Paid a lawyer $500 just to tell me I didn't need a lawyer

When my ex and I first split, I was sure I needed a lawyer for everything. I booked a one hour meeting with a family law attorney in my town, which cost me $500. She basically said our case was so simple (no kids, no house) that we could file the papers ourselves for under $300. I felt so dumb for not checking that first. Has anyone else had a lawyer give them advice that basically saved them money by telling them to go away? What did you do next?

3 comments

3 Comments

wren2306d ago

At least you got honest advice for your money.

felixlane6d ago

Man, my buddy had the same thing happen with a small business question. Paid a ton for a consult and the guy was like "you don't need me yet, just go file this one form." Totally get what @paul_ramirez means about learning when you actually need one.

paul_ramirez6d ago

Used to think a lawyer was always the first step. That $500 lesson really shifted my view on when you actually need one.