Law Office
of David Christopher Baker

This may be the best of question of all. Not everyone situation requires an attorney. But if you're asking the question, it likely means you have a concern that your situation may be more than you can handle. At a minimum, it may make sense to at least consult an attorney, explain your circumstances, and get their advice and initial recommendations. A good attorney should tell you when you do not need an attorney.

It is not difficult to hire an attorney (oftentimes called "retaining" an attorney). Typically, an initial consultation with an attorney will include a discussion of how the attorney can be retained. This usually involves signing a written agreement confirming what it is the attorney will do for you, what you will pay the attorney for legal services, and additional terms meant to protect both you and the attorney.

Working with a good attorney does not have to be expensive. Nevertheless, good law firms and attorneys can be expensive, particularly those who work in highly specialized fields or have substantial experience doing what they do. A recommended approach to avoiding unpleasant billing surprises is to make sure at the outset that you have a good understanding of what the attorney intends to do for you and how much that is likely to cost. It is not easy to forecast all legal fees and costs, especially if litigation is involved, but it is a good idea to get a rough budget up front and then modify it as events warrant.