Although we all hope that we’ll never need to hire a solicitor, the chances are that at some point in our lives, we will, whether that’s something as simple as buying a house or a matter more serious like making a personal injury claim.
In England and Wales, there are 156,122 practicing solicitors. This may seem like a lot, but there are plenty of scenarios where you may need to seek legal advice. Here are the five most common reasons for seeking legal help:
1. Business issues
One of the main reasons that people get advice is due to business issues. Company law as a topic can be extremely complex, meaning specialist attorneys with years of experience are required.
But it’s not always disputed that will lead to you needing legal advice. Sometimes, it can be as simple as writing business contracts, employment contracts, or even during positive things like business expansion. If you’re expanding, you may need an experienced legal team to navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions.
2. Family issues
According to ONS data, in 2020 there were 103,592 divorces in England and Wales, so the chances are, a fair few of us will need a solicitor at some point in our lives. But it’s not just filing for divorce that you might need a solicitor for.
If you have children, child custody may be a key reason to seek legal help. Or on the flip side, if you’d like to adopt, a solicitor can help you realize your dream of becoming a parent.
3. Personal injury claims
Although nobody wants to consider the possibility of becoming injured, sometimes accidents do happen. If you’ve been injured because of negligence or an accident that has occurred, you may need a personal injury lawyer to assist you in making a claim.
4. Estate-related issues
One of the most common reasons to hire a solicitor is to move house. Whether it’s your first time buying or you’re selling up, you’ll need a solicitor to handle the legal paperwork and conveyancing for you.
With property prices rising by 10% each year, who would blame you if you wanted to sell up and cash in?
5. After being charged with a crime
Although most of us are law-abiding citizens, sometimes you never know what’s around the corner. Whether you’ve committed a crime or are wrongly accused, if you end up in this sticky situation, you’ll want a trusty solicitor by your side.
Final thoughts…
And there you have our round-up of the top 5 reasons people seek legal advice. However, this is just a small drop in the ocean – there are so many other reasons you may need to seek legal advice. If you do, just remember to not panic and opt for a reputable firm that’ll fiercely fight your corner.
