{"id":368990,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/going-to-court\/help-from-nonlawyers.html"},"modified":"2026-08-19T13:04:07","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T18:04:07","slug":"help-from-nonlawyers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/help-from-nonlawyers.html","title":{"rendered":"Can Nonlawyers Give Legal Advice?"},"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\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Can Nonlawyers Give Legal Advice?<\/h1>\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 19, 2026\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<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>A person must have a <span data-term-id=\"59766195\">license to practice law<\/span> to provide <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span>, but nonlawyers can offer informal personal opinions or <span data-term-id=\"59766182\">legal information<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>For tasks that don\u2019t require <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span>, such as getting information about laws or accessing court forms, <span data-term-id=\"59766180\">nonlawyers<\/span> can help.<\/li>\n<li>Understanding who is qualified to give <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span> can enable you to protect yourself against bad advice and <span data-term-id=\"59766207\">conflicts of interest<\/span>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<p>Only a <span data-term-id=\"59766187\">licensed attorney<\/span> can provide <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span>. They have the training and credentials to ensure the advice they give you is based on knowledge of the law and court system.<\/p>\n<p>If you need legal help, other legal professionals can assist you with filling out court forms, notarizing documents, and explaining legal terms. They cannot give you <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span>, but they can assist you with other legal issues.<\/p>\n<p>When you need <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span> for a lawsuit, be sure to find a reliable <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">litigation attorney<\/a>. A lawyer has the ability to thoroughly evaluate your case and offer an informed perspective.<\/p>\n<h2>What Qualifies as <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">Legal Advice<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-legal-advice.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59766179\">Legal advice<\/span><\/a> involves suggestions about a specific situation with the premise that you posess professional knowledge of the law. This advice is distinct from <span data-term-id=\"59766182\">legal information<\/span>, which explains the law or legal system generally. <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">Legal advice<\/span> can indicate an ideal strategy or deeper insight, but <span data-term-id=\"59766182\">legal information<\/span> merely describes concepts and possibilities on a broad level.<\/p>\n<p>A <span data-term-id=\"59766201\">nonattorney<\/span> who isn\u2019t licensed to practice law by the <span data-term-id=\"59766206\">state <\/span><span data-term-id=\"59766186\">bar association<\/span> can\u2019t give <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span>. They also can\u2019t <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/courtroom-proceedings.html\">represent you in court<\/a> or <span data-term-id=\"59766208\">complete legal forms<\/span> on your behalf. Doing so would be the <span data-term-id=\"59766181\">unauthorized practice of law<\/span>. It is a form of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/legal-malpractice-claims.html\">legal <span data-term-id=\"59766194\">malpractice<\/span><\/a>. But without <span data-term-id=\"59766183\">giving <\/span><span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span>, a <span data-term-id=\"59766180\">nonlawyer<\/span> can help answer <span data-term-id=\"59766196\">legal questions<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>There are a variety of <span data-term-id=\"59766185\">legal services<\/span> available, so be aware that only some types can provide <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span> for your case.<\/p>\n<h2>When Do I Need <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">Legal Advice<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p>Not every <span data-term-id=\"59766191\">legal matter<\/span> needs an attorney. If you\u2019re facing an eviction, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/the-divorce-process-do-s-and-don-ts.html\">divorcing your spouse<\/a>, or need your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/wills.html\">will<\/a> notarized, you only need some help with paperwork and filing fees.<\/p>\n<p>Some types of cases may need\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span>\u00a0from a lawyer, but after that, you can manage on your own. In\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-small-claims-court-.html\">small claims court<\/a>, attorneys are not allowed to represent clients.<\/p>\n<h2>Do <span data-term-id=\"59766199\">Paralegals<\/span> Give <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">Legal Advice<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"59766199\">Paralegals<\/span> are legal professionals who work under the supervision of <span data-term-id=\"59766187\">licensed attorneys<\/span>. <span data-term-id=\"59766199\">Paralegals<\/span> may also work independently or in legal aid clinics. <span data-term-id=\"59766199\">Paralegals<\/span> can perform legal research and assist with document preparation, but they cannot provide <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span> without the direct supervision of a <span data-term-id=\"59766187\">licensed attorney<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, if you need an explanation of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/starting-the-case-initial-court-papers.html\">summons and complaint<\/a> you received, a <span data-term-id=\"59766199\">paralegal<\/span> can give you general information about what a complaint means and what an answer should contain. Only an attorney can tell you what your complaint means and how you should respond.<\/p>\n<p>You should\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney<\/a>\u00a0if you need <span data-term-id=\"59766182\">legal information<\/span> about your case or specific advice on how to proceed.<\/p>\n<h2>What Do Notary Publics Do?<\/h2>\n<p>A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/resources\/estate-planning\/how-to-find-a-notary.html\">notary public<\/a>\u00a0can administer oaths, witness the signing of documents such as wills and deeds, and verify the identity of individuals who swear oaths or present documents. Notaries do more than stamp <span data-term-id=\"59766190\">legal documents<\/span>. A notary\u2019s stamp, or &#8220;jurat,&#8221; is the notary\u2019s affidavit that the person provided identification and was free of coercion or duress.<\/p>\n<p>State laws authorize notaries, and their duties vary in each state. A notary public cannot give any <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span>. They must have a commission from the secretary of state and a formal seal or stamp as required by state law.<\/p>\n<p>You should\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney<\/a>\u00a0if you are unsure if documents need notarization.<\/p>\n<h2>Do I Need a Lawyer In Small Claims Court?<\/h2>\n<p>If your court case involves a small amount of money (below $15,000, depending on the state), you can resolve your case in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/small-claims-court.html\">small claims court<\/a>. Small claims courts handle disputes between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/self-representation.html\">self-represented parties<\/a> (<span data-term-id=\"59766193\">pro se<\/span> parties), and many states do not allow attorney representation. Because the dollar amount is low, <span data-term-id=\"59766203\">legal representation<\/span> is not cost-effective.<\/p>\n<p>For some contract disputes, such as evictions, you may want an attorney or legal professional to review your case. If the amount at issue is near the statutory maximum in your state, an attorney may be able to bring the case into civil court.<\/p>\n<p>You should\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney<\/a>\u00a0if the other party has an attorney or if you do not understand the possible legal ramifications of the case.<\/p>\n<h2>Do I Need <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">Legal Advice<\/span> for Alternative Dispute Resolution?<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes, <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span> isn\u2019t necessary to resolve a dispute outside of court, but it\u2019s important to consider this decision carefully. You should\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney<\/a>\u00a0when your case involves child support, protection orders, or other injunctive relief. You\u2019ll need <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span> when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/tips-on-negotiating.html\">negotiating <\/a>these matters.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/alternative-dispute-resolution.html\">Alternative dispute resolution<\/a>\u00a0(ADR) is a method of resolving <span data-term-id=\"59766191\">legal matters<\/span> outside the court system. ADR is less expensive than trial court and can put self-represented litigants on equal footing with attorneys and their clients.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/adr\/arbitration\/what-is-arbitration-.html\">Arbitration<\/a>\u00a0is similar to litigation. The rules resemble court rules, parties exchange evidence, and an administrative law judge hears both sides and then issues a ruling. The procedures may be more relaxed, and the ALJ may offer alternatives to both sides during the process. Arbitration is usually binding on the parties.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/adr\/mediation\/what-is-mediation-.html\">Mediation<\/a>\u00a0is an informal process where the parties meet with a neutral third party and attempt to resolve their issue without judicial or legal involvement. Mediators assist the parties in finding solutions that both can accept. The parties may bring attorneys, but they are not necessary. Mediation is not binding unless the parties file the agreement in court.<\/p>\n<p>ADR is helpful in family law cases, contract disputes, and small claims cases. Many courts insist on mediation before these cases proceed to the district court.<\/p>\n<h2>What Are Legal Self-Help Centers?<\/h2>\n<p>Courthouses and <span data-term-id=\"59766189\">law schools<\/span> feature law libraries and helpful volunteers for people who can\u2019t afford an attorney. If you have legal forms but aren\u2019t sure how to fill them out, self-help centers in your local courthouse can give you tips on filing the documents correctly.<\/p>\n<p>You can also access court records at self-help centers. Court records are essential for a range of legal needs besides court cases, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage.html\">Marriage<\/a>, divorce, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/how-to-legally-change-your-name.html\">legal name changes<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Wills, trusts, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate\/do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-probate.html\">probate<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/expungement\/expungement-overview.html\">Sealing and expungement<\/a> of criminal cases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Thanks to the internet, these records are available online for a fee. Rather than going to the courthouse and rummaging through dusty files, you can request a copy and download it to your computer or the courthouse printer.<\/p>\n<p>Self-help centers can efile your court papers. Like everything else today, you can file court documents online. Some courts prefer efiling if you can manage it. This is easier than filing in person at the clerk\u2019s office.<\/p>\n<p>Like other locations, self-help centers cannot provide <span data-term-id=\"59766179\">legal advice<\/span> unless an attorney is on site. Some clinics offer low-cost\/no-cost <span data-term-id=\"59766188\">legal assistance<\/span> from <span data-term-id=\"59766187\">licensed attorneys<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h2>When Do You Need a Lawyer?<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes, you should consider hiring an attorney. There are situations when self-representation is not ideal. Trying to do everything yourself may be &#8220;penny wise and pound foolish&#8221; if the case involves large sums of money or your freedom.<\/p>\n<p>The state must provide you with an attorney if you\u2019re facing criminal charges that could result in jail or prison time. Some states only provide attorneys if you are charged with a misdemeanor with a sentence greater than six months. In any\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal.html\">criminal law<\/a>\u00a0matter, the judge will assign a public defender to help you even if you want to represent yourself.<\/p>\n<p>If you need legal help for a civil case but can\u2019t afford a full-time lawyer, consider <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hiring an attorney<\/a> for the things you need. If you can handle the paperwork but need an attorney to appear in court, some attorneys will make your appearances and protect your interests before the judge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\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\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div 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                    You want an attorney to represent you in court or during appeals\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                    Complex court cases (such as contract disputes, real estate, family law, personal injury, or employment) generally need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>The court process for many cases, such as intellectual property or probate, can be complicated and slow. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes during litigation.<\/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\/litigation-appeals\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL34\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAACCzz9CV0ZsvAbzx\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><section\n        class=\"fl-google-preferred-card fl-flex fl-flex-column fl-items-center fl-gap10 fl-text-center fl-mt30 fl-mb30\"\n        data-testid=\"google-preferred-card\"\n>\n    <h2\n            class=\"fl-google-preferred-card-title fl-no-margin\"\n            data-testid=\"google-preferred-card-title\"\n    >\n        Did FindLaw Help You Understand This Legal Issue?\n    <\/h2>\n    <p\n            class=\"fl-google-preferred-card-paragraph fl-text-sm fl-no-margin\"\n            data-testid=\"google-preferred-card-paragraph\"\n    >\n        Make It a Preferred Google Search Source\n    <\/p>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"fl-button fl-link-button secondary fl-google-preferred-card-button google-pref-link fl-mt20\" aria-disabled=\"false\" data-testid=\"google-preferred-card-link\" aria-label=\"Google Preferred\">\n    <span\n            class=\"fl-button-start-icon fl-flex fl-items-center\"\n            data-testid=\"google-preferred-card-icon\"\n    >\n      <svg\n              width=\"18\"\n              height=\"18\"\n              viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\"\n              fill=\"none\"\n              xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\n              aria-hidden=\"true\"\n      >\n        <path\n                d=\"M17.64 9.2c0-.637-.057-1.251-.164-1.84H9v3.481h4.844c-.209 1.125-.843 2.078-1.796 2.716v2.259h2.908c1.702-1.567 2.684-3.875 2.684-6.615z\"\n                fill=\"#4285F4\"\n        ><\/path>\n        <path\n                d=\"M9 18c2.43 0 4.467-.806 5.956-2.184l-2.908-2.259c-.806.54-1.837.86-3.048.86-2.344 0-4.328-1.584-5.036-3.711H.957v2.332A8.997 8.997 0 0 0 9 18z\"\n                fill=\"#34A853\"\n        ><\/path>\n        <path\n                d=\"M3.964 10.706A5.41 5.41 0 0 1 3.682 9c0-.593.102-1.17.282-1.706V4.962H.957A8.996 8.996 0 0 0 0 9c0 1.452.348 2.827.957 4.038l3.007-2.332z\"\n                fill=\"#FBBC05\"\n        ><\/path>\n        <path\n                d=\"M9 3.58c1.321 0 2.508.454 3.44 1.345l2.582-2.58C13.463.891 11.426 0 9 0A8.997 8.997 0 0 0 .957 4.962L3.964 7.294C4.672 5.163 6.656 3.58 9 3.58z\"\n                fill=\"#EA4335\"\n        ><\/path>\n      <\/svg>\n    <\/span>\n        <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Add to Google<\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\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\/litigation\/going-to-court.html\">\n                        What To Expect When Going to Court\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\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-sue-.html\">\n                        Can I Sue?\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\/litigation\/legal-system\/civil-court-basics.html\">\n                        Civil Court Basics\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\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\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you need legal help but can&#8217;t hire a lawyer, where else can you get legal assistance? FindLaw offers some alternatives and advice on when to hire a pro.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":368979,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.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":["SEO Title Length","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned","External Links"]},"categories":[2803],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-368990","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-litigation"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368990","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=368990"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368990\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":407290,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368990\/revisions\/407290"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=368990"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=368990"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=368990"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=368990"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=368990"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}