How to Know if You Need a Lawyer at Trial

You may believe that you are within your legal rights to sue a party for monies they owe you. That may be so, but do you have the ability to represent yourself in a trial at court, and with the confidence to win? Or are you being sued and you question the ability to defend yourself? Here are a few steps to take that might help you decide whether or not you need a lawyer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Court information package on rules and procedures

1. Whether you are suing or being sued, you need to read all the legal material involved and get a full understanding of what the legal justifications are. If you are having difficulty comprehending what’s going on, you need to seek legal advice.
2. Get an information package from the courthouse office and study it carefully. This will outline court procedures and explain some legal jargon. If you find yourself confused or not fully understanding the procedure after reading the information package, it might be a good thing to get legal advice.
3. If the other party is being represented by an experienced lawyer, and this is your first time in court, you might want to seek legal advice.
4. If the other party is serving documents to you and after studying the information package, you aren’t sure what they mean, you need to seek legal advice.
5. If it’s you against a large company or corporation that is represented by a reputable business lawyer, and your stand is that you don’t feel you owe them anything, you need to get legal advice.
6. If the other party is representing themselves, then you might be on parallel to do the same, but you still might want to at least get a few minutes of free legal counsel.

Tips & Warnings

• If you study the information package and you feel confident under the circumstances, then you may do well representing yourself at trial. But if you have any questions or concerns or doubts, above all else do not rely on the advice of friends. You really need to seek legal counsel.