WHY DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY?

Many people ask me, why do I need an attorney, legal work is not rocket science, and I could sure use the money I would save on fees?

Many minor issues can, and usually should be handled without an attorney. When the stakes are higher and the law is more complex, family law, bankruptcy, criminal charges, civil disputes, being your own attorney, or getting help from someone who is not a licensed attorney has some serious risks. I get calls every week from people who have made serious mistakes doing their own legal work or having a non-attorney do it for them. They have often had their requests in family court or their bankruptcy petitions denied because they were not done right. It usually costs more to fix a mistake later, if it is even possible to fix it, then to have the work done right the first time.

The other risk of doing your own legal work is being emotionally involved in the situation. I have seen experienced attorneys get in serious trouble handling their own family court work because they could not control their emotions. The old saying that a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client is generally true.

If I need electrical or plumbing work done, I call a trained, licensed professional. Anyone who finds themself in criminal, bankruptcy or family court should do the same.

Ed