The question “When do I need a lawyer?” is one that is frequently asked of Niagara defence lawyers and other legal advisors. Many people wonder if they should try to represent themselves and people are often unaware of the benefits of hiring a lawyer. In fact, the question of when you need a lawyer is very easy to answer in certain circumstances. My practice covers a broad range of legal services, including family and divorce law, criminal law, employment law, and small business law. In my experience as a Niagara defence lawyer, there are situations within each of those categories where hiring a lawyer is essential.
Are you going through a separation or divorce? The outcome of your family law matter will have an enormous impact on many aspects of your life. If you and your ex cannot agree on serious issues such as child custody and access, division of family property (for example, who will live in the family home, whether to sell it, or how much it is worth), or who will be responsible for debt incurred in your relationship, you should get advice from an experienced family lawyer to protect your rights. It is also true that you should speak to counsel with experience in divorce law if challenging issues such as division of pension benefits or serious tax considerations arise in your family law matter – how you deal with these issues can have significant financial implications, both now and in the future. Have you been charged with a criminal offence? If you are under investigation or have been charged with a criminal offence (for example, impaired driving, domestic violence, drug offences, traffic offences, weapons offences, theft/fraud, or regulatory offences), you should speak with a Niagara defence lawyer as soon as possible. The criminal court process is complicated, and the repercussions of a criminal conviction can be wide-reaching – depending on the criminal offence, you may be facing jail time, significant fines, and/or loss of your driver’s licence. A criminal conviction can also damage your employability and your ability to travel outside of Canada. A skilled Niagara defence lawyer can guide you through the court process, ensure your legal rights are protected, and build a strong defence strategy to secure the best possible outcome of your case. Have you been wrongfully terminated or harassed at work? It is an incredibly stressful experience if you are being treated unfairly at your place of employment (for example, due to workplace bullying, workplace harassment, or sexual harassment) or if you have been wrongfully dismissed. If you are in the middle of a difficult workplace situation, it can be hard to gain perspective or know what steps to take to resolve ongoing problems. If you have been wrongfully terminated, it is a daunting prospect to have to take on your former employer. An employee’s rights upon being wrongfully terminated are complicated and it can be a very difficult legal landscape to navigate. If you find yourself in a situation where your employment rights are being compromised, it is critical to have a skilled employment lawyer to advise you, to ensure that your legal rights are fully protected, and to secure compensation or other appropriate remedies. Are you a business owner in Niagara region?
If you are a business owner, you will likely need a lawyer if your business is being sued or needs to start a lawsuit. You must protect the business that you have built. A skilled lawyer can help if your business is currently in legal trouble, but it is also important to know that a lawyer can provide expert advice, business planning, and strategies to avoid trouble in the future. A skilled lawyer's advice can help you understand the complex rules associated with small business law such as structuring and partnerships, tax strategies, succession planning and much more. When you need legal help, contact an experienced Niagara defence lawyer The examples discussed above are just some of the situations in which you would be well-served by having a lawyer. When it comes to legal matters, you want trustworthy advice and confidential, professional legal assistance – and most of all, you want results. At J. Leigh Daboll's Law Office, that's exactly what you get. I deal with family law and divorce law, criminal law, small business law, and employment law (including wrongful termination). Please contact me for more information about how I can help you.