HELP FROM PEOPLE OTHER THAN LAWYERS
Q. If I do not use a lawyer, who else can help me?
A. Unless your problem is so serious that only a lawyer can resolve
it, you should first
consider another source of help. If you believe a business has cheated
you, help can be
obtained from a consumer protection agency run by your city, county, state
or federal
government. Many businesses, stores, and utility companies have their
own departments to
help resolve consumer complaints. Some communities have an ombudsman to
mediate and
resolve minor landlord/tenant, consumer or employment issues. Local television
and radio
stations may have programs to resolve consumer-related disputes.
Q. Are there other professionals who can be of assistance?
A. Yes. Do not overlook the obvious. If you have a problem with
insurance, for example,
discuss it with your insurance agent. Bankers, accountants, real estate
agents, and stock
brokers are others who may be able to help with problems in their specific
fields. Of course,
if your dispute is with them they may not be a source of unbiased information.
Even so, it
costs nothing to ask and they may provide free advice that can help you
evaluate whether
your problem needs the attention of a lawyer.
Q. Can counseling solve some problems?
A. Yes. Sometimes problems that seem to be "legal"
may be helped or prevented by other
means. Many groups offer guidance and counseling for personal problems
arising in
marriage, child rearing, and managing finances. Private counselors or
members of the clergy
also may provide such help.
Q. What is a small claims court?
A. Disputes over money are common, but often the amount of money
at issue does not
justify hiring an attorney or using scarce judicial resources. Small claims
court is a
streamlined forum where people can air their dispute and have it decided
promptly and
fairly. Most states have procedures that allow people to represent themselves
in court if the
total amount of their claim is under a certain dollar amount. The cost
is minimal, procedures
are simple, and there is usually little delay. Keep small claims courts
in mind if your
problem is not very complicated and your losses are relatively small--in
the hundreds or low
thousands. The next chapter provides guidance on how to file and pursue
a small claims
lawsuit.
Q. A friend recommended that I try a local dispute resolution
center. What does this
offer?
A. For the right kind of case, these centers can be a quick,
low-cost (or free) alternative to
formal legal proceedings. These will also be discussed in the next section.
|
