If you find yourself facing any kind of legal conflict, you should talk to a lawyer. While this sounds like a simple principle, in practice it can be difficult for people without legal experience to recognize when they need legal assistance. In this article, we’ll go over a few signs that you should speak to a lawyer about your situation.

1. Someone is Threatening to Sue You – One clear indicator that you should talk to a lawyer is someone threatening to sue you. While not all such threats are serious, it’s still better to be safe than sorry, and we recommend talking to a lawyer about your situation so that you can be prepared for any legal action that might follow.

2. You Want to Know Your Rights – On the flip side, it’s also a good idea to speak to a lawyer any time that you want to know more about your legal rights in a given situation. For example, if you are suffering mistreatment in your workplace, a lawyer can help you clarify your legal rights and even help you sue your employer if you have grounds for a suit. Similarly, if you’ve been the victim of theft or fraud, speaking to a lawyer can help you figure out your options for seeking justice, and it’s a good idea to do so even if nothing comes of that consultation.

3. Before You Sign Anything- We also recommend talking to a lawyer before signing any document or agreement in which you are giving up your rights, or giving or accepting money. While you don’t need to speak to an attorney every time to sign an iTunes agreement, it’s wise to do so before signing important documents or transferring significant sums.