Unless you’re a lawyer or have had previous legal experience, it’s highly unlikely that you would know when it’s time to have legal representation. And with the many types of lawyers available in the United States, you also would have a difficult time sorting out which kind you need.

Going through a legal proceeding is already stressful enough, and the last thing you need is the hassle of determining the appropriate attorney for your legal needs. To help the vetting process go a lot smoother, here’s a brief guide to the most common kinds of lawyers in the US right now:

1) Bankruptcy Lawyers

We’re sure you’ve heard of this situation before: a person gets buried with a mountain of debt and no longer knows how to dig himself or herself out. When faced with a scenario like this, you should immediately seek the help of a bankruptcy lawyer.

There are two kinds of bankruptcy lawyers: a commercial bankruptcy lawyer and a consumer bankruptcy lawyer. The former can help a business or the people running it, file for bankruptcy to relieve them of debt and gain precious time to get back on their feet. The latter meanwhile, can help you file for bankruptcy.

2) Car Accident Lawyers

A minor fender bender can become a big headache if you don’t have help from a car accident lawyer. Insurance companies have a track record of fighting claims to avoid having to payout. A car accident lawyer can help you prove that the accident wasn’t your fault so that you can get monetary compensation for damages to your vehicle. Also, a car accident lawyer can help ensure that you receive just compensation for any pain and suffering that you’ve experienced from the vehicular accident.

3) Child Support Lawyers

Child support is a prickly issue, and two exes rarely see eye-to-eye when it comes to negotiating its details. Having a child support lawyer can help smoothen out this process. A child support lawyer is one that specializes in Family Law and can help facilitate child support cases, to ensure that your child receives appropriate and timely financial support. On the other side of the fence, a child support lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to make sure that you aren’t overpaying.

4) Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you’re accused of committing a criminal offense, you must have a criminal defense lawyer to help get you out of this bind. This type of lawyer can defend you from criminal accusations and prove your innocence in a court of law, thus keeping you from serving any jail time or paying compensatory fees. And if ever you are guilty of the crime you’re being charged for, having a criminal defense lawyer will come in handy as they can also plea bargain with the prosecutor to reduce your jail time to the lowest time possible.

If the authorities are questioning you, having a lawyer around is a must, as they can help make sure proper protocols are observed or keep you from incriminating yourself.

5) Divorce Lawyers

With the US’ high divorce rates, having a divorce lawyer to negotiate the terms on your behalf can save you from all the stress. Divorces are messy, and a divorce lawyer can represent your interests when it comes dividing conjugal properties. If you deserve alimony, a divorce lawyer can also make sure that you receive it.

These are just a few of the many kinds of lawyers that are available to help you out. If you’re still not sure about the type of lawyer you need, do not hesitate to consult with one.