What To Do When You Need An Attorney And Funds Are Tight
Posted on: 30 January 2017
When you're dealing with a legal issue, few things can be as reassuring as having a lawyer on your side. They are familiar with the system and the process and can take a situation that may seem quite complicated and make it much smoother. However, if you're in the midst of a brewing legal battle and want to hire an attorney, one thing may be standing in your way: money. Your budget could be stretched thin and you don't know where to turn. Use this information to find out more about what you can do to get a lawyer even when funds are tight.
Go To A Legal Aid Society
When you need budget-friendly legal help, a legal aid society can be a godsend. These are organizations set up for the sole purpose of making sure that competent legal assistance is available to people of many different socioeconomic backgrounds.
Legal aid societies help members of the public in a myriad of ways. The first thing you'll do upon contacting these centers is have a consultation. You'll give the details of your case to the worker so you can be paired with a lawyer.
After you've been partnered with an attorney that's willing to help, the issue of payment may come up. Understand that legal aid societies are funded by a number of organizations and anonymous donors. What this means is that your legal fees may be subsidized so that they fit into your budget.
Keep in mind that you could be asked to produce wage statements as an indication of your financial ability. Because of this, it's a good idea to have your pay stubs on hand prior to reaching out to the society.
Look For A Pro Bono Attorney
Pro bono lawyers are legal professionals who represent their clients without charging a fee. They may be subsidized by grants or simply do it because they recognize the importance of having a lawyer regardless of whether you make a lot of money or not.
Pro bono lawyers are usually in high demand so prepare to do a bit of digging to find them. Call around to local law firms and ask if they have a pro bono attorney on staff. You may be surprised at what you find.
Getting legal help doesn't have to be out of reach if you just know what to do. When you need an affordable attorney, keep these tips in mind so you can get the help you deserve. For more information, contact local professionals like Clearfield & Kofsky.
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