3 Tricky Situations to Lawyer Up For!

There are many situations in everyday life which may be better navigated through with a lawyer. From circumstances such as drafting your own will, to splitting amicably in a messy divorce, lawyers can be incredibly helpful in helping individuals understand their rights, responsibilities and legal obligations.

It is always better to be prepared for the unexpected situations life may throw at you. As such, it is also important to expect for certain situations where you may need to lawyer up. Keep reading to learn three situations you may come across during your lifetime in which you may need to hire a lawyer.

When you are drafting your will

Your will is an important legal document which details what you want to happen to your assets when you die. It can cover things such as trusts you may set up, how you want your assets to be shared, who will be the primary caretakers of your children (if they are still young), as well as plans for your funeral.

In order to draft a will which is legally applicable, you will need to follow certain rules dictated by the government. As a result, it is always advisable to work with a solicitor to draft a will for you, or a Public Trustee. A lawyer will also be able to update your will as your circumstances change (for example, if you marry or divorce from your partner or experience a significant financial change) so that it better reflects your desires.

If you are being sued

Being sued is a stressful and costly experience, especially if you feel that your claim is unjustified. In the event that you are served with court documents outlining a lawsuit issued against you, the first thing you should do is seek legal advice. A lawyer will be able to better understand the situation you are in, and give you professional legal advice on the steps you should take next to minimise your losses.

A lawyer will first read over your court documents and speak with you to clarify potential defences (such as technical defences or substantive ones). They will work with you to create a Defence to respond to every allegation the opposing party accuses you of, while also representing you in court.

If you are going through a messy divorce

Not all divorces require the assistance of a lawyer – however those involving a multitude of assets (investments, savings, property) or children (custody battles) may be best solved with a lawyer. Seeking legal advice during a messy divorce can help you with all aspects of your splitting relationship – from settling arguments regarding property, to superannuation entitlements, to child support and maintenance.

With the help of a lawyer, parents can also enter an agreement called ‘child support agreement’ which outlines the amount, frequency and method of child support payments. This agreement is legally binding, and hence should be drafted by a qualified lawyer who is familiar with child support and child maintenance in the eyes of the law.

When to Hire a Lawyer

There are many situations you may come across in life which may be better handled with the assistance of a lawyer. Be sure to remember the above three as such instances and do your research to find the right lawyer for you.