Lawyer Specialties
If you find yourself suddenly in need of a lawyer, when you previously have had little experience with the law, you might be surprised to realize that the term €lawyer€ is far too general. There are, in fact, many different types of lawyers. Understanding what type of lawyer you need is the first step towards finding the lawyer that's right for your case.
Do You Need a Specialist?
Almost certainly. Unless the only reason you need a lawyer is to file some mundane paperwork at the courthouse, paperwork which will be uncontested, you need a lawyer that specializes in the same area of law as your case. The legal field isn't unlike the medical field in this way. All MDs are medical doctors and they're allowed to prescribe the same medications and conduct the same exams. But would you go to an orthopedist for a PAP smear? Of course not. Sure, the orthopedist could write a prescription for birth control, but they've devoted their career to understanding bones and joints. The human body is very complex and so is the legal system. So, yes, you need a specialist in a relevant field.
Trusts and Estates Law
Lawyers who focus their careers on the area of law known as trusts and estates generally handle these two things after the death of their clients, or represent the clients to whom assets have been bequeathed. They are familiar with the laws and regulations regarding the assets of a person after death, how to interpret a will, what to do when there is no known will, and so on. They are also familiar with property law and powers of attorney.
Personal Injury Law
Personal injury attorney represent clients who are trying to receive a settlement as compensation for harm that has been caused by another person. This harm could be physical or psychological in nature. Legal issues related to personal injury law include neglect, liability, misconduct, intent, and proof of damages.
Family Law
Family law covers a broad area of the law which regulates the relationships between family members, including spouses, parents, guardians, children, and so forth. It can be related to paternity or custody law, domestic violence, divorce, property rights, and other issues which crop up due to conflicts of interest between family members.
DUI/DWI Law
DUI/DWI law is a subset of criminal law which refers to charges incurred while driving under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating substance. It is illegal for drivers to operate a vehicle if their capabilities have been compromised by any substance. Someone can be charged with a DUI based upon actual medical testing, or due to a police officer's observations. DUIs and DWIs are taken very seriously in every state; being charged with one could result in fines, community service, counseling, loss of driver's license, or even jail time. If you're facing DWI charges, it's imperative that you consult with a DUI lawyer. Even if they can't get your case dismissed, they can often get the consequences reduced.
Do You Need a Specialist?
Almost certainly. Unless the only reason you need a lawyer is to file some mundane paperwork at the courthouse, paperwork which will be uncontested, you need a lawyer that specializes in the same area of law as your case. The legal field isn't unlike the medical field in this way. All MDs are medical doctors and they're allowed to prescribe the same medications and conduct the same exams. But would you go to an orthopedist for a PAP smear? Of course not. Sure, the orthopedist could write a prescription for birth control, but they've devoted their career to understanding bones and joints. The human body is very complex and so is the legal system. So, yes, you need a specialist in a relevant field.
Trusts and Estates Law
Lawyers who focus their careers on the area of law known as trusts and estates generally handle these two things after the death of their clients, or represent the clients to whom assets have been bequeathed. They are familiar with the laws and regulations regarding the assets of a person after death, how to interpret a will, what to do when there is no known will, and so on. They are also familiar with property law and powers of attorney.
Personal Injury Law
Personal injury attorney represent clients who are trying to receive a settlement as compensation for harm that has been caused by another person. This harm could be physical or psychological in nature. Legal issues related to personal injury law include neglect, liability, misconduct, intent, and proof of damages.
Family Law
Family law covers a broad area of the law which regulates the relationships between family members, including spouses, parents, guardians, children, and so forth. It can be related to paternity or custody law, domestic violence, divorce, property rights, and other issues which crop up due to conflicts of interest between family members.
DUI/DWI Law
DUI/DWI law is a subset of criminal law which refers to charges incurred while driving under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating substance. It is illegal for drivers to operate a vehicle if their capabilities have been compromised by any substance. Someone can be charged with a DUI based upon actual medical testing, or due to a police officer's observations. DUIs and DWIs are taken very seriously in every state; being charged with one could result in fines, community service, counseling, loss of driver's license, or even jail time. If you're facing DWI charges, it's imperative that you consult with a DUI lawyer. Even if they can't get your case dismissed, they can often get the consequences reduced.
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