage monthly payments. A large firm may refer you to a smaller firm with a lower hourly rate. Don&#8217;t give up just because you can&#8217;t afford the first attorney who quotes you a price.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Get a Lawyer&#8217;s Help When It Matters Most<\/h2>\n<p>Do you need legal help? The only one who can answer that is you. But you need to talk to an attorney for the right answer. Use FindLaw&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">attorney directory<\/a>\u00a0to locate a lawyer&#8217;s office near you that can begin answering your questions today.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" 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class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Criminal cases, personal injury lawsuits, and child custody cases need an attorney&#8217;s help\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Business contracts, estate planning, paperwork review, and real estate legal issues may benefit from an attorney&#8217;s help\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some small claims court, traffic tickets, name changes, neighbor disputes, and more minor legal issues can often be handled on your own\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Not all bad situations require a lawyer. And some good circumstances can be even better with an attorney&#8217;s help. A lawyer can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Search Top Lawyers Near You\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Search Top Lawyers Near You<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/legal-issues\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Full List of Legal Issues<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"popularRecent\">\n    <div class=\"row popular-recent\">\n        <h2 class=\"popular-recent-title\">Looking for More Information?<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"popular-recent-item\">\n            <div class=\"popular-recent-item-image\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745849290\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-popular-recent-popular\/general-components-popular-recent-popular.svg?_i=AA\"\n                    alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"popular-recent-item-content\">\n                <h3>Popular Law Articles<\/h3>\n                <ul class=\"fl-list\">\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/before-you-sue-10-things-to-think-about.html\">Before You Sue: 10 Things to Think About<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/do-you-qualify-for-free-legal-aid.html\">Do You Qualify for Free Legal Aid?<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/getting-free-or-low-cost-legal-help.html\">Getting Free or Low-Cost Legal Help<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-legal-advice.html\">What Is &#8216;Legal Advice&#8217;?<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/state-legal-aid-resources.html\">State Legal Aid Resources<\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"popular-recent-item\">\n            <div class=\"popular-recent-item-image\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745849421\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-popular-recent-recent_12960fdca\/general-components-popular-recent-recent_12960fdca.svg?_i=AA\"\n                    alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"popular-recent-item-content\">\n                <h3>Most Recent Law Articles<\/h3>\n                <ul class=\"fl-list\">\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/types-of-free-legal-services.html\">\n                                Types of Free Legal Services\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-lawyers-do.html\">\n                                What Do Lawyers Do?\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-the-attorney-client-privilege.html\">\n                                What Is the Attorney Client Privilege?\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-legal-advice.html\">\n                                What Is &#8216;Legal Advice&#8217;?\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                            <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                            <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/do-you-qualify-for-free-legal-aid.html\">\n                                Do You Qualify for Free Legal Aid?\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you think you may need a lawyer, make sure you know what to expect and how to find one with FindLaw&#8217;s attorney directory and other legal search services.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":357945,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/OverviewPageController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2754],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-358077","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-hirealawyer"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/358077","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=358077"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/358077\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":391462,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/358077\/revisions\/391462"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/357945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=358077"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=358077"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=358077"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=358077"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=358077"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}