How do I know if I need a lawyer?
Deciding whether to handle a legal problem yourself or hire an attorney can feel stressful. The truth is, not every issue needs a lawyer. But in some situations, trying to go it alone can cost you far more—in money, time, and peace of mind—than getting help early.
Below is a plain-English guide from an experienced lawyer to help you decide if you need a lawyer:
Questions to ask
Ask yourself three questions:
What’s at stake? Freedom, parental rights, immigration status, a professional license, your home, or a lot of money? High stakes usually mean you should hire an attorney.
How fast do I need to act? Short deadlines are common. If a clock is ticking, you risk losing rights by waiting.
Do I really understand the rules? Courts follow strict procedures. If you’re unsure what to file, where, and when, that’s a sign to get help.
When going solo can make sense
Some matters are designed for self-help:
Small claims court for lower-dollar disputes.
Simple traffic tickets (not DUI).
Straightforward name changes or uncontested divorces with no kids and no property.
Basic landlord-tenant issues where your state provides forms.
If you choose to proceed alone, read your court’s local rules, use official forms, and stay organized. Keep a timeline, save every document, and bring copies to every hearing.
Red flags that you should hire an attorney
You could go to jail or lose your license.
You’re being sued (a lawsuit is already filed).
You’ve been served with a complaint, subpoena, or restraining order.
There are children, real property, or significant assets involved.
There’s an injury or insurance company on the other side.
You missed a deadline or a default was entered.
You’re overwhelmed and not keeping up with filings or hearings.
When any of these apply, it’s smart to hire an attorney.
Criminal cases: freedom and future
Misdemeanors and felonies: If you’re arrested, charged, or even under investigation, hire an attorney. Early advice can change charging decisions, bail, plea options, and evidence issues.
DUI/DWI: These cases affect your record, license, and insurance. The deadlines are short, and the science (breath/blood tests) is technical.
Expungement/record sealing: A lawyer can tell you what’s eligible and file it correctly, which can help with jobs and housing.
Rule of thumb: If jail, probation, or a criminal record is on the table, do not go solo—hire an attorney.
Family law: rights that shape daily life
Divorce with kids, property, or debts: Parenting plans, child support, spousal support, and home equity are complex. Mistakes can lock in for years.
Custody/parenting time: Courts expect focused evidence and clean filings. Emergency orders and relocations require tight timelines.
Domestic violence orders: Safety and due process both matter. A lawyer can help you get protection—or defend against unfair orders.
Adoption/guardianship: These are joyful but technical. One missed step can delay everything.
Rule of thumb: If there are children or significant assets, hire an attorney.
Personal injury: dealing with insurers
Car crashes, slip-and-falls, dog bites, medical issues: Insurance companies evaluate and push for low settlements. They have teams; you should have one too.
Value and liens: A lawyer knows how to value pain and suffering, reduce medical liens, and time settlement vs. suit.
Deadlines (statutes of limitations): Miss them and your claim is gone, even if you’re 100% right.
Rule of thumb: If you’re injured or an insurer is involved, hire an attorney before giving statements or signing anything.
Employment, housing, immigration, and business
Employment: Wrongful termination, discrimination, unpaid wages, or non-compete agreements can affect your income and career. Hire an attorney to protect your rights and negotiate.
Housing: Evictions, fair housing/disability requests, HOA fights, and code enforcement can move fast. A lawyer can seek stays, defenses, and settlements.
Immigration: Status changes, removal defense, waivers, and visas are high risk. Small mistakes can have big consequences. Hire an attorney.
Small business: Forming a company, buying/selling a business, contracts, trademarks, and lawsuits all benefit from legal review to avoid costly surprises.
Rule of thumb: If the outcome affects your status, housing, livelihood, or a long-term contract, hire an attorney.
Money questions: can I afford a lawyer?
You have options:
Flat fees for defined tasks (e.g., drafting a will, filing a trademark).
Hourly for ongoing work (e.g., complex litigation).
Contingency for many injury cases (you pay only if you win).
Limited scope (unbundled) help for parts of a case—drafting, a hearing, or strategy sessions—while you handle the rest.
Fee shifting: Some laws make the other side pay your fees if you win (e.g., wage claims, consumer protection, civil rights).
Ask for a written fee agreement. Clarify what’s included, how to reach your lawyer, and what deadlines are coming up.
How to prepare before you hire
Write a short timeline with dates, names, and what happened.
Gather documents: contracts, emails, texts, photos, police reports, medical records, pay stubs—anything that proves your point.
Make a goal list: what you want (and what you can live with).
Be honest: your lawyer can’t protect you from surprises they don’t know about.
How to decide, step by step
Identify the risk: jail, custody, money, housing, status, or license at stake?
Check deadlines: do you have days or weeks, not months?
Size up the other side: government, insurer, employer, or ex with a lawyer?
Assess your capacity: do you have time and energy to learn the rules and draft filings?
Call three firms: compare approach, cost, and plan. Choose the one that explains the path in plain English and gives you clear next steps.
Final thoughts
You don’t have to hire an attorney for every problem. But if the stakes are high, the deadlines are short, or the rules are confusing, hiring an attorney can protect your rights, reduce stress, and save money in the long run. When in doubt, err on the side of getting help—especially in criminal, family, injury, immigration, employment, or complex business matters. A short conversation can reveal issues you didn’t know were there and give you a plan you can trust!
If you have any questions about whether you need to hire a lawyer, contact our Hotline now and we will connect you to an experienced attorney. They can guide you through any questions and help you decide, with no pressure to hire or not hire anyone.