Law affects almost every part of your life. If you are aged between 25-30, you’d have already sought legal advice from a lawyer or will need one soon. A common misconception is that lawyers are only needed to get you out of a sticky situation. In truth, they are also trained to give legal advice to help you avoid getting into one. Just like it’s prudent to have regular and periodic health checks, seeking legal advice from a lawyer at critical junctures of your life, business and career can help you save a lot of time, trouble and money in the long-run.
Here are a few of the most common reasons why Singaporeans seek legal advice every day:
- If you are looking to buy or sell a house, your lawyer will advise you of the procedures involved, check all documents on your behalf and makes sure that the title deed to the house is proper.
You will need a Conveyancing and Real Estate lawyer
- If a family member has passed away, you will need a lawyer to apply to the Court. This ensures that the possessions and properties of the deceased can be passed on according to the dead person’s wishes.
Choose a lawyer who deals with Wills, Probates and Trust
- If you are managing a problem with your spouse or children, you might want to check out the various implications your marriage has on your legal rights to your assets and children.
Lawyers who are experts in Matrimonial and Family Law will be able to give good guidance and advice from their experiences.
- Are you being sued? Did you just receive a letter from a lawyer and you are not sure how to deal with it? If the matter is relating to a criminal offence, you might need a lawyer to defend you in Court.
A Criminal Law -trained lawyer will be your lawyer-in-need
- Ever had to sign off a thick stack of documents. You are essentially liable for everything that you signed off. Do not underestimate any form of contracts that people might get you to sign off. It is important that you realize that your rights and duties are in the contract.
Get a Contract and Tort lawyer to suggest changes to protect your interests. If you’re signing on behalf of your company, do also check with a General Corporate lawyer.
- Starting a company? Other than laws relating to yourself, now you’re responsible for the legal implications of what your company does. If you’re a director of a company, you’re also bound to fiduciary duties which if, not performed may get you into legal suits and even bankruptcy.
Don’t leave your hard work to chance. Let a General Corporate lawyer help you. There are also lawyers focusing on various aspects of businesses such as Venture Capital and Equity Funds, Employment Law, Intellectual Property and Information Technology, Tax and Wealth Planning.
- Are you representing a social enterprise, or a non-profit organization? Your roles and responsibilities might differ from those in profit-driven companies. Check them out with a lawyer.
Check out Law Society’s Pro Bono Office’s Project Law for your eligibility to get free non-ligation commercial legal services.
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.
