"When do you need a lawyer?
"A lawyer can help you after you get into trouble, but the best time to consult one is before, not after, you have a legal problem. Never think of a lawyer as a “last resort.”

"Preventive law is often the most valuable service a lawyer can perform for you and those who depend on you. Here is a check list of events in which you should consider consulting your lawyer before you act:

• "Buying or selling a home or other real estate;
• "Buying, selling or leasing other property;
• "Signing written contracts with major financial provisions or consequences;
• "Having tax problems;
• "Signing a will or having estate problems;
• "Going into business;
• "Organizing business associations, such as corporations or partnerships;
• "Having an accident involving damage to persons or property;
• "Dissolution of marriage, child custody problems, adoptions or other domestic matters;
• "Filing bankruptcy; and
• "Any matter concerning substantial change in your economic status."

Information provided by: Oregon State Bar, OSB website, http://www.osbar.org/public/legalinfo/1173_Lawyers.htm.