Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Illinois
Do I really need a lawyer if I pursue a case in small claima court?
My husband & I were married last June 2002. Our videographer has not given us back our video & baby/dating pictures that was part of the video. He had written us a letter last May 2003 requesting to give him 5 more weeks. We have not heard or received anything from him since then. A lawyer adviced us not hire a lawyer for this matter. Do you think we would need one & why? What is our disadvantage of not hiring one? How much do you think we should expect to pay the lawyer?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Do I really need a lawyer if I pursue a case in small claima court?
It sounds like a small claims matter - it is hard to place a price on sentimental items - that is why you may be best pursuing it alone. An attorney is always better if you can afford it. The cost probably depends on how much this guy wants to fight it.
Re: Do I really need a lawyer if I pursue a case in small claima court?
To get a lawyer or not to get one is a choice based on how important the cause of action is to you. You may choose to change your own oil or take it to a shop and have it done for you. Of course, while you are changing the oil, you may inadvertently pour the oil in the wrong whole and fill the transmission with 10W-40 and then have to pay a lot more to fix your mistake--but that is the chance you take when you do it yourself. On the other hand, many people change their own oil and nothing goes wrong...
You can do it yourself. File a small claims (less than $5000) complaint and see what happens. If the other side brings a lawyer, you should get one too.
I hope this helps,
Nima Taradji
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