There’s a common misconception that lawyers are essentially needed for individuals who break the law and no one else. If you’re a law-abiding citizen, it would lead you to believe that you never need to consult a legal expert in your life.

Contrary to popular belief, none of this is true. Both life and the law can get complex, resulting in your need to protect your rights, seek advice, or plead your case in court. Though within your rights to go it alone, most find that the outcome isn’t the same as if they’d simply relied on a legal expert for assistance.

Below is a look at a few attorneys and reasons you might need their services throughout your lifetime:

DUI or Traffic Attorney

Got caught behind the wheel of a car with a bit too much to drink in your system? If so, you probably got a DUI. Driving while under the influence bares with it a lot of consequences including but not limited to the suspension or loss of your license, fines, and jail time. Other traffic violations can carry the same weight. A traffic or DUI attorney can help to soften the blow and work out a feasible arrangement with the courts to right your wrongs.

Personal Injury Attorney

Have you ever been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault? This could be a slip and fall, car accident, or you were injured on the job. Even with adequate insurance coverage, there is a chance that you won’t get the payout you’re entitled to. A personal injury attorney like Steve Schwartzapfel who knows personal injury law can help in a number of ways. First, they can assist you with filing your initial claim. They can also secure evidence, talk with police, as well as any other attorneys involved in the case on your behalf. If necessary, a personal injury lawyer can work out a settlement offer and help you file a lawsuit against other guilty parties.

Real Estate Attorney

Attorneys are very instrumental when it comes to the real estate industry. They are often required for the home buying and selling process as it involves a lot of laws and detailed contracts with legal jargon that can be difficult to comprehend. They are also recommended if you’re splitting assets with others, investing in rental properties, or going through a difficult time with a foreclosure. They can help you secure the right contracts, understand what you’re signing, negotiate, and file an injunction to try and stop the foreclosure process.

Estate Planning and Wills

Though you don’t want to talk about what happens after you’ve passed away, it is a matter best addressed while you’re alive. Especially if you have children as well as assets that need to be properly divided. An estate attorney can help you to get your affairs in order, including drafting a will, setting up trusts, and in the event that you pass, they can ensure your affairs are handled as you wished.

Divorce Attorney

Divorce is an emotional journey whether the split was amicable or not. There are a lot of factors that need to be considered during a divorce like custody, the division of assets, debts, spousal support, and more. As it can be hard to keep a level head when going through something so difficult, a divorce attorney can help. They can ensure that your rights are protected and help you and your ex-spouse arrive at a better resolution so that you can move forward with minimal drama.

Business Attorney

If you plan to start a business, you’ll need the expertise of a business or corporate attorney to help you do so legitimately. From choosing the proper entity and registering your company name to drafting contracts and remaining in compliance with local and federal business laws your attorney will help you to not only start an effective business but to protect your investment as well.

There is so much in life that happens which may require you to know the law and follow due processes. From buying a home or a new business to traffic tickets and divorces, there are a lot of things that the right legal expert can help you through. Lawyers are more than just experts who “defend the bad guys”, in fact, they’re services are geared towards helping anyone who needs them to know their rights and get through processes with ease.