Question from a reader:
I would like to use the Legal Terrace, but I have about 10 million yen in savings. In this case, can I still be introduced to a lawyer through the Legal Terrace? Also, if I do not use the Legal Terrace system, can I still get a lawyer’s introduction even if I have savings?

Considering the Use of
Legal Terrace and Lawyer Introduction

Recently, inquiries about the Legal Terrace have been increasing. In particular, the question “I have 10 million yen in savings, but can I still use the Legal Terrace?” is an important issue for many people. When faced with legal troubles, the choice of which system to use to find a lawyer is crucial, so it’s important to understand it well.

Understanding the Basics of Legal Terrace

First, let’s organize some basic information about the Legal Terrace. The Legal Terrace (Japan Legal Support Center) is an organization that provides lawyer introductions and legal consultations to people in need of legal support. The key point here is that there are economic criteria established. If a user’s income or assets fall below a certain threshold, they can be introduced to a lawyer for free or at a low cost. For example, in cases related to family court consultations or lawsuits, or criminal cases, using the Legal Terrace can alleviate financial burdens. However, if you have savings, it raises the question of whether you can actually utilize this system.

Case of 10 Million Yen in Savings

In the case of having 10 million yen in savings, as in the questioner’s situation, it is generally considered difficult to use the Legal Terrace. Typically, if the total assets exceed a certain amount, one often becomes ineligible for support from the Legal Terrace. Specifically, if assets exceed 9.6 million yen, it is generally deemed that the economic criteria are not met. However, this is merely a general rule, and decisions can be made on a case-by-case basis. For instance, if there are special circumstances, the Legal Terrace may take those into account. Specifically, if there are heavy expenses such as medical or educational costs, explaining the situation may allow for the possibility of receiving support as an exception.

Introduction to Lawyers Without Using Legal Terrace

Next, regarding the introduction to lawyers without using the Legal Terrace, this is simply possible. Even with savings, you can directly request a lawyer. Of course, legal fees will be out of pocket, but if you have assets, paying those fees shouldn’t be too difficult. There are several ways to get introduced to a lawyer. For example, recommendations from acquaintances or friends, searching online, or directly contacting law firms are all options. When searching for a lawyer for the first time, you might feel a bit anxious about which lawyer will suit your needs.

My Experience and Points for Choosing a Lawyer

To be honest, I have also experienced searching for a lawyer when faced with legal troubles. At first, I was anxious, but thanks to a friend who introduced me to a trustworthy lawyer, I was able to consult smoothly. What I felt was that the compatibility with the lawyer is extremely important. When choosing a lawyer, I would like you to pay attention to the following points: 1. Specialization: Choose a lawyer who specializes in the issues you are facing. For example, if it’s a divorce issue, it’s appropriate to select a lawyer strong in family law. 2. Communication: Whether communication with the lawyer is smooth. I want to choose a lawyer who can explain things clearly during consultations. 3. Fee Structure: It’s also important to have a clear fee system. It’s essential to get an estimate in advance and confirm whether you are satisfied with it. 4. Trust: Ultimately, I believe that a sense of trust, feeling “I want to entrust this person,” is necessary. It takes courage to talk about your troubles to a lawyer you meet for the first time, but to muster that courage, it is essential to have a trustworthy presence.

Final Thoughts

Whether to use the Legal Terrace or to directly hire a lawyer should be judged according to individual circumstances and needs. Just because you have a lot of savings doesn’t mean you need to give up immediately, and there are many other ways to obtain legal assistance. On the other hand, when faced with legal troubles, time is important. By consulting early, you can lead to a quicker resolution. When choosing a lawyer, I recommend making a choice that you are personally satisfied with. Thinking this way, the world of law may start to feel a little closer. Legal issues can happen to anyone, so having knowledge can be helpful when the time comes. In conclusion, I have summarized my thoughts on the Legal Terrace and lawyer introductions. I hope you find some useful information here.