Do you need a lawyer?

At some stage in our lives, most of us will have a legal issue or problem. This may be through buying or selling property, starting or ending a business or relationship, or organising a will or administering an estate. In these and other situations, you may need to consult a lawyer for legal advice or assistance. The legal system is complex, often difficult to understand and can be expensive.

Many people feel intimidated by lawyers and the law, which can appear daunting and difficult to understand. However, it does not need to be this way. It is important to understand the relationship between you and your lawyer. This relationship is based on an agreement under which you both have certain obligations. Lawyers are obliged to use all the available information to further your cause, but they cannot present false information or make vexatious claims, even if you instruct them to do so.

The relationship between you and your lawyer is important. There are many factors that can contribute to a successful working relationship. One of the most important of these is communication and finding someone you feel you can communicate with. Being prepared is one of the best ways of ensuring good communication.

If you do seek the advice or assistance of a lawyer, try to find someone who has experience in the appropriate area of the law. If you have a legal problem, it is useful to be prepared by doing some initial research yourself. Finding out more about the particular area of law you are dealing with can help you to decide whether you need a lawyer.

It may also be possible to get some initial free legal advice before deciding what to do. Some solicitors advertise the first appointment free of charge, perhaps offering an obligation free quote (usually 20-30 minutes), but most will charge for their time on an hourly basis (usually calculated in 6-minute units). There may also be agencies that provide initial free advice, such as the Legal Services Commissions in each State.

Lastly, while legal problems can arise in a wide range of situations, it is not always necessary to take legal action. Sometimes there are other, alternative ways of solving problems or resolving disputes, for example through mediation. Your lawyer can discuss with you the alternatives to legal action, which may be cheaper and quicker in the long run.

Good luck!