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7 common instances where you absolutely should hire an attorney

7 common instances where you absolutely should hire an attorney

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When faced with legal issues and challenges, some people go to great lengths to avoid consulting with a lawyer, because they believe it will be expensive.

What they don't realize is that in many instances, hiring a qualified attorney licensed with the Utah State Bar can actually save significant money in the long run.

Here are seven examples:

Some traffic citations and DUI

Something as simple as a speeding ticket can result in fines costing hundreds of dollars. But the greater expense comes from increased insurance costs which can add up to a hefty sum over the three years the insurance company dings you for the infraction. A skilled lawyer can often get major infractions reduced, which can shave hundreds off your annual insurance rates.

A conviction of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Utah will typically come with hefty penalties, according to DMV.org, such as jail time, community service, mandated substance abuse treatment, court costs, etc.

Keep in mind that any of these penalties can be increased or decreased at the court's discretion. If you have a bad driving record, it's more reason for you to hire a lawyer to go to bat for you.

Even if you don't have a DUI or an accident, accumulating too many points on your license can get it suspended, which will result in substantial insurance cost increases. (You can check how many points you have at the Utah Department of Public Safety site.)

If you're sued

If you're served with a complaint or summons, you typically have 21 to 30 calendar days to respond, according to UTCourts.gov. If you don't file an answer or a motion in time, the plaintiff can ask the court for a default judgment, meaning you can automatically lose the lawsuit without getting to tell your side of the story.

Without hiring an attorney, all the paperwork becomes your responsibility: read the complaint, file an answer or motion with the court and the plaintiff to disagree with the statement, file a counterclaim or even to ask for more time. Most of these options cost money. Consider contacting a local attorney and asking if he or she can do a free initial evaluation of your lawsuit.

You face criminal charges

Even relatively minor criminal charges can create a major disruption in your life. A conviction can hinder employment opportunities and credit applications.

It can also be nearly impossible for a non-lawyer to competently handle his or her criminal case because of the complexity of the legal process. Consider this surprisingly poetic description of criminal law on legal help website Nolo.com:

"The practice of criminal law can’t be understood by reading books alone... To experienced criminal defense attorneys, the criminal law appears much the same as a droplet of water appears to a biologist under a microscope — a teeming world with life forms and molecules interacting unpredictably."

Criminal defense lawyers understand the complexities of the system, including local court procedures that may not be written down. Lawyers can negotiate for lesser charges and reduced sentences, and that by itself can be worth the money.

You are getting divorced

In this era of online legal filing services, you may not think you need a lawyer to end your marriage. Even if you and your spouse are planning an amicable split, DivorceMag.com says lawyers help you navigate marriage law and family court by giving you objective advice about what to do. Plus, they manage all the paperwork that needs to be filed in court, which — especially if you have children — can be daunting.

You need a will or trust

Even if you don't have much in the way of financial assets, hiring a lawyer to write a will and update it periodically is a decision that will bring your family peace of mind. And wills aren't too pricey. According to Nolo.com, it's common for lawyers to charge a flat fee to write wills and estate planning documents. A simple will can cost as little as $300, and more complicated properties and assets typically cost around $1,200. If you're not sure about what planning your estate will cost, a good lawyer will talk to you and quote you a price before proceeding.

You are starting a business

If it's just a small business, you might think involving an attorney is unnecessary. Entrepreneur.com says you absolutely must consult a lawyer. Business attorneys help with zoning compliance, copyright and intellectual property issues, and, most importantly, liability. "Most small businesses put off hiring a lawyer until the sheriff is at the door serving them with a summons," the article reads. "Big mistake. The time to hook up with a good business lawyer is before you are sued."

You are injured or involved in an accident

According to LegalZoom.com, it's important to hire a personal injury attorney shortly after the accident. If money is an issue, most personal injury lawyers will do a free consult with you and won't collect fees until after you are paid for damages. In the case of car accidents, personal injury lawyers act as a liaison between you and insurance adjusters to make sure your claims are paid in full. They can also assist to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice.

In short, a good attorney is worth the money. The Utah State Bar can help you connect with an attorney and even checks to see if you qualify for reduced legal rates.

A licensed, experienced lawyer can help you through accidents, divorce, death or criminal charges and guide you through some of the most uncertain times life offers.

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