      
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED
A LAWYER FOR
Many times the mere fact that
you are asking the question indicates that you probably need an attorney.
However, that is not always true.
The following are some sensible suggestions:
Contracts Prepared by Someone Else
If you are being asked to sign a contract, it is
for a modest amount of money, for a short period of time, you understand 100%
of the terms in the contract and all of the terms are
acceptable, then you probably do not need an attorney. However, if a
significant amount of money is involved, if the contract will last for more
than a short period of time, if you are not 100% sure of all of the terms or
if you do not want to agree to all of the terms then you need professional
assistance from an attorney. Remember, whoever is presenting the
contract to you had it prepared to protect themselves, not you.
Contracts You Want to Prepare
Can you prepare your own contract?
Certainly. However, as the amount of money and the length of time of the
contract goes up, the risk you take also increases. If such things as
Integration, Indemnity, Termination and Consequential Damage clauses, amongst
others, are not something you feel comfortable with, then you need
professional assistance from a lawyer. Note also that if a dispute
arises and there is an ambiguity in the contract, the courts are generally
required to interpret the contract against the party that prepared the
contract.
Other Business Matters
There are a wide range of business
issues that require legal assistance. Always look at the potential
exposure is something goes wrong and then invest the money for legal
assistance.
The Law Offices of John A. Sullivan represents clients throughout the State
of California on contracts and business matters with emphasis on:
Amador County: Amador City, Jackson, Ione, Pine Grove,
Pioneer, Plymouth, Sutter Creek or Volcano; and
Calaveras County: Angel's Camp, Arnold, Copperopolls, Mokelumne
Hill, Mountain Ranch, Murphys, San Andreas, Tamarack or West Point.
|