Life is full of milestones and challenges. Some you can navigate yourself, while others are best handled with professional help. Just as you’d call an electrician for faulty wiring, there are times when you need a lawyer to protect your rights, save you stress and ultimately save you money.

But how do you know when to hire a lawyer, and what should you ask to make sure they’re the right fit?

This article will explore everyday situations where legal advice is crucial, with practical examples to help you understand better. We’ll also cover the key questions to ask before committing, so you can feel confident about your choice.

Why hiring a lawyer matters

Many people delay seeking legal help because they think it’s too expensive or assume they can manage alone. Unfortunately, going down the DIY path often leads to costly mistakes. Lawyers don’t just provide legal jargon, they:

• Protect your rights and assets
• Prevent minor issues from escalating into major disputes
• Draft and review documents to avoid loopholes
• Represent you in negotiations or court proceedings
• Provide peace of mind in stressful life events

Think of a lawyer as an investment in security, much like insurance.

Everyday scenarios where you may need a lawyer

Here are common situations where hiring a lawyer is not just advisable but often essential in Australia.

1. Buying or selling property

Property transactions involve huge sums of money and legally binding contracts. While conveyancers can handle straightforward matters, there are times when you’ll need a lawyer, including:

• Complicated sales involving disputes over titles
• Buying property off the plan
• Commercial property transactions
• Inheriting property through an estate

Example: Emma buys a unit in Sydney. The contract includes strict conditions around renovations. Her lawyer reviews the contract and flags clauses that would have left Emma unable to make simple upgrades. By negotiating before signing, she avoids long-term headaches.

2. Family law issues

Family matters can get emotional and complex. Legal advice is essential to ensure fair outcomes, particularly in:

• Divorce and separation
• Child custody and parenting arrangements
• Property settlements
• Domestic violence orders

Example: Liam and Sarah separate after 12 years together. Instead of battling through heated arguments, Liam hires a family lawyer who helps negotiate a parenting plan. This protects Liam’s rights and reduces emotional stress on the children.

3. Wills and estate planning

Writing a will is one of the most important things you can do, yet many people put it off. Lawyers ensure your wishes are legally binding and reduce the risk of disputes after your death.

Situations where a lawyer is crucial include:

• Blended families or multiple beneficiaries
• Complex assets (trusts, businesses, overseas property)
• Updating wills after marriage, divorce or children

Example: Margaret drafts her own will using a template. After her death, two of her children contested the wording, costing the family thousands in legal fees. A lawyer-prepared will could have prevented the dispute entirely.

4. Employment disputes

Australian employment law protects workers, but it can be confusing. Lawyers can help with:

• Unfair dismissal claims
• Workplace bullying or harassment cases
• Reviewing employment contracts
• Negotiating redundancy packages

Example: Priya feels pressured into signing a new employment contract with lower benefits. She consults a lawyer, who identifies unlawful terms. Armed with advice, Priya negotiates fairer conditions and protects her entitlements.

5. Business and contracts

If you run a business or are self-employed, legal issues are unavoidable. Lawyers help with:

• Drafting and reviewing contracts
• Partnership agreements
• Intellectual property protection
• Dispute resolution with suppliers or clients

Example: A Melbourne café owner signs a supplier contract without legal review. When the supplier fails to deliver, the contract favours the supplier and leaves the café owner without recourse. A lawyer would have flagged this imbalance before signing.

6. Criminal charges or fines

If you’re charged with a criminal offence, whether minor or serious, legal representation is vital. Even traffic offences or fines can escalate without proper advice. Lawyers can negotiate penalties, represent you in court and protect your record.

7. Personal injury or compensation claims

If you’re injured at work, in a public place or on the road, a lawyer ensures you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Without professional advice, insurers may undervalue or deny your claim.

When DIY might be okay vs when you really shouldn’t

There are a few straightforward situations where a DIY approach might be reasonable, such as:

• Very small disputes that fit into local small-claims processes.
• Simple name changes or basic form-based applications.
• Minor issues where there’s clear guidance and low financial or legal risk.

However, it’s usually not a good idea to do it alone when:

• Large sums of money, property, or business interests are involved.
• You’re facing criminal charges or anything that could affect your record, licence, or visa status.
• You’re dealing with contested family law issues, like disputes over children or complex property splits.
• There are strict court deadlines or formal evidence rules you’re expected to follow.

In many of these cases, people who try a DIY approach end up needing a lawyer later to fix missed deadlines, poorly drafted documents, or unfavourable agreements. This can sometimes be at a higher overall cost than getting advice early.

What to ask when hiring a lawyer

Knowing when to hire a lawyer is only half the battle. Once you decide, you need to choose the right one. Here are key questions to ask:

1. What’s your experience with cases like mine?

Law is vast. A family lawyer may not be suitable for commercial disputes. Always check their expertise in your area of need. This helps ensure you’re not paying to educate your lawyer on your issue.

2. How do you charge?

Some charge hourly, others fixed fees. Ask for estimates upfront and what’s included to avoid surprise costs.

3. What’s your approach to resolving issues?

Do they favour negotiation and settlement or are they more litigation-focused? Choose someone whose style matches your comfort level.

4. How will you communicate with me?

Clear communication is essential. Ask how often you’ll receive updates and whether they prefer email, phone or in-person meetings.

5. What outcome can I realistically expect?

A good lawyer won’t make promises they can’t keep. Look for honest, practical advice about likely outcomes.

Red flags that you need legal help now

Seek professional legal advice as soon as possible if:

• You’ve been served with legal documents (e.g. a claim, summons, or application).
• Someone threatens legal action in writing.
• You’re asked to sign something you don’t fully understand but that clearly has long-term consequences (e.g. guarantees, releases, complex settlement deeds).

Early advice lets you negotiate from a stronger position instead of reacting after problems have escalated.

Final thoughts

Knowing when to hire a lawyer can protect you from costly mistakes, safeguard your rights and give you peace of mind. From buying property to family disputes and business contracts, legal advice is often an investment rather than an expense.

The key is to act early. The sooner you engage a lawyer, the more options you’ll have for resolving issues efficiently. And when you’re ready, Bark makes it simple to find trusted lawyers across Australia who can guide you through life’s legal and financial hurdles.