You need a lawyer when the judgment of a lawyer will be of use to you. In this era of "Docucenters," booklets, and software available to allegedly assist you in drafting a will or preparing a contract, many people forget the true value that a lawyer brings to a situation -- his or her lawyer's judgment and expertise. This is what you pay for.

We live in a time when many individuals have accumulated significant assets. The arrangements you make to pass on your assets to future generations and the choice of investment vehicles you make during your lifetime are very important.  They can have a significant effect on the ease with which your heirs will inherit your hard earned assets as well as the amount of taxes the estate may have to pay. The making and reviewing of these decisions is but one example of how a lawyer can be of assistance to you. Although a software program may include a proper form, it is less likely to question poor judgment or an inappropriate approach than a lawyer.

Lawyers can also be an invaluable resource when you are faced with a situation that is unfamiliar to you for which you require advice and judgment. Two examples might be when you have been terminated from your employment or have been the victim of a breach of a contract. Another area of the law in which individuals many times have limited understanding of their rights is in the area of family law or divorce law. Many times, issues involving pensions, 401(k) plans and even child support guidelines are misunderstood by parties who have limited knowledge. Lawyers can effectively advise you of your rights and on how to handle a particular problem. If you have been in an accident or have been wronged by another, a lawyer can discuss the critical issues with you and offer practical assistance.

Any time an individual or business is in a situation in which they do not know their rights and responsibilities relative to a particular issue or law, they should seek legal advice. Not knowing the law is not an acceptable defense to most violations. Modern laws for the reporting and payment of wages in companies with only one or two employees, or for reporting taxes, social security payments and the like must be complied with by every employer or they face potentially devastating liability. That is why you may well find the advice and assistance of a lawyer very useful.

As is the case with good health care, the most effective lawyering is often preventive. Whether it is the careful drafting of a contract which foresees and addresses potential future problems or the giving of proper advice to a family held corporation on generational transfers, this type of legal counsel can prevent long and difficult litigation cases.

People often come to lawyers in times of great crisis and grief. For example, victims of serious personal injury actions often seek legal counsel to assist them in the difficult and time consuming process of dealing with the insurance process. Again, the lawyers offer their judgment, based on their experience with prior cases, insurance carriers, and the courts. This is experience which the average citizen simply does not have and which cannot be found in a book.

Finally, you may well find that lawyers can provide assistance to you and answers to your questions for very reasonable fees. Attorneys at Hamblett & Kerrigan are encouraged to offer practical, simple advice when possible for limited fees. Please consider utilizing our services, and thank you for your interest.

This information is general information and may not reflect the most current legal developments, verdicts or settlements. The information provided should not be relied upon as an indication of the actual state of the law or of future developments. The information contained on the Hamblett & Kerrigan website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If the information referenced may be of legal importance to you, you should consult with an attorney to provide you with legal guidance and opinion as the the effect of the current law upon your situation.