Common Legal Questions, Answered

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee — typically 33% to 40% of the recovery — and charge nothing if you lose.

What is the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim?

Most states allow two to four years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, with shorter deadlines for claims against the government.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?

If anyone was injured or there is significant property damage, talk to a lawyer before accepting any settlement offer.

What are non-economic damages in a personal injury case?

Non-economic damages compensate for losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

How long does a divorce take?

An uncontested divorce can be final in 60 to 90 days; a contested divorce often takes 9 to 18 months or longer.

How is child support calculated?

Each state uses a guideline formula based primarily on the parents' incomes and the parenting-time arrangement.

What is the difference between legal and physical custody?

Legal custody is decision-making authority; physical custody is where the child lives.

What happens at an arraignment?

An arraignment is the first court appearance, where you are formally charged, told your rights, and enter a plea.

Should I take a plea deal?

Whether a plea deal is the right choice depends on the strength of the evidence, the offered terms, and the consequences of conviction. Talk to a criminal defense attorney before deciding.

What counts as workplace discrimination?

Discrimination is when an employer treats you unfavorably because of a protected characteristic — such as race, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin.

Am I entitled to overtime pay?

Most hourly workers and many salaried workers must be paid 1.5x their regular rate for hours over 40 in a week.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 typically costs $1,000 to $2,500 in attorney's fees plus a $338 court fee; Chapter 13 attorney's fees range from $3,000 to $5,500.

What debts cannot be discharged in bankruptcy?

Most student loans, recent income taxes, child support, alimony, criminal fines, and debts obtained by fraud survive bankruptcy.

How long does probate take?

Most probate cases take six months to a year; contested estates can take several years.

What is a power of attorney and do I need one?

A power of attorney lets a trusted person act on your behalf for financial or medical decisions, especially if you become unable to act for yourself.

Do I need a lawyer to buy a house?

Many states require an attorney at closing; even where optional, an attorney protects you from costly contract and title issues.

What is Form I-130 and how does it work?

Form I-130 is the Petition for Alien Relative — the first step in sponsoring a foreign-national family member for a green card.

How do I find a good lawyer near me?

Use a vetted matching service like National Legal Connect, check state bar membership, and meet at least two attorneys before deciding.

What is mediation and how does it work?

Mediation is a confidential settlement negotiation guided by a neutral third party. It resolves most family and civil cases without trial.

What is a contingency fee?

A contingency fee is a legal fee paid as a percentage of the money recovered, with nothing owed if the case loses.