One of the most common questions people from Sarasota (and really, people everywhere) struggle with is whether they should hire an attorney. Hiring an attorney is a really big decision that should not be taken lightly. First of all, you are trusting an attorney to represent you in what is likely a personal or sensitive matter. Secondly, you might be apprehensive paying for services when you are unsure of the outcome. Finally, you might be nervous about interacting with an attorney. But just like it is a good idea to go to the dentist when you have a toothache, you are very vise to seek an attorney’s advice when you feel that you may need one. But how do you know that you need to take a trip to law firm to speak with an attorney? Here are a few things to consider

1. You want to leave a legacy.

Even if you are not in the middle of a legal matter, if you have any sort of wealth at all, you want to provide for your loved ones when you die. Death is something people don’t like to think about, but it adds to your family’s grief if they have to take care of your financial situation while making funeral arrangements. Don’t do this to your family. Head to a Sarasota law firm and get your affairs in order.

2. You are injured in an accident

Let us explain something about insurance companies: they make a profit when they do not have to pay out. They will do everything in their power to not pay you or to underpay you for your injury. By not hiring an attorney, you could possibly be leaving millions of dollars on the table. This is not a hyperbole, that is fact. Attorneys will walk you through the process, advise you from the get-go, and ensure that you get the largest settlement possible. Even after paying your attorney, you will get more than you could ever hope for on your own.

3. You are emotional

The legal arena is not an emotional space, even though a lot of emotional issues come through the courthouse: divorce, disputes over an estate, issues with a landlord, etc. The problem is that  if you are emotional, it can cloud your judgment. As a consequence, you can end up making some decisions that are injurious to you. Hiring an attorney will actually help you to stay neutral and level-headed, getting the best possible result for you.

4. You are unsure about a legal matter

Law school takes three years and a lot of money. This is because learning the law takes quite a bit of time. For whatever reason, the law is not easy for the common man to understand. Do not make a mistake based off of something your friend told you. Seek counsel before you act. It can end up saving you money, time, and can potentially absolve you of liability.

And remember this saying: A person who represents himself has a fool for a client.