We often conjure up images of dramatic, tense courtroom exchanges and high-profile cases when thinking about hiring lawyers due to blockbuster movies and box sets. In reality, most people need legal advice for everyday issues. In this guide, we’ll discuss some common reasons to hire legal professionals and share tips to help you get the assistance you need. 

Sold and For Sale signs in front of a nice home.

Buying and selling real estate

One of the most common reasons people hire a legal firm is to oversee the exchange of real estate. If you’re buying or selling a property, you’ll need to go through legal processes to transfer ownership from one party to another. Working with experienced real estate lawyers can speed up the process, eliminate delays and setbacks, and ensure the transaction progresses smoothly in the best interests of the client. It’s beneficial to factor in legal fees when calculating buying and selling costs and to spend time researching local firms. Read information online, schedule phone or in-person consultations, find out more about services, and get recommendations from your friends, neighbors, colleagues, and local social media groups. 

Setting up a business

More than 5 million new business applications were processed in the US alone in 2023. Setting up a company is an exciting prospect, but it’s not as straightforward as it may look on TV. There are several steps to launch a legitimate new venture. These include choosing a company structure, registering the business name and address, registering to pay the relevant taxes, and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits. 

If you’re preparing to open a store, restaurant or salon, you’re gearing up to launch an online business, or you’re getting ready to offer services to customers, you’re probably very busy. Running a business involves juggling multiple balls. Hiring a lawyer is a brilliant way to save time, prevent stress and free up valuable hours for other tasks while ensuring your new business is compliant. Lawyers can offer advice about everything from choosing the right business structure and registering the company to drawing up employment contracts. Partnering with a reputable business law firm can help entrepreneurs address legal challenges, safeguard their operations, and plan for sustainable growth.

Dealing with credit report errors

Your credit history provides critical information to lenders and other parties. If you want to borrow money or even get a job, your credit score may be influential. A credit report error can be costly in terms of your ability to borrow, the rates and terms you can access and your reputation. Studies show that up to half of credit reports could contain mistakes. In many cases, if you raise concerns over an error on your credit report, it will be resolved. If you don’t get the response you want, there are solutions. Hiring lawyers with expertise in handling credit report disputes can help you maximize your chances of clearing errors. 

As a consumer, you have the right to question credit bureaus and dispute errors. If the provider doesn’t act quickly enough, they ignore you, or they repeat the same errors, you can file a credit bureau lawsuit with the help of legal professionals. The threat of legal action is often sufficient for credit bureaus to act promptly and submit an Offer of Judgment. This involves settling the case without going to trial. With legal experts in your corner, you can increase your chances of reaching a satisfactory settlement swiftly, while reducing stress. 

Woman in business attire working on a laptop and taking notes.

Divorce and child custody

Figures from the CDC suggest that the current divorce rate in the US is around 2.4 per 1,000 people. There are many reasons why people get divorced, including a change in their relationship, infidelity, changes in personal circumstances, different life goals, drifting apart, financial issues, abuse, and unreasonable behavior. Whatever the reason for a breakup, people who plan to get divorced have to go through legal proceedings. 

Finding the best divorce attorney is crucial when going through the breakdown of a marriage. This is often a challenging time for everyone involved. Finding an experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate lawyer can help you navigate the process, access help and support, and ensure you have the strongest possible case. The best lawyers fight hard for their clients, working tirelessly to reach an agreement that represents their best interests. 

Any divorce can be messy and distressing, but often, the most complex cases involve child custody disputes. If you have children, getting a divorce can be more complicated, especially if you’re not in agreement with your partner or you’re not on speaking terms. Family lawyers liaise with other legal parties to identify solutions and draw up fair agreements. If they have to, they’ll push for more or request sole custody. 

Estate planning

Planning for the future is another common reason to seek legal advice. Nobody wants to dwell on the prospect of leaving this world, but death is a certainty. Estate planning is an effective way to secure assets and investments for beneficiaries and ensure your wishes are respected when you die. Working with a lawyer can help you decide how to split your assets and create a will that outlines who benefits. In addition, you can also document your requests in terms of how and when people can access the assets you pass down and share wishes, such as your plans for your funeral. If you have children or grandchildren, you can put money into trusts.

Getting expert help with estate planning enables you to access information and understand your options. Once you know how it works and what you can do, you can then use legal documents to express your requests and preferences. If you don’t have a will, the state will decide what happens to your assets. 

It’s common to think about high-profile cases and headline-grabbing stories when thinking about lawyers and legal issues, but in reality, most people seek legal advice for everyday matters. From buying and selling real estate and setting up a business to dealing with credit report errors, going through a divorce and planning your future, there are many reasons why you may need to hire a lawyer or get professional legal advice. If you need a lawyer, it’s wise to spend time researching firms that specialize in the relevant field, read reviews and testimonials, arrange consultations, and get recommendations from people you trust.