With the high cost of hiring an attorney many people are deciding on legal self help as a way to save money. While there are times that having an attorney is best, there are other times when taking care of legal matters on your own can save you money. Thankfully the Internet and even certain localities have systems in place that can make it easier than ever for those wishing to use legal self help methods over hiring an attorney can do so without jeopardizing their chances.
Do It Yourself Legal Forms
Many court systems have inexpensive packets of do it yourself legal forms that you can purchase, fill out and file without the aid of an attorney. Do it yourself divorces, landlord tenant disputes and small claims cases can often be handled on your own once you have the correct forms.
Some court systems offer free or low cost clinics or classes for people seeking legal self help as a means to solve their legal problems. These clinics and classes may cover specific subjects or simply offer advise on how to correctly fill out forms and how to go about filing.
Some self help clinics go so far as to discuss relevant topics such as how to dress for court, what constitutes proof and how to ask questions or raise objections. What these clinics can’t do is offer you any legal advice. They can’t tell you whether or not you have a good case or advise you on whether to plead guilty or innocent to a charge. Their information is usually general in nature and given for the sole purpose of helping you to help yourself. They are not, nor should they be considered as a substitute for the experience of a qualified lawyer.
When Should You Use Legal Self Help and When Should You Hire A Lawyer
Small claims cases are often handled without the benefit of an attorney. These cases may involve small sums of money, failure to comply with certain ordinances and other minor legal matters. Often times these are he said/she said situations that having an attorney present for would not change the outcome.
If you and your partner are seeking a divorce and there are no children or property involved or if you can reach an agreement to the division of property and issues of visitation and child support as a couple without the need of an attorney then legal self help can save you both money and frustration as well. However, if there are a lot of issues that you cannot resolve on your own then hiring an attorney to help deal with these issues might be a better choice.
If you are accused of a major crime or being sued for a large amount of money having an attorney is far wiser than using legal self help forms and clinics. Attorneys are trained to look for certain pieces of evidence that may help your case whereas, most people do not have the knowledge or skill to know what information may be relevant or not.
While legal self help can be beneficial it is important to know where and when not to represent yourself in a legal matter.
Legal Self Help
Legal Self Help
News and more about Legal Self Help
Two more counties get legal self-help online center WLDS-WEAI News Two more counties get legal self-help online center. WLDS-WEAI News. The new online center will provide legal information in civil matters for lower income people. The self-help center also contains other non-court related legal information concerning Social Security Medicare unemployment compensation and other topics.…
Legal answers now just a click away Morris Daily Herald Legal answers now just a click away. Morris Daily Herald. Grundy County Circuit Court Judge Robert Marsaglia talks about Grundy County’s Legal Self-Help Center during a press conference Monday Aug. 20 at the Morris Area Public Library. Herald Photo by Jessica Cohea jcohea morrisdailyherald.com.…
How to learn the law without losing your mind The National Law Journal The National Law Journal. How to learn the law without losing your mind. The National Law Journal. Stellato credits the weekly meditation with helping her become more productive focused and self-aware and with teaching her not to define her success solely by external markers such as grades and class rank. The Nee Foundation recently honored.…