Life-changing moments are often the times when we need to lawyer up.

Unfortunately, these are also the moments when we need support; legal systems and procedures are the last things you want to think about when the world as you know it changes. Most people assume that lawyers are just for individuals who have been accused of a crime or are victims of one.

This is far from true.

Attorneys offer legal help for a wide spectrum of life events (and yes, they can even be hired for positive life changes). The law system is like a foreign language for anyone who hasn’t spent years of their life studying it. If you’re wondering what an attorney is, how to know if you need one, and ultimately where to start, we’ve got the basics covered for you.

What Is An Attorney?

An attorney is the official name for a lawyer in the United States. Technically there are subtle differences between a lawyer and an attorney…you can think of it like squares and rectangles; an attorney is always a lawyer, but a lawyer is not always an attorney. Both must graduate from law school, but an attorney has also passed the BAR exam, which allows them to practice law in court. These terms are interchangeable for our purposes (but you can read about it in more depth here).

Here’s the baseline: For someone to become an attorney, they must be a licensed professional capable of advising or representing someone else in legal matters. Good attorneys are extremely knowledgeable in the law but are also excellent communicators; they are able to explain legal jargon to their clients in a digestible way.

Their main job is to advise and represent you in legal matters.

How Do I Know When To Seek Legal Help?

Some common reasons people seek legal help are discrimination, immigration, a trust or will, intellectual property, and much more.

According to the American Bar Association, some situations where you should definitely talk to a lawyer are if you…

• Are arrested for a crime
• Are involved in a serious accident with property damage or personal injury
• Have a family change such as adoption, death, or divorce
• Change your financial status drastically (this can look like filing for bankruptcy or starting a business)

Some issues can be handled on your own, but many require the assistance of someone well versed in the law. If you have questions about whether you need a lawyer for your particular situation, you can check here.

Pros Of Working With An Attorney

• Knowledge: Attorneys are experts in law; they are able to navigate negotiations far better than the average joe. They understand how to navigate court in a way that brings huge advantages.
• Paperwork: In court cases, there are huge amounts of legal documents that lawyers will fill out on your behalf, saving you time and giving you peace of mind.
• Better Odds: Being represented by a lawyer gives you better chances of achieving your desired outcome in court due to their experience.

Cons Of Working With An Attorney

• Expenses: Lawyers can cost a lot of money—their services are extremely valuable! A good lawyer can be the difference between prison time, a job, your house, or your savings account.
• Incompatibility: There is the chance that hiring a less expensive lawyer will mean that they don’t have experience working with a case similar to yours.
• Control: Your lawyer has a lot of say in how your case goes. Much of your decision-making power is transferred onto them.

How To Seek The Help Of An Attorney

There are an enormous number of lawyers to choose from, so when you’re selecting who will represent you, here’s a checklist to keep in mind:

1. What are this lawyer’s expertise and background? Do they have experience working with a case similar to yours?

2. Family, friends, and co-workers are a great place to start. The people you trust most may have experience working with lawyers that they can recommend.

3. You should be comfortable with whoever you choose. You will most likely have to disclose personal information with your lawyer and work with them closely. Make sure they are someone you feel like you can trust!

Know your options and choose what’s best for you. You can find lawyers in your local area online at read about it.

Are There Low-Cost Options For Legal Help?

Some legal situations don’t require an attorney; you can represent yourself for minor cases such as traffic claims. In some situations, a paralegal may also represent you (these are essentially assistants to lawyers who have knowledge of the law but primarily support attorneys) in cases such as Social Security or Medicare benefits.

But let’s be honest…law jargon is confusing, and the stakes can be high. There is no shame in needed legal help, and if you can’t afford an attorney but don’t want to represent yourself, there are other options!

Many platforms online provide answers to legal questions for free. This is a great place to start without investing in an attorney right away. Depending on your situation, free resources, an attorney, or a combination of the two could be the best fit for you. Lawyers have a reputation for being cutthroat…but they may just be your new best friend.