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Judge for Yourself: Going through a divorce? Launching a business? Hurt in a car accident? Writing a will? Facing a lawsuit? In any of these situations, you may consider hiring a lawyer to advise you or represent your interests. We offer the contact information to help you be smart when you choose — and use — legal representation.

Do Your Research: Try to talk with more than one lawyer before you choose the one to represent you. But find out if you will be charged for an initial meeting. Be prepared to describe your problem in a brief, clear summary. Ask the various lawyers about their experience, their fees, what your options might be, your chances of success, who will do the work, and when the problem might be resolved.

Fees and Costs: Before any work begins, ask what the cost will be for the lawyer's services and whether you will be responsible for other fees and charges. State ethics rules require lawyers to charge a reasonable fee. The American Bar Association advises that lawyers explain their fees, preferably in writing, within a reasonable time after beginning to represent you. And some state bars require that lawyers put their fees in writing before they take a case. Your lawyer may charge you extra for copying documents, courier services, court filing fees, or research services. Be sure you understand what you will be charged for and how much.

Keep Good Records: Chances are your lawyer will ask you for documents that relate to your case. Keep copies if you give your lawyer the originals. Ask for copies of all other important documents. When you get a bill from your lawyer, review it carefully and ask about any charges that are unclear to you.

Class Actions: In a class action, a court decides that a group of people — a class — may have been harmed in a similar way. You may receive notices asking whether you want to be part of the lawsuit. Read the notice carefully. If you take no action, you typically become a member of the class by default. If that’s the case, you are bound by the outcome of the class action lawsuit; you can’t bring your own case; and you won’t have direct control of the lawsuit. But you could raise some objections about any settlement or the amount of the attorney’s fees. Should you choose not to become a member of the class, you preserve the right to bring your own case and control it directly. But you’ll have to hire — and pay for — your own lawyer and you won’t share in any benefits that may be won in the class action.

Know The Real Deal: Once you decide to hire a lawyer, be sure you understand what you've both agreed to. How often will the lawyer update you? What information will you be required to provide? Do you understand all your options? What will the total cost be? If you're not clear on exactly what the lawyer is doing, ask for clarification. Although your chances of success can't be guaranteed, discuss approaches to your case. You should be comfortable with your lawyer's approach to your case. Be up front with your lawyer on all the facts and circumstances surrounding your situation. You may want to get the agreement with your lawyer in writing.

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