The CanLaw Guide to Canadian Law for the layperson is written in plain English for people just like you.

Knowing a little about the law will empower you in dealing with lawyers and courts, crowns and police.

CanLaw's Guide to Canadian Law for the layperson cover the basic information people need when they are involved in a legal problem.

There are many reasons to go to a lawyer, for example, if you've been arrested,

but what about other

not so clear-cut times?

Face the music and consult a lawyer so you know what you are facing. You should consult experienced lawyers for important matters such as:

• Prenup agreements. Do not marry without one.
• Criminal matters, DUI, drug charges,
• Wrongful Termination or Discrimination in the Workplace
• Denial of Workmen’s Comp or Disability Claim
• Real estate sale or purchases,
• A car accident with injury
• Tax and estate planning,
• Bankruptcy
• Drafting your will and trusts,
• Starting any business, negotiating business deals
• Divorce, support, custody and family law matters. Even if adopting children.

WHEN SHOULD YOU

CONSULT A LAWYER?

In many situations, especially in personal injury matters, you must act promptly.

But even if you think you have lots of time to consider your alternatives, deadlines such as sneak up on you and lawyers need time to prepare. So it's always better to start looking for a lawyer sooner than later.

If you've been injured in an accident, keep in mind that there are time limits on your right to file a lawsuit. These "statutes of limitation" vary greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. If you are injured falling on the sidewalk, you need to sue the city and they often demand notice within days of your accident.

FOR PEACE OF MIND CONSULT A LAWYER. MOST OFFER FREE CONSULTATIONS.

Need a cheap divorce?  Injured? Unjust Dismissal?

You need a lawyer.

Sometimes the need for a lawyer is obvious. For example, you've been served with a lawsuit. If you have been  arrested or charged with a crime, even if the police just claim they want you to come in for a "talk."

You need a lawyer. You know that.

Obviously people hire lawyers for legal advice and legal counsel or to prepare legal documents all of the time, in all kinds of situations.

While you may be able to get through a legal problem without hiring a lawyer, you should always remember that when you represent yourself, you might have a "fool for a client," as the saying goes.

However, given the cost of lawyers today, you may not have a choice, but consider the options? Hiring a lawyer is not an easy decision in most cases.

IT NEVER HURTS TO TALK TO A LAWYER.

It is prudent and it may be the best thing you can do if you are facing a legal problem that you can't resolve yourself. You can often arrange a free half hour consultation with a lawyer who will talk to you on the matter.

YOU MUST CONSIDER THE COST OF LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THE TIME AND EXPENSE OF LITIGATION.

When to Avoid the Legal System

In many cases, you are probably better off to try and settle the matter outside of court, or even forget about the problem and move on.

Suing is expensive and can take years.

If you are angry and it is “a matter of principle” you should not act until you calm down.

If you are dealing with something like these you should not sue: if someone demeans you (slander and libel), causing you “emotional distress,” or you have a minor dispute with the bitch neighbour next door.

You must be able to prove actual monetary damages to get anywhere in court.

Civil suits can drag on for years. By the time it gets to trial,  most settle on the court house steps, largely because both sides are fed up and want the matter to just go away

In other cases, what you want  may not be black and white. If you feel you were unfairly or unlawfully fired , you might just want to get your job back or you may want to be sure you get fair severance pay and good references. Know that if you sue your former employer it can drag on for years and other companies will be reluctant to hire you.

If you suffered an injury from a defective product, you might wish to recover money damages.

What if you need to seek an injunction against someone to stop them from doing something which cannot be undone.

Think about what you want, how much time and money the problem is worth to you before you hire a lawyer. Find a lawyer if the problem is really worth suing over. You must be realistic about your chances of winning and what your case is worth. Your lawyer will help you to decide.

What Do You Really Want?

The $64 question....

If you are a defendant in a civil suit or have been charged with a crime there is no question of what you  want.  In these cases, you want to keep your money out of your adversary's pocket or avoid criminal trials, or convictions if possible and at the least minimize the damage or risk you face. Those are easy questions.

Other matters have you need to consider the cost versus the benefits. If you proceed with some litigation will you end up ahead if you win or will the costs and time and efforts outweigh any win?

Consider the costs and consequences if you lose.

IF YOU AREN'T SURE WHAT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS ARE,

it might be worth your time and expense to retain a lawyer to evaluate your situation and advise you on alternative courses of action. Even if you end up having to pay a few hundred dollars for to consult with an attorney, it could be a very wise investment that ultimately saves you time and money

BEFORE YOU HIRE A LAWYER

Look at alternative sources to resolve your legal issues. For example:

A phone call to the other side, may sort things out if you have a customer or product dispute.

Call and see if there is a customer service department which may be all your need to effectively address and resolve your problems and complaints. Keep good notes just in case.

Look for appropriate community groups such as elder associations, civil rights groups. There are often organizations that can help you with advice and information. Again keep notes of all contacts, just in case

• When you need to find a lawyer or law office or paralegal do a reference check, ask CanLaw about lawyer reviews and make sure a lawyer has a good reputation, no discipline history with any law society such as the LSO, and are in good standing.

• Rate lawyer?  Ask a lawyer "near me" if they offer pro bono service, accept legal aid or provide legal advice in a free consultation before you retain or hire any lawyer.

• But be reasonable. Lawyers have to pay their bills and deserve to be fairly paid for their work.

• For fast results use this CanLaw free lawyer referral service. Lawyers will contact you and you can pick and choose the best for your situation.

HOW DO I PAY MY LAWYER?

Most Lawyers Offer

Free Half Hour Consultations.

• Lawyer's fees are often negotiable.
• Some accept pro bono cases.
• Most accept payment plans you can afford.
• Flat fees or Hourly fees
• Some offer contingency basis
• Some offer no win, no pay
• Some offer unbundled services
• Need Legal Aid Services?
• Need Legal Advice?
• Need to talk to a good lawyer?
• Request a referral here.
• Lawyers will respond to you within a few hours.

Nothing Is More Expensive

Than A Cheap Lawyer

You Know You Need the Right Lawyer's Help.

 WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT A LAWYER?

CanLaw will help you to find a lawyer near you that you can afford to hire for your legal case.

CHOOSE A LAWYER BY THE TYPE OF LAW

CHOOSE A LAWYER IN YOUR TOWN