Help From Nonlawyers

Not every legal matter needs an attorney. If you're facing an eviction, divorcing your spouse, or need your will notarized, you only need some help with paperwork and filing fees. Some types of cases may need legal advice from a lawyer, but after that, you can manage on your own. In small claims court, attorneys are not allowed to represent clients.

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 legal advice — only an attorney can do that. However, they can assist you with other legal issues.

Do Paralegals Give Legal Advice?

Paralegals are legal professionals who work under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Paralegals may also work independently or in legal aid clinics. Paralegals can perform legal research and assist with document preparation, but they cannot provide legal advice without the direct supervision of a licensed attorney.

For instance, if you need an explanation of the summons and complaint you received, a paralegal 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.

You should contact an attorney if you need legal information about your case or specific advice on how to proceed.

What Do Notary Publics Do?

A notary public can 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 legal documents. A notary's stamp, or "jurat," is the notary's affidavit that the person provided identification and was free of coercion or duress.

State laws authorize notaries, and their duties vary in each state. A notary public cannot give any legal advice. They must have a commission from the secretary of state and a formal seal or stamp as required by state law.

You should contact an attorney if you are unsure if documents need notarization.

Do I Need a Lawyer In Small Claims Court?

If your court case involves a small amount of money (below $15,000, depending on the state), you can resolve your case in small claims court. Small claims courts handle disputes between self-represented parties (pro se parties), and many states do not allow attorney representation. Because the dollar amount is low, legal representation is not cost-effective.

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.

You should contact an attorney if the other party has an attorney or if you do not understand the possible legal ramifications of the case.

What Is Alternative Dispute Resolution?

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a method of resolving legal matters 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.

Arbitration is 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.

Mediation is 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.

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.

You should contact an attorney when your case involves child support, protection orders, or other injunctive relief. You need legal advice when negotiating these matters in ADR.

What Are Legal Self-Help Centers?

Courthouses and law schools feature law libraries and helpful volunteers for people who can't afford an attorney. If you have legal forms but aren't sure how to fill them out, self-help centers in your local courthouse can give you tips on filing the documents correctly.

You can also access court records at self-help centers. Court records are essential for a range of legal needs besides court cases, including:

• Marriage, divorce, and legal name changes
• Wills, trusts, and probate
• Sealing and expungement of criminal cases

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.

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's office.

Like other locations, self-help centers cannot provide legal advice unless an attorney is on site. Some clinics offer low-cost/no-cost legal assistance from licensed attorneys.

When Do You Need a Lawyer?

Sometimes, you should consider hiring an attorney. There are situations when self-representation is not ideal. Trying to do everything yourself may be "penny wise and pound foolish" if the case involves large sums of money or your freedom.

The state must provide you with an attorney if you're 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 criminal law matter, the judge will assign a public defender to help you even if you want to represent yourself.

If you need legal help but can't afford a full-time lawyer, consider hiring an attorney 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.