If you have legal questions that you need answered or you’re thinking about filing a lawsuit, you need to find local legal advice services. There are several places to turn to if you need legal advice but can’t afford or don’t want to pay for a consultation with a lawyer.
Legal Aid
Every state has a legal aid department. Legal aid exists to help low-income residents resolve legal problems. You can search online for legal aid in your state; if you can’t find legal aid by searching online, contact your state’s bar association. Bar associations can usually refer you to low-cost attorneys or to a legal aid service.
Free Initial Consultations
Many attorneys offer free initial consultations to clients so that they can see if they have a viable case before proceeding. Lawyers know that many folks don’t want to have to pay just to hear that their personal injury issue or wrongful termination lawsuit doesn’t have merit, nor do they want to pay just to ask a quick legal question. Search online for attorneys in your area that offer free initial consultations.
Legal Advice Websites
You also can find legal advice online. You’re limited as to what you can find because you usually don’t have the opportunity to talk to the lawyer in real time. Most legal advice websites offer articles about common legal problems. However, you may be able to find answers, or at least guidance, to your questions.
You have to be careful when looking at legal advice online because anybody can post a webpage full of advice, It can be hard to tell whether the advice is legitimate or the author has the expertise to back up the claims. Advice is usually trustworthy if it is found on a lawyer’s website or on a government site. For example, if you have tenant law questions, advice on HUD’s website or on your state’s tenant association’s website is usually reliable.
If you need legal advice, the best thing to do is talk to a lawyer face-to-face about your issues. Lawyers that work for legal aid or who offer free consultations are great options. Also, a little research online can go a long way in helping you understand your legal rights and options, as well as give you the necessary back drop to have a more intelligent conversation with an attorney.
