Lawyers are often associated with litigation of cases pertaining to law disputes, or representation when one is involved in a court case.
However, a deeper scan of the contemporary world shows that we need the services of a lawyer in more aspects of life than we probably do not know.
Kenyans.co.ke defines some of the instances where the services of a legal professional would come in handy in your life.
When Buying or Selling Land
Disputes surrounding ownership and change of possession of land are not a new occurrence in the country.
In a country where the value of land as an asset is ever-changing, there is always a possibility for disputes to arise hence necessitating utter precaution in the process of acquiring or selling.
The legal process of buying or selling land in Kenya culminates with the signing of a sales agreement, which is done by the seller's advocate
The buyer’s advocate should be present during the signing of the sale agreement.
Signing a Contract
Signing a contract is also an important process that necessitates precision in following the laid down procedures.
According to the Law of Contract Act, one can dispute a contract only if it was written, agreed to by all parties, and attested by a witness.
The witness, in most cases, is a lawyer.
“The signature of each party signing has been attested by a witness who is present when the contract was signed by such party," reads an excerpt of the law.
When Starting a Company
The process of registering a business may require you to hire the services of a lawyer.
As opposed to the process of registering a sole proprietorship, registering a company will require a certificate of incorporation- which is processed with the help of a legal professional.
Other activities like securing a tax pin and company seal also require the input of a lawyer.
Child Custody/ Changing Family Name
To change a name, one is required to swear an affidavit to submit to the office of the registrar for consideration.
In child protection, lawyers come in handy when preparing parental responsibility, custody, access, and maintenance agreements.
Making/Changing a Will
When writing a will, it is prudent for you to seek the guidance of an advocate in the process. Lawyers will help to reduce risks that would jeopardize the execution hence necessitating including a lawyer as a witness.
According to Bob Mkangi, a constitutional lawyer, it is prudent to seek the counsel of a lawyer when undertaking matters of immense value.
Whilst clarifying that it is not always mandatory for one to involve a lawyer in these processes, the lawyer warns that matters, especially commercial ones, are becoming global and complex in the contemporary world hence necessitating the services of a lawyer.
Further, Mkangi reiterated that involving a lawyer in matters such as preparing parental responsibility, custody, access, and maintenance agreements would help to prevent protracted court cases.
" The popular catchphrase "Wakili, a quick one" is testimony to how needful legal advice, guidance, and counsel are important in society," he told Kenyans.co.ke.
