Sometimes there are situations in life that spiral out of control. Sometimes, as much as you might like to, you can’t reach an agreement with another party. Sometimes you might need to employ the help of a skilled, trained attorney.
It happens to all of us at some point. It might be a property judgement, a contentious divorce, an issue with an employee or some complication from an auto or other accident.
Here are some points to think about when considering if you’ve reached the point where you need to consult an attorney:
You Can’t Reach An Agreement
Though you’ve tried to be sensible and come to an agreement or compromise with another party, sometimes it’s just not possible without the aid of lawyers. Whether it’s differing viewpoints, flaring tempers or just hammering out the details, it’s not something you want to take lightly.
If you can’t reach an acceptable agreement with someone you have a conflict with, it’s better and safer to let a lawyer step in on your behalf.
You Don’t Know What You’re Being Asked To Sign
a priori, compos mentis, ex delicto…what?!
Have you had a paper shoved under your nose with a lot of small print and big words? Uh-oh. Legal terms and jargon can be confusing and unnerving. In this case, you definitely want to talk to a lawyer. If you put pen to paper on a document that you do not understand, you could really get into a lot of trouble.
If you’ve been served with papers, you need to consult an attorney to make sure you are clear on what’s being said.
You’ve Been Charged with a Crime
Are there charges against you, your company or a member of your family? Whether they are straightforward or complicated, easy to fix or more difficult, you don’t want to show up in court alone. This is one case where you definitely want to take advantage of the services of a trained professional.
You aren’t sure of the long-term implications
If you can’t say what the outcome of a legal situation will be, you should likely consult a lawyer.
Let’s say you have been offered a quick settlement for an accident. Or maybe it’s a bulk payment upfront in exchange for payments that were to be delivered to you later. Or a loan with repayment terms that you just can’t believe.
If something seems too good to be true or if you feel like you don’t have all the facts, stop immediately and seek out the help of a qualified lawyer.
The Other Person Has a Lawyer
This is a good clue. If your adversary thinks he or she needs a lawyer, then chances are, you do too. Maybe you don’t have all the facts yet. Maybe this person knows that the case is more complicated than it seems. Whatever the situation, you don’t want to go unrepresented.
You Are Scared
You should never feel scared, threatened or unsafe in a situation. The law is in place to protect you and a lawyer can help to make sure the law is being enforced and that you are safe and well.
If you feel you are not safe in whatever proceedings you are facing – you definitely need the help of a lawyer.
To find a qualified lawyer, search through the verified legal listings of Asia Law Network now!
This article is written by Adrian Mah from Asia Law Network.
This article does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion on any matter discussed and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and practice in this area. If you require any advice or information, please speak to practicing lawyer in your jurisdiction. No individual who is a member, partner, shareholder or consultant of, in or to any constituent part of Interstellar Group Pte. Ltd. accepts or assumes responsibility, or has any liability, to any person in respect of this article.