Category: Legal

3 Times To Consult a Lawyer3 Times To Consult a Lawyer

As an individual who worked as a paralegal for a couple years after college, I am a huge proponent of consulting lawyers when you have problems that need to be resolved with the help of a professional. That being said, what are three specific instances in which you should consult a lawyer. First, I’d say you should consult a lawyer when you are going through a divorce. This is a crazy time where the emotions of both spouses are heightened and things can get really ugly really fast. I was a family law paralegal and saw this day in and day out. When you get divorced there are so many different little things to consider that consulting with a lawyer is in your best interest.

Second, I’d say you should consult a lawyer when you are needing the declare bankruptcy. Hopefully this never happens to you, but given the economic status of the United States, I’ve seen a lot of people struggle financially. Declaring bankruptcy is a big deal since it affects you in a very real way for at least 7 years, but in reality for your whole life. Rather than running into it too hastily, I suggest consulting with a lawyer beforehand to really see if that is your best option.

Third, I’d say you should consult a lawyer when you are charged criminally with a crime. Once again, I sure hope you don’t find yourself down this road, but everyone is entitled to representation. Even those individuals who can’t afford a lawyer can have a court appointed one. The law has many intricacies so it is best to speak to someone who has made it their career to understand the law and help other people. This is crucial depending on the severity of the crime because you could end up in jail forever. It is important to speak with a lawyer who specializes in your particular issue.

For instance, our attorney is a worker’s compensation specialist. When an attorney specializes in your legal issue you know you are going to be well taken care of because they have a lot of experience with it if it is all they focus on and spend their time doing. So regardless of what preconceived notions you have about lawyers, there are some times where you should definitely consult with one.

Top Considerations When Hiring a Divorce LawyerTop Considerations When Hiring a Divorce Lawyer

When a divorce is imminent, it is clear that you need legal assistance. There are weighty matters involved and you would not want to jeopardize the process. Share of matrimonial property, child custodianship, visitation rights and alimony are some of the issues you would like straightened. You should also take into consideration the legal procedure that dictates how filing should be done. Clearly, you need an experienced attorney to take you through this. The guidelines below will be of great help in your quest to hire divorce lawyer Sacramento services:

Experience

There are hundreds of divorce attorneys practicing in Sacramento alone. What sets them apart? Experience is the word. When you approach a few attorneys that you have shortlisted, be sure to find out how many years of practice they have put in. Ask your prospects about the number of divorce cases they have dealt with. The success rate will also disclose a lot about the attorney you are about to hire. On the other hand, confirm that the said attorney only specializes in divorce cases.

Legal fees

Just like in any other profession, divorce attorneys charge their clients a range of fees depending on the services rendered. During the first appointment, find out how much the lawyer charges for consultation, filing and other related activities. Some attorneys operate on an hourly fee basis. There could also be a retainer for the entire process. Get to know about these upfront. Inquire from the lawyer when and how often you will be billed for the service.

Testimonials from other clients

The feelings of past clients will tell you whether you will be in the right hands or not. Find out what they have to say by reading online reviews. You could also request the attorney to give you a list of a few clients that can vouch for his/her services. Obtain permission to interview them. Talk to these people and find out what they have to say about your prospective attorney.

Attorney’s communication ability

A divorce attorney should always be available to respond to your emails and phone calls. He/she should answer your requests promptly. Ask your attorney about his/her operational policies. You can find out more on this by speaking to former clients or reading their remarks on different online platforms. If your attorney will not be available at the time you want to have a meeting, he should tell you who will be there in his place.

Being comfortable with the attorney

Part of the reason behind conducting a one-on-one interview with attorneys is to enable you gauge his ability to relate with clients. Does the attorney listen to you, pay attention and even show a high level of care? If yes, go on and hire him. Anything to the contrary should have you seeking for the service elsewhere.

How to Make Investing EasierHow to Make Investing Easier

When most people envision investing, they usually picture the endgame; that is, they see themselves as an older, wealthy mogul, living off of the profits of their risky-but-profitable investments from their younger days. Of course, this fantasy risks ignorance of the down-to-earth details that are necessary for prudent investment. That is not to say that wise investments in the present will not reap dividends in the future–everyone can dream of their yacht, vacation home, or retirement nest egg–but rather to urge the reader to make regular review of investment news and be disciplined in their investments.

The first step in making investment easier is immersing oneself in the available material to learn what kind of investments are worth making, affordable, and accessible. For instance, a free financial magazine, such as the Money & Markets Newsletter, should be a part of a daily reading routine. This newsletter allows for the review of expert opinions on a variety of financial matters; resources for any variety of personal investments; and regular market updates. In a field as complex as personal investing, sometimes total immersion is the best way to pick up on trends and conventional wisdom, and receiving a newsletter like this is a good first step. Supplement a periodical reading list with a well-known and accessible site designed to give advice to personal investors, such as The Motley Fool. This is a website expressly designed for those who have little to no experience in the world of finance, and who are looking to make investing easier for themselves.

Finally, in order to truly make investing more accessible, a prospective investor must ensure a certain level of personal discipline and consider seeking out expert advice. First, a personal portfolio should be free of such toxic investments as high-interest credit card debt. Paying off credit card debt is, in its own way, a simple investment: removing this expense will eliminate costly interest in the future. Additionally, many investors will be able to be relatively successful on their own by building a diverse portfolio, becoming a careful student of the stock market, and investing a portion of their disposable income in a low-yield, low-risk commodity such as a savings account or a certificate of deposit. However, a novice investor–especially one with a significant amount of money to invest–might want to place their capital in the capable hands of a portfolio manager. An expert in the financial game will be able to seize upon opportunities while still balancing a portfolio with prudent, long-term investments.