Our everyday interactions and transactions are governed by the law in some way, but, it is not always necessary to get a legal consultation before buying a car or hiring an electrician.  However, there are some situations where obtaining a legal consultation is important and necessary.

There are many reasons to get a legal consultation for preventative measures, for example:

• Starting a business

• Buying a house

• Planning for future generations, also known as estate planning

• Entering into a partnership

• Entering into a contract where, as a result you accept any liability, for example buying property, a business, or investing in a “friends” new idea

• Tax matters, accountants and CPAs cannot give legal advice

• Pre-nuptial/post-nuptial agreements

• Giving a major gift

• Legal “check-ups,” this is important if you own a business, rental property, or investments

Although many of the above situations may not always need a legal consultation and attorney’s help, however, if you can prevent a potential future lawsuit, then an easy legal consultation is worth it.  There may be issues that you are unable to see because you are not an attorney. Having extra-legal educated eyes on a major transaction or life event will help. It is better to be safe than involved in an unnecessary lawsuit.  

The aforementioned situations are preventative reasons to seek a legal consultation, nevertheless, there are many times where a legal consultation is almost mandatory.  These situations are:

• Being arrested

• Being served in a civil suit

• Filing a restraining order

• Being in a car accident involving injury and/or property damage

• Family status change, such as divorce, death, adoption, custody of children

• Sudden increase of money, property, or assets

• Sudden decrease of money, property, or assets

• Filing for bankruptcy

The above situations are life-changing, and the last thing you will want to do is take on something you are unfamiliar with by yourself.  Getting a legal consultation, which many attorneys in New Haven offer for free, could keep these overwhelming situations from becoming larger.  

Other Concerns

Major life events, including those not included on this list, generally need an attorney’s assistance, so there is little harm in getting a simple legal consultation.  Sometimes a legal consultation can just reassure you that everything is being handled or your situation does not need attorney intervention after all.

A common concern that many people have is that their situation is not “serious enough” or they should just save money and wait until they absolutely need an attorney.  This is not advised by many attorneys, including the American Bar Association. Letting a potential situation get worse because of inaction could create additional troubles and add more legal problems to the circumstances.

It is easy to brush off a situation as “not a big deal,” but if your gut is telling you that that something is not right about a situation, seek a legal consultation as soon as possible.  Only attorneys are trained to spot legal issues and with a legal consultation, you can rest assured that they are being professionally handled.

NOTE: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.