Legal problems are one of the most stressful things in life. You suddenly have a lot of paperwork, court dates, and weird procedures to deal with. It might be a contract that went wrong, a sudden visit from someone serving papers, or even a fight with your neighbor over a fence. You might want to Google your way out, but soon it feels like you’re reading directions for putting Local attorneys a spaceship.

It’s nice to be able to stroll into an office nearby, shake someone’s hand, and sit down with someone who knows your zip code. Local lawyers don’t simply know the law; they also know the area well. They know the judges, the strange things that happen in court, and the best places to get coffee near the legal district. That kind of old-fashioned link is important. Also, it’s nice to engage with someone who might run into you at the grocery store instead of just seeing them on a billboard.

Let’s speak about how we talk to each other. Try talking to a lawyer in a big city who makes you feel like you’re number 42 on their list of clients. You want someone who will answer your phone, text you back, and listen without looking at the clock every five seconds. That’s something that most local lawyers do. You could hear stories of drama in tiny towns, but you’ll never be treated like another file folder that needs to be cleaned.

Knowing the regulations is only half the battle. Local lawyers know that there are real people behind the paperwork. Their knowledge of regional eccentricities helps them turn boring legal text into stories that judges and juries can appreciate. The law isn’t always clear-cut. Sometimes it’s 50 shades of “what the heck happens now?” It’s worth its weight in gold to have someone who can turn that mess into clear steps.

There’s no doubt that cost may be intimidating. Some people think that hiring a lawyer will cost them more money than letting a kid loose in a candy store. In fact, a lot of law offices in your area will let you pay in installments, on a sliding scale, or for free. It’s okay to inquire around or make a few phone calls. You might be astonished at what you can do when you show up and talk honestly.

There’s an ancient saying: Good lawyers know the law. Good lawyers are friends with the judge. Most of the time, local lawyers are the right choice. They help with city codes, fights with neighbors, family issues, estate planning, real estate problems, and yes, occasionally they even defend you when you make a bad choice at the office holiday party.

You can’t buy peace of mind at the corner store, but you might find it at the brick building next to the bakery, where the lawyers work. Come in. Give someone a shake. Talk to someone. Having someone who knows the law and the area well can be the best thing that ever happens to you.