By: Matthew H. Fry, Esquire
Lawyers are usually whom you consider calling when you have a problem. But did you know that hiring a lawyer before there is a problem can save you time, money and unnecessary aggravation? While there are some things you can do for yourself and your future without the assistance of an attorney, the following reasons are why you should at least consider hiring an attorney before there is a problem, to give yourself piece of mind and save yourself from future frustration and expense. So here are the top ten reasons to hire a lawyer before, not after:
- Setting up a business. So you have decided to go into business for yourself or with a partner. What type of business entity should you form? Depending upon the type of business, you may be open to, or precluded from, forming certain business entities. An attorney can help you with that.
- How to run your business in compliance with the law. Does your business area have any laws that regulate it? Are there licensing and registration requirements? For example, a contractor must comply with the Pennsylvania Contractors Registration Act. An attorney can guide you through the regulations and make sure you are compliant.
- Employment policies. Having employees is a great sign that your business is growing, but to protect yourself and your employees, you must be compliant with the law and have policies for your employees to protect you and your business when a dispute arises.
- Real estate purchases. While most real estate agents use form contracts, many of the provisions in those contracts may not necessarily be in your best interests. A contract, reviewed and modified by an attorney, could protect you from future problems.
- Prenuptial agreements. To protect your assets and create a fair and efficient distribution of property in the event of a divorce or your death, a prenuptial agreement may be advisable, and should be considered.
- If a family member is unable to make decisions for their benefit either because of mental illness, disability or age-related problems such as dementia, a guardian can legally make health-related and/or financial decisions, to help that person in their time of need. An attorney can assist with the guardianship proceedings in order to assist and protect loved ones.
- Estate planning. To protect your family, and to make sure your wishes are followed, an attorney can prepare estate-planning documents such as a will, power of attorney, and living will to assure that your intentions are followed. Proper estate planning can also save your heirs from additional costs or litigation.
- Attorneys who are trained in conflict resolution can minimize litigation or even eliminate conflicts entirely before things become overly complicated and costly. The parties can meet and attempt to resolve their differences informally and privately, with an attorney mediator as a neutral guide, for much less than it would cost for a court or jury to resolve the issues.
- Contract review and consultation. Presented with an employment contract, a lease agreement, a release, or other contractual agreement? An attorney can review and suggest changes and recommended language to make sure you are treated fairly and protected from unnecessary lawsuits.
- Whether it be for a business, a real estate transaction, or a disagreement, an attorney can help you negotiate price or terms of a deal, or a resolution to the dispute on your behalf to ensure that you are treated fairly. An attorney can negotiate resolutions not only in business matters, but also can assist in personal issues such as divorce and child custody, or personal injury claims.
Have a question or want to learn about more ways to protect yourself and your family? The attorneys at the Law Firm of DiOrio & Sereni, LLP have extensive experience in representing clients to protect them from problems before they happen. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment to see an attorney, please contact Matthew H. Fry, Esquire at the Law Firm of DiOrio & Sereni, LLP at 610-565-5700 or email at [email protected].
The Law Firm of DiOrio & Sereni, LLP is a full-service law firm in Media, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We strive to help people, businesses and institutions throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania solve legal problems – and even prevent legal problems before they occur. To learn more about the full range of our specific practice areas, please visit www.dioriosereni.com.
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