Lawyers can specialize in multiple areas, including real estate, tax law, and environmental law. Clients consult attorneys to address specific legal needs when planning for the future or to deal with unforeseen events, such as accidents. Although there are multiple reasons you may need a lawyer, the most common reasons include estate planning, accidents, divorce, and business matters.
1. Are you planning your estate?
Estate planning attorneys take legal measures to protect their clients’ assets in the event of their passing on. Your estate planning attorney can prepare your will to ensure your assets will be divided between your beneficiaries per your wishes. When a person who does not have a will dies, the courts will determine who will inherit their assets. Without a will, your belongings may not go to the family member of your choice. Estate planning lawyers can also establish trust funds to provide for minor children or elderly parents.
An estate planning attorney can provide insight into financial decisions, such as selling assets. You may opt to liquidate your life insurance policy to access funds in order to protect other assets or pay for medical bills and other unexpected expenses. For example, if you’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness, americanlifefund.com can arrange a viatical settlement. The viatical settlement company locates a buyer who will purchase your life insurance policy. You will receive a single cash payment that is greater than your policy’s cash-in value but less than the policy’s benefit amount. The buyer becomes the beneficiary, but you can use the funds as you see fit. An experienced attorney can help you determine if a viatical settlement is the best way to preserve your estate while managing your expenses.
2. Have you been in a car accident?
If you’re injured in a car accident, workplace accident, or any other type of accident in the State of Illinois, Google “accident attorneys in Chicago” to locate a personal injury attorney in your area. Contacting a personal injury lawyer should be one of the first steps you take after your car crash. Personal injury lawyers offer potential clients a free consultation, which means you can get an assessment of your case and potential personal injury claims without assuming any financial risks. Personal injury attorneys represent people who have sustained both physical and mental health injuries.
Whether you’re suffering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), whiplash, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the car accident, your personal injury attorney will fight to ensure you receive financial compensation. You may need to pursue a lawsuit to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and any property damage caused by the accident. Compensation can cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and the cost of medications.
Your personal injury attorney may also advise you to apply for benefits and help you navigate the appeal process if your insurance claims are denied. Learning how to appeal a denied insurance claim can be complicated and frustrating, but personal injury lawyers have years of experience and can simplify the process for you.
3. Are you getting divorced?
In 2018, 782,038 divorces were finalized in the United States. Although it’s possible for couples to divorce without hiring an attorney, many couples need professionals to help them divide assets and address child custody issues, particularly if they have a complex case. Family law attorneys specialize in this field and are familiar with relevant case law that may affect the terms of your divorce. A divorce decree may include alimony and child support payments. Your lawyer can also ensure that caregiver costs for minor children are addressed. Hiring a divorce attorney with decades of experience will ensure you receive the legal assistance you need to protect your rights and assets, and you will increase your odds of receiving a fair settlement.
4. Are you starting a business?
Business attorneys can help you establish your company and make critical business decisions. If you’re preparing to start a business, you can receive a free legal consultation by filling out a lawyer’s website contact form or making a phone call to their office to schedule a consultation. You may decide to operate a business as a sole proprietorship, register as a limited liability company (LLC), or start a business partnership. Business lawyers can explain the distinctions between each type of business and outline the benefits and disadvantages. Your business lawyer can prepare contracts to ensure your legal rights and personal assets are protected. Business attorneys can also provide additional information about regulations you need to comply with and help you navigate mergers and acquisitions.
You may need to hire a lawyer for several reasons, but some of the most common reasons involve addressing business or family matters, such as estate planning or divorce. A lawyer can also help protect your rights if you’ve been involved in an accident.
