The intricacies of law can be hard to grasp.
It takes three years of full-time study, in addition to a bachelor's degree, to earn a Juris Doctor degree. On top of that, attorneys must then pass the bar examination in whatever state they choose to practice. It takes a lot of time, effort and money to become a lawyer, and lawyers usually charge an hourly rate commensurate with that effort. If you've got a simple question regarding the law, there are less expensive ways of getting an answer. (Reference 1)
Instructions
1. Go online, but don't take everything you read at face value. A slew of websites offer legal advice with no real legitimacy or value. Do a search for the court system in your state instead. Many offer self-help websites that answer basic legal questions. If your state doesn't, then look for a website authored by an actual attorney or law firm that practices in your locality. Laws vary from state to state, so if you live in Ohio and the website you find is for an attorney in California, any advice offered might not hold true for you. (Reference 2)
2. Visit your local courthouse. Members of the staff there can't give you legal advice; a court employee can lose their job for doing so. But they can point you in the right direction so you can find the answers you need. Many courthouses have law libraries, and a court clerk can point you in the right direction to find the books or publications you need to research in order to get your questions answered. (Reference 4)
3. Call a law school, if you have one within a reasonable distance. Ask if its library is open to the public, as some are. The librarian might also be able to give you guidance as to what book or publication you should consult for your particular problem. (Reference 4)
4. Call legal services in your area. State and county governments usually offer free or minimally-priced legal aid to those whose incomes qualify. If you meet the income requirements, you can confer with a legal aid attorney who can explain your options to you. In some cases, legal aid might even agree to represent you for free or for a nominal fee. (Reference 2)
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