Legal Life Skills

How do I know I have a legal issue?

Legal skills

Last Reviewed:

June, 2025

Reviewed By:

JES Legal Specialist

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A legal issue is a question or problem that is answered or resolved by the law. Legal issues are simpler, cheaper and less stressful when dealt with early.

5 questions to figure out if I have a legal issue

  1. Do I know of any rights, responsibilities or obligations that are impacted?
  2. Am I dealing with someone who has way more (or less) power than I do?
  3. Was something broken, hurt or lost?
  4. Were other people impacted?
  5. Did I sign anything?

When in doubt, get HELP!

If you aren’t sure but you feel like something is wrong, you should get more information or seek legal help. There are lots of free or low cost legal help services beyond hiring a lawyer. See Getting Help for more resources.