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How do I know if I need a lawyer?

There are a number of reasons why people put off involving an attorney in their legal matter such as concerns over cost, feeling intimidated or being unsure where to begin. There are many more reasons why having legal counsel may actually simplify your case and save you time, money, and effort. In difficult times, we tend to consult a friend, a spouse, or family member for advice because they are familiar with our situation. An attorney can provide additional valuable advice because their training makes them more familiar with legal situations, which gives them the experience to avoid legal traps and loopholes so that the situation will not become more complicated and costly down the road. An attorney is someone hired to zealously represent your interests. Divorces, estates, and other legal issues often have a significant emotional impact on you and those closest to you. Having an informed third party can help you stay focused on your priorities rather than being overwhelmed by your own feelings or from pressure from a spouse or family member. While in many cases an attorney is not required, the legal system can be very complicated. Even if you represent yourself, pleadings and documents may need to be filed, hearings requested, motions and orders prepared, and no clerk or judge at the courthouse will be able to walk you through the process. While there are websites that offer advice or do-it-yourself kits, the advice may be outdated, not relevant to your case’s jurisdiction, or not appropriately fit to your particular situation. Even in simple cases, having a lawyer to guide you and protect your rights and interests may save you money and ensure that your interests are adequately protected or asserted. Ultimately, the simplest way to find out if you need an attorney is to ask. Contact us to set up a consultation to discuss your concerns and help you determine if you would benefit from legal representation. In most cases, there is no charge for the first thirty minutes of your initial consultation. Many people are afraid to ask for help because they are afraid that a lawyer may be too expensive, but timely legal advice may actually prevent some costly situations from arising or escalating.

How do I find an attorney who is right for me?

Just flipping through the phone book, it’s clear that there are plenty of attorneys out there, but since all law firms are not created equally, choosing a lawyer can seem like a daunting task. Doing a little research is a great way to find one that best suits your needs. When finding any professional, like a new doctor or a dentist, one place to start is with a personal referral, maybe from a friend, colleague, or clergy. The North Carolina Bar Association also provides a listing of member attorneys and their specialties. Having an initial consultation is an excellent way to make sure that you’ve chosen someone with whom you can work closely. Many legal matters deal with very personal issues so it is important to work with someone with whom you have a good rapport, someone you feel you can trust and someone who is attentive to your concerns. At Brock & Meece, P.A., our attorneys share a commitment to serving our clients’ interests that stems from the common belief that, as attorneys, it is both our honor and our privilege to serve others. The partners of our firm are highly trained and share a strong belief that it is our responsibility to work with clients and opposing counsels to create the best possible resolution to any conflict. Check out our Practice Areas to see if any of the descriptions sound like they might fit your situation and help give you some ideas about how to get started.