Do I need to call a lawyer?

Given the fact that much of our public and private life is regulated by the law, it is not unusual to be confronted by situations where this question pops up.

Most people understand that the law gives us certain personal rights and obligations. The extent or enforcement of these rights and obligations, however, is not always clear cut.

Self-help or legal representation?

There are many types of disputes that can be resolved by yourself through negotiation without out the need for a lawyer. You can find a whole range of free online legal resource that will help you clarify if you are dealing with a legal problem, and if so, whether you can tackle it yourself. Once you understand the legal nature and complexity of a given problem, then you will be able to decide if you need to get a lawyer on board!

Here some helpful hints to help you decide if you need to call a lawyer:

Identify what the issue is

A single legal issue can touch a number of areas of your life. Always try to break a problem down as much as you can, and try not to jump to conclusions without first considering all relevant circumstances. Through this process, you will be in a better position to determine if you need specialised legal help. Having a good grasp of the details of a particular issue will also help you communicate it in a clear and precise manner, potentially saving you time, stress and money.

Advocates vs. lawyers

some issues that may appear legal in nature can more easily resolved by communication between the parties. It can be frustrating if you feel that no matter how hard you try, the other side just won’t listen to you. In this situation, an advocate can communicate on your behalf with the other party. Accessing advocacy services can be a great way to resolve a matter without legal intervention. Specialist advocates are available for different groups, for example, if you are a tenant, advocates can be sought from the Tenants’ Information and Advisory Service or if you are a person with a disability, the Disability Rights Advocacy Service may be able to assist.

Timing

If you have a clear dispute including if a decision has been made about you or you have received a fine or notice which you are not happy with, the sooner you seek legal advice, the better. Not only will seeking legal advice at an early stage ensure that there is sufficient time to go through your case, there might also be avenues to be explored at a preliminary stage which will not be available if legal advice is sought at a later time. Timing is also critical if there is a decision which you would like to appeal. Some appeals have time limits which need to be complied with so seeking advice early can ensure those issues are avoided.

Consideration of these factors can assist you decide whether you need to see a lawyer. If you are in doubt please contact us on 0477 269867 or by email info@cifuenteslaw.com.au