YOU HAVE A PROBLEM (And so could your business!)
Our courts are out of control. Instead of equal justice for all in
many cases it seems justice goes to the highest bidder, the client
who pays the highest legal bill. Here are three areas where many
problems are found and steps to avoid the pitfalls.
THE STARTLING FACTS
Fully 50% of us will need an attorney in the next 12 months but
MANY WILL NOT USE ONE DUE TO THE COST!
And being your own lawyer is not a do it yourself job.
Have you noticed that there are no "Attorney Depots"? Why? The
laws are so complex that sometimes even the lawyers can't make
sense of them. And people love to sue. A NEW LAWSUIT IS FILED
EVERY 3 SECONDS IN AMERICA! Even volunteers for charitable
organizations have risk as volunteers!
THE PERSONAL ARENA
Ever buy a home? Did you read all the fine print in the 5 or 6 inch
STACK of papers they presented you or did you just sign, eyes
glazed over, (about 100 times). Did you comfort yourself with the
good old "It's what everyone HAS to sign"? Sure, you would love
an attorney present but...oops... costs too much. Or a car loan.
Who can read all this stuff? Or how about when we get fired from
our job, need a contract reviewed, sign a lease or get audited?
Divorce is a double threat since there is the divorce itself and
often child support or a property settlement. The list keeps going.
THE BUSINESS ARENA
Warning! SMALL BUSINESS GETS HURT THE WORST! If you are in
business for yourself you need legal help more often than most.
Small business people sign contracts, lease offices, hire and
(gulp) fire employees, are wide open for discrimination lawsuits,
and more. Why are we so vulnerable? Because they know that in
most cases WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO DEFEND OURSELVES!
THE FAMILY ARENA
What does your will say? If you are like most Americans it says
"I am a blank piece of paper"! Or maybe you went to the office
supply and bought a boilerplate will where you just fill in the
blanks. Or you downloaded this cool program that did it all for
you? Do you know in your heart that something like that
will apply in YOUR state? Not sure? What's the answer? Calling
an attorney but at how much per hour? If you want to adopt a
child or care for an ailing relative there are risks as well.
WHAT TO DO
Educate yourself. Know when you are taking a risk and weigh
risks against benefits. Next, never rely on the advice of non
professionals. They won't experience the consequences if they
are wrong... YOU will. Last, don't do it yourself. Even if you
are an extremly competent person remember that legal matters are
NOT a "do it yourself" project.
About the Author
Barbara Jo Truchon and her team at Equal Justice for All
can provide prepaid legal services for pennies a day that will give
you the peace of mind you deserve. Never let the expense of an
attorney stop you from receiving professional advice again! Visit
Barbara's website today at http://www.ejfa.com/barbarajo or her
newly designed site: http://www.prepaidlegal.com/go/barbarajot