When Do I Need A Lawyer?

If you can't get to an affordable lawyer, there are some people who may be able to provide assistance who are not as educated or as expensive as a lawyer. None of these people replace a lawyer. They simply provide assistance for a fee if your problem is in the scope of their experience and authority. Not even paralegals are permitted to practice law, although they can be very helpful in many areas.

Assistance is available through:

Paralegals

In many states, paralegals can assist with document preparation. Paralegals are usually much less expensive than lawyers. There is a national certification program and some states require licensing of paralegals. Two ways to find a paralegal are:

• Contact a law firm and ask what it would cost to assign one of their paralegals to do the task.
• Through National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc., www.paralegals.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=1030 .

Financial Planners

If a financial issue is involved, even though the subject may involve the legal aspects of a financial issue, an experienced financial planner can help you decide whether it is necessary to speak with a lawyer. To learn more, see: Choosing A Financial Planner.

Benefits Specialists

Sometimes called Benefit Consultants or Benefit Counselors, Benefits Specialists specialize in insurance matters. Benefits Specialists can advocate for you with insurance companies, both with respect to eligibility and claims. This is the case with all types of insurance, including life, health and disability insurance. It is the person's training and experience that qualify him or her. Unfortunately, there is no license, title or central certification process to help you find people who are truly qualified.

Insurance Claims Advocates

These specialists focus on medical insurance claims and help appeal insurance company denials of medical claims. There is a small organization that certifies its members, the Association of Claims Assistance Professionals, (www.claims.org ). Like benefits specialists, it is a combination of training and experience that counts.

Credit Counselors

See: Credit Counseling.

Unions

Many unions provide free or low cost legal advice to members.

Legal Assistance Organizations

There are companies and agencies that provide assistance with helping you handle your own legal matters. While this isn't recommended for more technical issues, sometimes preparation of simple documents and other straight-forward legal issues can be resolved by you directly with their help. One such organization is called "We, the People" (www.wethepeopleusa.com ). Others may be found in your telephone book or on line.

NOTE: We have never used any of these organizations. If you do, please share your experiences by e mail to Survivorship A to Z.

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