Do I Need a Lawyer? How to Decide

Plenty of legal problems can be handled without a lawyer, and some cannot. The right answer depends on what is at stake, how complicated the rules are, and who is on the other side.

Situations where you can often manage alone

Many courts are built so ordinary people can use them. Small claims court, simple uncontested divorces, contesting a minor traffic ticket and filling in standard forms for a name change are common examples.

Court clerks cannot give legal advice, but most state court websites publish self-help guides and fill-in forms for these routine matters.

Situations where hiring a lawyer is usually wise

• You have been charged with a crime that carries jail time, including most DUI cases.
• You were seriously injured and an insurance company is disputing fault or value.
• The other side already has a lawyer and real money or custody of a child is at stake.
• You are being sued for a large amount or your home, business or income is at risk.
• The deadline is close and you do not understand the rules for filing.

A middle path: limited help

You do not have to choose between a full-service lawyer and doing everything yourself. Many attorneys offer a one-time consultation, review a document for a flat fee, or handle only part of a case, which is often called limited-scope representation.

A short consultation can tell you whether your claim is worth pursuing and what deadlines apply, which is often the most valuable part.

Questions to ask yourself

• What is the worst realistic outcome if I handle this alone?
• Is there a deadline I could miss?
• Is the other side represented?
• Would the cost of a lawyer be reasonable compared with what is at stake?

Frequently asked questions