When do you need to get a lawyer?

Reply #11

bashley572 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:40:39 GMT

That is a really good point. Once you have money you may find alot of people that didn't bother to go after you (sue you) for many things, now will. But again it also goes to my point of finding one you trust. Anyone see Michael Clayton ??? Did you see how the attorneys were only interested in BILLABLE HOURS?? Once you have one that you can 'trust' you should be able to feel ok about not being 'taken' on billable hours.

Reply #10

TexasDreams — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:30:44 GMT

I think it depends on the individual's circumstances. Many people have wealth from either a wining lotto ticket or years of hard work. Regardless, if you have a sizable financial holding either from a winning lotto ticket or you just have an average amount in a Roth IRA or 401k, you need a means to protect it from individuals who may prey (ie frivolous lawsuits) on your good holdings. A person can use the do it yourself forms from the local department store or download them from online websites,... [ More ]

Reply #9

time*treat — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:39:55 GMT

You don't have to let random people know. On paper simply means in legal matters .

One lawyer with a briefcase can steal more than 1,000 guys with guns.

Reply #8

tntea — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:52:54 GMT

Why allow anyone to know if you have a lawyer?

Unless they need to know because they are looking for a way to sue you.

Reply #7

time*treat — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:10:58 GMT

You hire one because the dirtbags coming after your newly realized wealth will hire one. He's your guard dog on paper.

Reply #6

justxploring — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:43:47 GMT

I must have met a few of them, Bashley! I've gotten really terrible advice from attorneys, but not as bad as the advice I got from financial advisors. If I won a lot of money, I would search for a good estate attorney.

Regarding the OP, hiring an attorney is a personal choice, but IMO you don't need to win the lottery to hire an attorney. You can complete your own will, but they're not always valid (depends on the state) and an attorney can usually suggest ways to protect your assets so your... [ More ]

Reply #5

ThatScaryChick — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:18:46 GMT

I believe there have been many people who have claimed jackpots big and small without a lawyer and are doing fine. But me personally, If I won something in the millions I would probably hire won.

Reply #4

KY Floyd — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:34:09 GMT

This is a bit like asking when you need a lawyer if you're arrested. Even if you're innocent, unless the charges are very minor (or you aren't worried about the consequences) you need a lawyer as soon as you're arrested.

Unless you've already taken the necessary steps to protect yourself, your estate, and your heirs, when you need a lawyer is the same. You need a lawyer the instant you have enough money, or are entitled to the money, that it's worth some effort to protect it. Of course you wo... [ More ]

Reply #3

bashley572 — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:50:01 GMT

Good luck finding a 'Good one' I have worked with many different attorneys for over 10 years and even after thinking one is good, all of a sudden they do something that you would never expect!!! Out of about 10 that I have worked with through my job, I would only TRUST one. But I would have to ask him to leave the firm he is working for (its a small one) as I really can't trust the guy he works for. But at the same time I understand WHY attorney's are that way. There JOB requires them to think t... [ More ]

Reply #2

tntea — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:26:28 GMT

To get rid of some that loot after you collect.

Seriously I haven't a clue. However, I would make sure the lawyer was a good one if I hired him/her.

Reply #1

four4me — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:45:15 GMT

Depending or where you live you might need a lawyer to form a trust so you can collect your winnings anomalously. Of course if you already have the paper work and know how to fill out the paperwork. Then there's no need for a lawyer. A lawyer can also advise you of the many things you might want to do before and after you claim your prize.

If you win 200,000 grand no big deal. Claim it yourself. If it's going to cause you a hardship to claim it yourself. Because they might want to put your na... [ More ]

When do you need to get a lawyer?

Emperor — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:55:55 GMT

Everytime someone wins a huge Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot, the first thing they are told to do is contact a lawyer . This is probably a stupid question, but why exactly do you need a lawyer? What is there that a lawyer will do for you that can't be handled in the lottery office when you go to claim you multi-million dollar prize? I've always been curious on this one.

Second, what is the prize cutoff for when you need to contact a lawyer and when you can just take care of it by yourself... [ More ]