When Do You Need A Lawyer?

from the Boone County Bar Association

It is advisable to consult with a lawyer when...

	Buying or selling real estate
	Planning your estate
	Starting a business
	Getting a divorce
	Being accused of a crime
	You have been injured
	Or for a variety of other reasons

If you have suffered personal injury, you should consult with a lawyer as soon as possible since notice of claims need to be made within time limits which have been set by State Law.

If you are buying or selling real estate, or entering into some type of contract, you should consult with a lawyer before you sign the documents, not afterwards.

If your problem involves a relatively small amount of money, a lawyer may refer you to the Small Claims Court here in Boone County so you may resolve the dispute yourself, but it is a good idea to consult with a lawyer even under these circumstances.

How Much Will A Lawyer Cost? 

Lawyers generally charge on an hourly basis for work performed or on a contingency fee basis. Within Boone County, hourly rates may vary from as low as $100.00 per hour to a high of $200.00 per hour.

Most personal injury cases are accepted by a lawyer on a contingency fee basis which means the attorney gets a percentage of the total recovery.  Most contingency fees range from one-fourth to one-half.  If there is no recovery, the lawyer does not charge a fee. However, the client is often obligated to pay certain costs including a filing fee of $100.00, the cost of obtaining medical records and police reports, depositions, etc.  Most lawyers do not charge a consultation fee and you may obtain information about the amount of that fee by calling his office.  Most lawyers are reluctant to give legal advice over the telephone unless you are an established client.

Why Hire A Boone County Lawyer?

The lawyers who have offices in Boone County are not only knowledgeable and ready to serve your needs, but they are also your neighbors, your fellow church members, local volunteers, and civic leaders.  Local lawyers are not only especially aware of local needs and issues, but they have a day-to-day working knowledge of the courts, their staff, and neighbors who would most likely serve on juries.

Boone County is fortunate to have attorneys who are highly qualified with a broad range of experience in trial work, counseling businesses, planning and settling estates, and family practice.

It is important for you to have a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable and confident. Generally, referral by word of mouth from friends, family and co-workers is a reliable way to select an attorney.  Although some attorneys, especially those in large communities, have elected to advertise, many lawyers in counties such as Boone prefer to rely upon their reputation in establishing client relationships.